Oral literature is part of

1. Analyze the question The question asks which larger category oral literature belongs to. Oral literature is literature that is spoken or sung and handed down by word of mouth, not written.

2. Explain the concept Oral literature includes folktales, myths, legends, proverbs, riddles, songs, chants, and praise poetry. Together these make up a community's folklore, which is the traditional beliefs, customs, stories, and expressions of a people passed down through generations.

3. Work through the options

• A. Drama: This is a written or performed literary genre. Oral literature can include dramatic elements, but it is not a part of drama.
• B. Folklore: Oral literature is a major component of folklore. Folklore covers oral traditions (tales, proverbs, songs) and also customs and beliefs. Oral literature fits inside it.
• C. Poetry: Poetry is one of the three main literary genres, along with prose and drama. Oral poetry (such as dirges and praise chants) exists, but oral literature is broader than poetry. It also includes prose forms like folktales.
• D. Music: Songs are part of oral literature, but music as a whole is not literature, and oral literature is not a part of music.

4. Answer Oral literature is part of folklore, so the answer is B.

5. Exam tip Remember the relationship this way: folklore is the umbrella and oral literature sits under it. In Literature in English, when you see "oral literature" and "part of," look for the broader cultural term, which here is "folklore."