From which type of work does the passage likely originate: …

To start, we need to recognize that the passage focuses on the way people approach reading and what they expect from different genres. The central theme revolves around the misconceptions and expectations we bring to books. This thematic clarity suggests that the writing aims to discuss a specific subject matter, which aligns closely with qualities of an essay.

Next, we analyze the characteristics of various literary genres mentioned, namely biography, myth, play, and essay. A biography presents an individual’s life story, a myth often conveys traditional stories with a moral, and a play is intended for performance with actors. In contrast, an essay is characterized by presenting arguments and reflection on a topic, making it more fitting for this passage’s content.

Finally, based on the analysis, we can confidently conclude that the passage is an example of an essay. It maintains focus on a singular idea, articulates a viewpoint about reading habits, and lacks elements typical of biographies, myths, or plays. Thus, the clear argumentation and thematic exploration solidify its classification as an essay.