STORIES

Questions

1. Why do people enjoy telling stories?

2. Are stories more important for children or adults? Why?

3. How have stories changed with modern technology?

4. Can listening to stories teach people lessons?

5. Do you prefer reading stories or listening to them? Why?

6. Are traditional stories better than modern stories? Why or why not?

7. How can stories influence culture and society?

8. Do you think storytelling skills are important in life?

Q1: Why do people enjoy telling stories?
Band 7:
People enjoy telling stories because it is entertaining and interesting. Stories can make people laugh or feel emotions. They are a way to share experiences and ideas. Telling stories can also bring people together and start conversations.

Band 8:
People enjoy storytelling because it entertains, educates, and connects individuals. Stories can evoke emotions, stimulate imagination, and communicate experiences in a memorable way. Sharing stories strengthens social bonds, encourages empathy, and allows people to pass on knowledge, traditions, and lessons. Good storytelling captivates the audience, making ideas easier to remember and creating a shared experience that fosters community and understanding.

Q2: Are stories more important for children or adults? Why?
Band 7:
Stories are very important for children because they help with imagination and learning. They teach lessons about life and behaviour. Adults also enjoy stories, but children benefit more in early development.

Band 8:
Stories are crucial for children as they stimulate imagination, language development, and moral understanding. They provide lessons about life, culture, and values in an engaging way. Adults also gain from stories, particularly for entertainment, reflection, or inspiration. However, the developmental impact of stories is most significant during childhood, as they shape thinking, creativity, and social understanding.

Q3: How have stories changed with modern technology?
Band 7:
Stories have changed because people can now read or watch them online. Audiobooks, movies, and digital stories are popular. Stories are faster to share and reach more people. Technology also allows interactive stories.

Band 8:
Modern technology has transformed storytelling through digital media, audiobooks, films, and online platforms. Stories can now reach global audiences instantly, and interactive or multimedia formats engage readers and listeners in new ways. Technology also enables collaboration and innovation, allowing stories to be visualized, animated, or adapted across platforms. Despite these changes, the core purpose of stories—to entertain, inform, and connect—remains unchanged.

Q4: Can listening to stories teach people lessons?
Band 7:
Yes, listening to stories can teach lessons about life, behaviour, and culture. Fables or personal stories often give advice. People remember lessons better when they come from stories.

Band 8:
Listening to stories is an effective way to learn lessons, as narratives contextualize moral, social, or practical guidance. Fables, historical accounts, and personal experiences convey insights about values, decision-making, and human behaviour. People are more likely to remember and internalize lessons when they are presented through engaging stories, making storytelling a powerful tool for education and personal development.

Q5: Do you prefer reading stories or listening to them? Why?
Band 7:
I prefer reading stories because I can imagine the scenes myself. Reading allows me to go at my own pace and think about the ideas. Listening can be good, but I like to read more.

Band 8:
I prefer reading stories because it allows me to visualize the narrative, reflect on the details, and absorb the content at my own pace. Reading stimulates imagination more than listening and provides a deeper connection with the author’s style and ideas. Listening to stories, such as audiobooks, is enjoyable for multitasking or when on the move, but reading provides a richer, more personal experience and greater control over interpretation.

Q6: Are traditional stories better than modern stories? Why or why not?
Band 7:
Traditional stories are important because they show culture and history. Modern stories are more exciting and use new ideas. Both have value, but traditional stories teach lessons from the past.

Band 8:
Traditional stories are valuable for preserving culture, heritage, and moral lessons, offering insight into historical contexts and societal values. Modern stories, however, reflect contemporary issues, creativity, and technological advancements. Both forms are important: traditional stories connect people to the past, while modern stories inspire, entertain, and address current concerns. The choice between them depends on purpose, audience, and personal preference.

Q7: How can stories influence culture and society?
Band 7:
Stories influence culture because they teach traditions, values, and beliefs. They can change people’s ideas and behaviour. Stories also bring people together and create shared experiences.

Band 8:
Stories have a profound influence on culture and society by shaping beliefs, values, and social norms. They preserve traditions, promote moral lessons, and inspire innovation or social change. Literature, films, and oral traditions can change attitudes, encourage empathy, and strengthen community identity. Through storytelling, societies transmit knowledge, maintain cultural continuity, and influence generations, making stories an essential medium for social cohesion and education.

Q8: Do you think storytelling skills are important in life?
Band 7:
Yes, storytelling skills are important because they help people explain ideas clearly. They are useful at work, school, and with friends. Good stories can make people interesting and persuasive.

Band 8:
Storytelling skills are extremely important in life, as they enhance communication, persuasion, and engagement. They are useful in education, professional presentations, leadership, and personal interactions. A well-told story can convey complex ideas, inspire action, and build connections with others. Beyond practical uses, storytelling nurtures creativity, empathy, and critical thinking, making it a valuable skill for personal and professional development.