Extra Credit: Storytelling and Cultural Traditions

Which sentence from the article would be MOST important to include in a summary of the article?

• In addition, the oral tradition includes history as well as life lessons or moral teachings.

• Together they mean "succession of language," because the stories were passed down orally.

• Griots could be storytellers, counselors to kings, or traveling singers called troubadours.

• The celebration includes a feast and storytelling tradition known as the seder, or order.

Read the list of sentences from the article.

1. Their stories are intended to preserve the tribe's history and educate the young.

2. In many parts of Africa, the village comes together around a central fire after dinner to listen to the storyteller.

3. During a meal, the story of the Exodus is told orally in order to educate the young.

4. As one Irish storyteller put it, "It's a need for connection… I think storytelling nurtures connections with people in real life."

What central idea does this evidence support?

• Storytellers play important leadership and political roles in many cultures.

• Dance and music are used in oral storytelling traditions to build social connections.

• Both male and female storytellers are valued members of society and are the best teachers.

• Oral storytelling helps pass knowledge down and brings people together.

How does the author build understanding of oral storytelling traditions?

• by highlighting why storytellers are disappearing in many places

• by highlighting the storytelling traditions of different people

• by explaining how storytellers are trained and certified

• by explaining how storytelling has changed over time

Read the selection below.

"Sub-Saharan Africa refers to the countries located south of the Sahara Desert, and includes nations like Ghana and Nigeria. In many parts of Africa, the village comes together around a central fire after dinner to listen to the storyteller. Like in other cultures, the role of the storyteller is to entertain and educate."

Which of the following BEST explains why the author included this information?

• to explain the types of stories that are passed down orally

• to show why children enjoy learning from storytellers

• to highlight the central role storytellers play in many cultures

• to explain how storytellers help leaders rule