Look at the core elements. If there are lots of magic, fairies, dragons etc., it's likely fantasy. But if it's about future tech, alternative social systems based on current trends, it's speculative fiction.
One way to distinguish them is by looking at the role of science. In science fiction, science is a central element. It drives the plot, the setting, and the development of characters. For example, in 'Dune', the understanding of the planet's ecology and the spice's properties are crucial scientific aspects. In speculative fiction, science may not be as important. It could be more about exploring ideas like the meaning of life or different social structures without a scientific basis.
When it comes to literature, sci fi generally presents a world that is built on scientific concepts, whether it's about exploring the consequences of climate change on a global scale or the implications of a new form of communication technology. Fantasy, in contrast, is about creating a world that defies scientific explanation, filled with magic and mythical creatures. Speculative fiction, however, is a broader category. It can incorporate elements of both sci fi and fantasy. For example, a novel might explore a society where people have the ability to teleport, which could be seen as a scientific concept, but also includes a magical force that controls this teleportation. It's all about the balance between the scientific and the fantastical in speculative fiction.
Look at the setting. If it's a world with magic and mythical beings, it's fantasy. If it's a future world with a lot of problems due to society or technology, it could be dystopian or science fiction. Dystopian will have a more negative and oppressive feel, while science fiction might be more about exploring new ideas. For example, a story with dragons is fantasy, a story about a totalitarian future is dystopian, and a story about colonizing Mars is science fiction.
In reality, events are usually based on evidence and facts. In fantasy fiction, a lot of the plot and settings are created from the author's imagination without the need for real - world evidence. So, if a story seems to be based on things that can't be proven or are highly unlikely in our world, it's probably fantasy.
Look at the setting. If it's a very realistic, contemporary or historical setting with no supernatural or far - fetched elements, it's likely literary fiction. If there are things like aliens, magic, or future technologies, it's speculative. For instance, a novel set in 1920s Paris dealing with love and loss among artists is probably literary, but a story set on a distant planet with telepathic beings is speculative.
Look at the elements in the story. If there are spaceships, robots, and high - tech gadgets, it's likely sci - fi. If there are wizards, magic spells, and mythical beasts, it's probably fantasy.
Look at the content. If it has made - up characters and events that couldn't happen in real life, it's probably fiction. If it's about real people, places, or events, it's nonfiction.
Look for evidence. Facts usually have some sort of proof behind them, like statistics or eyewitness accounts. Fiction doesn't have this kind of real - world evidence. Also, facts are often presented in a more straightforward, non - imaginative way compared to the creative and often far - fetched nature of fiction.
Pay attention to the consistency. Reality generally follows certain rules and laws. In fiction, the author can break these rules. For instance, in a fantasy novel, magic might be used to defy the laws of physics. But in the real world, we know that such things don't happen without scientific explanation. Also, the language used in non - fictional works is often more matter - of - fact, while in fiction, the language can be more creative and flowery.
Look at the plot. If there are elements like magic, talking animals, or gods intervening, it's likely a folktale. If the plot revolves around everyday life situations like going to work, having family arguments, or dealing with school, it's probably realistic fiction.