Oregon Educator Licensure Assessments (ORELA) Practice Exam

What does traditional literature primarily encompass?

1. Stories originally shared orally

2. Newspaper articles and journals

3. Concept maps and webs

4. Academic essays and studies

The correct answer is: Stories originally shared orally

Traditional literature primarily encompasses stories that were originally shared orally. This type of literature includes myths, folktales, fables, and legends that are passed down through generations, often as a means of preserving cultural values, morals, and historical events. These narratives are characterized by their storytelling nature, which often includes elements of fantasy, moral lessons, and communal identity. Other options such as newspaper articles, journals, concept maps, and academic essays do not fit the definition of traditional literature. Newspaper articles and journals are typically contemporary forms of communication focused on reporting current events or scholarly findings, while concept maps and webs serve as educational tools to organize and visualize information. Academic essays are formal writings intended to present arguments or analyses on specific topics but do not encompass the oral storytelling traditions that define traditional literature.