A story which explains a natural phenomenon or justifies the beliefs of a society is A. myth B. legend C. motif D. fable

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the type of story that does two things: it explains a natural phenomenon (such as why the sun rises or how rivers began) or justifies the beliefs of a society (such as religious or cultural beliefs).

Step 2: Explain each term

• Myth: A traditional story, often involving gods, spirits, or supernatural beings, that explains natural events, the origin of the world, or the customs and beliefs of a people. Example: the Yoruba story of how Obatala created human beings, or the story of how Earth and Sky separated.
• Legend: A story about a real or semi-historical hero or event that has been exaggerated over time. Example: Sundiata of Mali, or Moremi of Ile-Ife. It focuses on a person's deeds, not on explaining nature.
• Motif: A recurring element, idea, image, or theme in a literary work (for example, the motif of journey or of betrayal). It is not a type of story.
• Fable: A short story, usually with animals as characters, that teaches a moral lesson. Example: the tortoise and the hare.

Step 3: Match the definition

• Explaining natural phenomena or justifying societal beliefs matches myth.
• Legend concerns historical heroes, so it does not fit.
• Motif is a literary device, not a story.
• Fable teaches morals and does not explain nature or beliefs.

Answer: A. myth

Exam tip: Remember it this way:

• Myth = Meaning of the world (why things happen)
• Legend = Leader or hero
• Fable = Furry animals with a moral lesson
• Motif = Motif repeats in a work