What term is used to classify literary works based on form, technique, or content?

The term that encompasses the classification of literary works based on characteristics such as form, technique, or content is "genre." Genres serve as a way to categorize literature into distinct groups, making it easier for readers to find works that suit their tastes or interests. For example, common literary genres include fiction, poetry, drama, and non-fiction, each with its own set of conventions and styles.

While "type" and "category" can sometimes be used interchangeably with "genre," they are less specific in the context of literary classification. "Style," on the other hand, refers more to the author's unique way of using language, such as their choice of words and sentence structure, rather than a classification of the work itself. Therefore, when we discuss the arrangement of literary pieces according to their shared features or thematic elements, "genre" is the most precise and widely used term.