Understanding Cultural Storytelling
Listen to the following passage:
Good afternoon, class! Today, we will be examining the art of storytelling in different cultures. Storytelling is a universal aspect of human experience. In many societies, stories are used not only for entertainment but also to convey morals, values, and history. Traditional oral storytelling has been a primary means of sharing knowledge, particularly before the advent of written language. Furthermore, the way stories are told can reveal much about the culture from which they originate. For example, in some cultures, storytelling is a communal activity, bringing people together, while in others, it may be a solitary pursuit.
We will also look into how modern media has transformed storytelling, allowing for different formats, including films, podcasts, and digital storytelling, which continue the tradition in new ways. The study of storytelling also sheds light on human psychology and our innate desire to connect through narratives.
Note: This question has been adapted from its original format to accommodate a reading-based version. In the official TOEFL exam, speaking and listening sections require verbal responses and audio prompts, which are not represented here. Please note that this adaptation may not fully reflect the nature or difficulty of the official exam. The audio feature for these sections will be available soon.