exploring

the

sci-
genre

Year 11 English
think pair share

Have you read or viewed many science

fiction texts?

What features or characteristics come to

mind when you think of the sci-fi genre?
 Learning Objective
To understand the conventions of the science fiction genre
(including narrative elements, themes, language and structural
features) so that we can recognise and analyse them in both
written and visual texts.
contents
1 What is science fiction?

2 A brief history

3 Purpose

4 Narrative Elements

5 Common Themes

6 Language and
Structure
what is sci-
fi?
Science fiction is a genre of
speculative fiction that:
• explores imaginative concepts
or ideas
• is often grounded in scientific
or technological principles, and
• is set in futuristic or
alternative worlds

Science fiction texts allow writers

to explore themes such as the
impact of science and technology
on society, the nature of humanity
and the possibilities and
consequences of scientific
 Emergence of Genre New Wave and Beyond

histor
(Early 19th Century) (1960s and 1970s)
• Sci-fi arose as a distinct literary • Experimental and literary

y
genre. elements challenged traditional
• Mary Shelley's ‘Frankenstein’ is conventions and explored new
considered one of the earliest themes and styles.
science fiction novels. • Authors pushed generic
• Texts explored themes of boundaries introducing
creation, speculative dystopian futures, cyberpunk
technologies and the landscapes and philosophical
consequences of scientific inquiries into the nature of
ambition. reality and identity.

Early The Golden Age Contemporary

Influences (Early 20th century) Works
• Ancient myths and legends • The emergence of pulp • Sci-fi texts have continued to
incorporated fantastical magazines provided a platform evolve and diversify, with
elements and speculative ideas for sci-fi writers to reach a wider authors exploring a wide range
about the universe. audience. of themes and perspectives.
• During the Renaissance and • Authors produced seminal works • Contemporary masterpieces have
Enlightenment periods, there that shaped the genre and garnered critical acclaim and
was a growing interest in expanded its scope. expanded the boundaries of the
scientific inquiry and exploration. • Texts explored themes of galactic genre, addressing issues of
empires, artificial intelligence, climate change, social justice,
space exploration and and the human condition.
Purpos
The purpose of science fiction texts is multifaceted
but some common reasons for their creation are as
follows:

e
Exploration of
Speculative Ideas
Reflection on
Societal Issues
Entertainment
and Escapism
Authors can imagine and Authors can use futuristic Sci-fi texts transport
speculate on ideas about or alternative worlds as readers to distant
the future of humanity allegories galaxies, alternate
including things like to address complex social, dimensions, and future
potential advancements, political, ethical, and worlds filled with
scenarios and environmental issues, adventure, mystery, and
consequences based on offering commentary and wonder, offering an
current scientific critique on present-day opportunity to explore the
knowledge and trends. realities. unknown and the
 narrative
i n t h e s c i - fi
elements
 characters

scientists and explorers Moral & Ethical aliens and ai

Dilemmas
Science fiction often includes Protagonists often grapple Science fiction texts
characters who are scientists, with difficult choices and frequently feature non-human
engineers, astronauts, or wrestle with the characters, such as aliens,
explorers, driving the consequences of their robots, or artificial
narrative through their actions. These characters are intelligence, providing
pursuit of knowledge, complex and multifaceted, opportunities for exploring
discovery, and exploration with strengths, weaknesses, ideas about otherness,
and pushing the boundaries flaws and internal conflicts diversity, and the nature of
 outer space dystopian futures virtual or digital realities
Many science fiction Dystopian worlds are a The lines between the
stories use space or the prominent setting, physical and digital
universe as a primary offering a backdrop to realms are often blurred
setting, exploring explore themes of through virtual realities,
distant planets, galaxies power, control, artificial worlds and
and alien civilizations. oppression, and societal immersive simulations.
collapse.

settings
 post-apocalyptic lands futuristic worlds alternate realities
Sci-fi stories can be set Science fiction often They often feature
in post-disaster takes place in future alternate or parallel
landscapes, where settings, featuring universes, divergent
civilization has advanced technology, timelines, or virtual
collapsed, and society space travel, and worlds created by
lives in harsh conditions. speculative societies. advanced technology.

settings
 conflicts

person vs. technology person vs. person vs. government

extraterrestrial
Sci-fi frequently explores the Interstellar conflict between Often characters fight to
conflict between humanity and different species, overcome oppressive
artificial intelligence, robots or civilizations, or factions is a systems in dystopian
other forms of technology, common trope in sci-fi often settings run by tyrannical
raising questions about the reflecting themes of war, leaders who maintain social
boundaries between man and diplomacy, and the clash of inequality, environmental
machine. cultures in the vastness of degradation, or other forms
space. of societal collapse.
point of view
The choice of perspective and point of
view in science fiction texts can
influence the reader's understanding of
the narrative and its characters.
first person narration

Provides readers with intimate insights

into the protagonist's thoughts, feelings,
and experiences, fostering empathy and
emotional engagement.
third person narration

Provides a broader perspective on the

story, revealing multiple characters'
motivations or actions while maintaining
distance and objectivity.
 activity
Can you recognise any of these narrative
elements in the science fiction text you just read
or viewed?

Working with a partner, create a quick

brainstorm of the characters, settings, conflicts
and point of view or perspective represented in
the text.

