Which adjective describes literature intended to teach a moral lesson?

• A. Ephemeral
• B. Cursory
• C. Deleterious
• D. Didactic

Answer: (D)

The main concept here is recognizing a word that names literature built to teach a moral lesson. Didactic describes writing that is intended to instruct, especially about right and wrong, virtue, or practical guidance. When a story or piece is meant to convey a lesson or moral, didactic fits because its primary aim is to instruct the reader. Think of fables or cautionary tales where the purpose is to illustrate a principle or behavior the reader should imitate or avoid; those works are didactic.

Ephemeral means short-lived, not lasting; cursory means superficial or hasty in doing something; deleterious means harmful or damaging. None of these convey the purpose of teaching a lesson, as didactic does. While didactic works can sometimes feel overly preachy if overdone, the term still correctly signals the intention to educate or instruct morally.