Which term describes a collection of various writings such as songs or stories?

The term that best describes a collection of various writings, specifically those that include songs, stories, poems, or similar literary works, is "anthology." An anthology is typically curated with a specific theme or by a specific author and serves to showcase a range of literary expressions within a particular genre or subject matter. This designation differentiates it from a more general collection, which may not necessarily focus on curated works or thematic cohesion.

While "compilation" could refer to a gathering of works, it lacks the literary connotation that "anthology" carries, which is specifically tied to literary works and artistic expressions. "Collection" is a broad term that can apply to various items or subjects and does not specify the nature of those items being literary in nature. "Archive" denotes a repository or storage for historical documents or records and does not imply a selected or curated collection of literary pieces. Therefore, the use of "anthology" accurately encapsulates the essence of a diverse gathering of writings, making it the most precise choice.