To distinguish between them, consider the setting. Fantasy settings are often in a fictional realm with its own rules that are not scientific. For example, a world where fairies exist. Science fiction settings are more likely to be in the future or in a different part of the universe, and are based on scientific extrapolations. Also, the characters in science fiction are often dealing with scientific problems or using technology in a significant way, while in fantasy, characters may be using magic powers.
One way to distinguish is by looking at the core elements. If a story has magic as a main driving force, it's likely fantasy. If it's more about scientific ideas like genetic engineering or space exploration, it's science 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.
One way to tell is by looking at the source of the power or technology. In fantasy, it often comes from magic or mythical elements. In sci-fi, it's based on scientific concepts or theories.
Well, a science fiction book often contains elements that are not based on current scientific knowledge or real - world events. It might have things like spaceships traveling faster than light, which is currently just a theoretical concept. On the other hand, a factual book is based on research and real - life data. It presents facts about a particular subject, such as a historical event or a scientific discovery.
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.
Paranormal stories often rely on elements that are considered supernatural, like ESP (extra - sensory perception) or possession. These things don't have a scientific basis currently. Science fiction stories, in contrast, usually have a scientific concept at their core. For example, a story about a future where humans have found a way to live underwater due to some genetic engineering breakthrough. So, if the story has no scientific grounding and is more about the spooky and mysterious, it's paranormal; if it has a scientific idea as its foundation, it's science fiction.
Look at the elements in the story. If it has things like spaceships, scientific experiments, or real - world diseases being cured in a scientific way, it's likely a science - based story. If there are unicorns, magic spells, or talking animals, it's probably a fantasy story.
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 methodology. In science facts, there are clear experimental or observational methods. For instance, in a study about the effect of a new drug, there will be a control group, an experimental group, and specific measurements. But in science fiction, there are no such strict methods. It can be as wild as imagining a world where people can travel through time just by thinking, without any scientific basis.
One way to distinguish is by the writing style. Literary fiction usually has a more elaborate and sophisticated style compared to general fiction. Also, literary fiction often delves deeper into themes like the human experience, morality, etc.
You can tell the difference by considering the plausibility of the events. In fiction, the sky's the limit for the plot. But in realistic fiction, the events should be something that could potentially occur in real life. For example, a story about a detective solving a crime using only his wits and normal investigation methods is more likely to be realistic fiction, while a detective solving a crime with the help of a mind - reading crystal would be fiction.