A story which explains a natural phenomenon is_______

1. Analyze the question The question asks for the type of story that explains a natural phenomenon, such as why the sun rises, why thunder rolls, or how the world began.

2. Explain the concepts

• Parable: A short story that teaches a moral or spiritual lesson, usually using everyday situations (e.g., the Good Samaritan).
• Legend: A story about a historical or semi-historical person or event, often exaggerated over time (e.g., Sundiata, Oranmiyan).
• Myth: A traditional story, often involving gods, spirits, or supernatural beings, that explains natural phenomena, the origin of the world, or why things are the way they are.
• Fiction: Any imaginative, made-up narrative. This is too broad and doesn't specifically explain nature.

3. Solution

• Does it teach a moral lesson? That describes a parable, so A is not the best fit.
• Is it about a real or historical hero? That describes a legend, so B is not the best fit.
• Does it explain a natural occurrence, often through gods or supernatural forces? Yes, that is a myth.
• Is "fiction" specific enough? No, because it covers all invented stories.

An example is the Yoruba story that explains thunder and lightning through Sango, or stories explaining why the tortoise's shell is cracked. These explain the natural world through imaginative narrative.

4. Answer The correct option is C. myth.

5. Exam tip Use this memory trick:

• Myth = Mysteries of nature explained
• Legend = Life of a hero
• Parable = Practical moral lesson