Make notes about how each of these examples

reflect conventions of the science fiction genre.
common themes
i n t h e s c i - fi
 advanced technology
Science fiction often examines the impact of
advanced technology on society, exploring
themes such as artificial intelligence,
genetic engineering, space exploration, and
futuristic inventions. These texts raise
questions about the ethical, social, and
environmental implications of technological
advancements.

environmental concerns
Some science fiction texts address
environmental and ecological issues,
envisioning worlds ravaged by climate
change, pollution, or resource depletion.
These stories serve as cautionary tales,
warning of the potential consequences of
human impact on the natural world and the
importance of environmental stewardship.
identity & existence
Science fiction texts often grapple with
questions of identity, empathy,
consciousness, the search for meaning and
the nature of existence. Themes of
transhumanism, cyborgs, and virtual reality
explore the boundaries of human experience
and the blurring of distinctions between
organic and artificial life forms.

exploration of the unknown

Science fiction often highlight themes of
exploration, discovery and colonisation
whether through space travel, deep-sea
exploration, or uncharted territories. These
narratives reflect humanity's curiosity about
the universe, our quest for knowledge and
desire to expand beyond Earth.
 future societies
Many sci-fi stories envision alternate futures,
exploring themes of governance, social
order, and cultural norms. These texts often
critique contemporary society by imagining
exaggerated or speculative futures, offering
commentary on issues such as inequality,
surveillance, and the erosion of individual
freedoms.

extraterrestrial encounters
Science fiction frequently explores the
possibility of extraterrestrial life and
encounters with alien civilizations. These
stories delve into themes of exploration,
communication, and cultural exchange, as
well as the fear of the unknown and the
search for meaning in the universe.
 activity
Can you recognise any of these themes in the
studied text?

Working with a partner, identify two themes

explored in the science fiction text you are
reading or viewing.

State each of these themes as a specific idea (a

comment that the text makes about this theme).
Start your sentences with the phrase ‘The text
explores the idea that...’

Then, select two passages or scenes from the

language & structural
i n t h e s c i - fi
features
• Descriptive language and vivid imagery to
bring settings, characters and events to life.

• Foreshadowing and symbolism are used to hint

at future events, convey thematic motifs, and add
depth to the narrative.

• Specialised terminology, scientific jargon, and

invented languages can create authenticity and
believability within speculative worlds.

• World-building details such as cultural customs,

historical events and societal norms to create a
sense of verisimilitude within the speculative
universe.
• Figurative language evokes associations that

language
enhance the reader's understanding of abstract
concepts and themes.

and style
• Dialogue is used to develop character
personalities, relationships, and conflicts.
 • The structure often reflects the science fiction
themes and ideas, with plotlines that unfold across
multiple timelines, dimensions or points of
view.
• Authors may use exposition, flashback, or
internal monologue to provide background
information, reveal character motivations, and
explore thematic concerns.
• Nonlinear narratives and fragmented
storytelling techniques can allow readers to see
the story from different angles and perspectives.

• Authors may employ fast-paced action

sequences, suspenseful cliffhangers, and
dramatic plot twists to maintain tension and
momentum throughout the story.

structural • The pacing of sci-fi texts can vary depending on

the narrative focus, with moments of

features
introspection and reflection interspersed with
scenes of high-stakes conflict and adventure.
activity
Does your studied text have any
distinctive stylistic characteristics when
it comes to language and/or structure?

Working with a partner, select two types of

language features and two structural
features utilized in the studied text.

Record explicit examples of their use and

analyse in terms of their purpose in
positioning audience response and
communicating key ideas.
social commentary
i n t h e s c i - fi
Most sci-fi texts blend imaginative
storytelling with incisive social critique,
offering a unique lens through which to
examine the complex and often
contentious issues of our time.

In this way, the sci-fi genre has long been a

powerful vehicle for exploring
contemporary social, political, and cultural
issues, offering commentary on topics such
as power, inequality, environmentalism,
and the consequences of war.

By projecting current trends, behaviours,

and ideologies into imagined futures or
alternate realities, science fiction can
highlight the potential consequences of our
actions and encourage critical reflection.
One of the ways science fiction
accomplishes this is by creating
worlds that exaggerate or mirror
present-day issues, making them
more visible and easier to critique.

Does the studied text do this?

Can you think of any other
examples?

By setting these stories in worlds

that are simultaneously familiar
and foreign, authors can push
readers to question the status quo
and consider alternative possibilities
for the future.
Moreover, science fiction frequently
explores the ethical questions of
scientific and technological
advancements, prompting readers to
reflect on the moral implications of
progress and the responsibilities that
come with creation and innovation.

These narratives often serve as

cautionary tales, warning of the potential
dangers that unchecked technological
growth can pose to humanity.

In doing so, science fiction not only

entertains but also educates and
provokes thoughtful discussion about the
direction in which society is heading and
the values that should guide it.
 Science fiction has long been a
significant cultural force, offering a
unique lens through which to explore
the complexities of human existence,
societal structures, and the potential
futures of our world.

The impact of science fiction extends

profoundly into film and television,
digital media, video games and online
platforms where visual storytelling
brings speculative worlds to life in
ways that captivate and challenge
audiences.
to wrap up The genre's adaptability across these
various media underscores its
enduring relevance and its powerful
the

en