What is the definition of a literary

text?
A:
QUICK ANSWER
A literary text is a piece of written material, such as a book or poem, that has the
purpose of telling a story or entertaining, as in a fictional novel. Its primary function as a
text is usually aesthetic, but it may also contain political messages or beliefs.
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FULL ANSWER
 American schoolchildren and their parents are taught that literary texts contrast with
informational texts that have the purpose of providing information rather than
entertainment. Informational texts, such as science briefs and history books, are
increasingly receiving emphasis in public school curricula as part of the Common Core
State Standards. As a result, many parents have challenged the idea that literary texts
are of less pedagogical value than informational ones.
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Sources:

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