Ballad is meant to be

1. Analyze the question The question asks about the original purpose or mode of delivery of a ballad, which is a type of poetry.

2. Explain the concept A ballad is a narrative poem that tells a story, usually about love, adventure, tragedy, or heroic deeds. Ballads began as part of the oral tradition. Wandering minstrels and common folk composed them, memorised them, and passed them down by word of mouth, often with music. Their key features include:

• Simple language and a story-telling style
• Short stanzas, often quatrains (4 lines) with a rhyme scheme like ABCB
• Repetition and refrains, which make them easy to remember and sing
• A musical rhythm

3. Work through the options

• A. Discussed: This does not describe how a ballad is delivered. Any text can be discussed.
• B. Read: Ballads can be read today, but they were not created for silent reading. They come from an oral tradition.
• C. Sung: This fits. The word "ballad" comes from the old French balade, a song accompanied by dance, and ballads were designed to be sung or recited to music.
• D. Acted: This describes drama, not ballads.

4. Answer The correct option is C. sung.

5. Exam tip Link each form to its mode of delivery:

• Ballad → sung
• Drama → acted
• Prose and novel → read
• Dirge or elegy → mourning or lament

Remember: "Ballad = Band", because it is a song that tells a story.