One of the important means available to a writer of a literary work is

Analyze the question: The question asks for a means (a tool or technique) available to a writer of any literary work. That covers prose, poetry and drama, so the answer must apply to all of them.

Explain the concept: Writers use literary devices and techniques to create meaning and effect. The most basic of these is diction, which is the writer's choice of words. Diction shapes tone, mood, imagery, character and theme in every genre.

Evaluate each option:

• A. Diction: This is a tool every writer uses, whether writing a poem, a play or a novel. ✔
• B. Fiction: This is a genre or category of writing (invented stories), not a means a writer uses. ✘
• C. Stage: This is specific to drama and is a performance space, not a general literary means. ✘
• D. Stanza: This is a unit of a poem, so it applies to poetry only, not to all literary works. ✘

Answer: The correct option is A. diction.

Tip: When a question asks for a "means," "device," or "technique" available to a writer in general, choose the option that applies to all genres. Words like stanza (poetry), stage (drama) and fiction (a genre) are narrower or are categories rather than tools. Diction, imagery and tone are the general ones.