Storytelling: A Disappearing Art Most of us grew up listening to bedtime stories from our parents or grandparents. The idea of listening to a magical tale while we are tucked under a warm blanket is very comforting. Not everyone can narrate a story well. Storytelling is an art that has social and educational advantages. Effective storytelling requires the speaker to narrate the story in such a way that the listeners can actually imagine the events unfolding before them, slowly and in detail. The ritual of storytelling was more common when there were no televisions, mobile phones, or the Internet. Children would eagerly look forward to listening to fairy tales or folk tales during the evening hours and would flock toward their elders or parents to hear a new story. Evening time was ideal for this ritual, as both children and their parents and grandparents would be done with their respective chores. Elders narrated stories in great detail and with expressions and emotions. Children found it easy to visualize everything. Unknowingly, children would also learn the art of modulating voice, tone, pitch, and expressions. The stories would be chosen with care and would either be informative or have a moral. Parents often chose stories as a means to teach important values and lessons to their children. Through the actions and choices of the characters in these stories, children learned to differentiate the good from the bad. They learned how one should behave and treat others. Storytelling was done in such a way so as to prompt children to ask more questions. Parents encouraged their children's curiosity. Sometimes, parents would leave a story midway and ask the children to complete it. This helped them nurture and develop their kids' imaginations and creativity. Reading stories aloud also helped children to become familiar with new words, thus strengthening their vocabulary. Children also learned to become good and attentive listeners. Sadly, today, with the use of the Internet and cell phones, the art of storytelling is disappearing. Parents do not have much time to spend with their children. Most children now choose to spend time surfing the Internet, chatting with their friends, or watching television. They hardly interact with family members. The bond that the siblings shared is no longer as strong as it was in the past. Select all the correct answers. Which two sentences best convey the central idea of the passage? A. Children studied to be master storytellers from a young age. B. Texting and watching shows help children keep themselves busy. C. Children are no longer as interested in listening to stories and spend more time on the Internet and television. D. Stories help children learn behavioral and critical thinking skills. E. Television and the Internet should be banned so that children pay attention and listen to stories from their elders. Sorry that its alot