Question

Difficulty: MediumIdentification of Main Idea and Supporting Details

Read the passage below carefully and answer the question that follows:

For centuries, the oral tradition of West African griots served as the primary repository of cultural heritage, genealogy, and historical records. Passed down through generations via music and spoken poetry, these narrative performances relied entirely on human memory. In recent years, however, rapid urban migration and changing social structures have threatened the continuity of this ancestral craft. In response, archivists and cultural anthropologists in Bamako have initiated digital recording projects to preserve these endangered performances before the master storytellers pass away. While critics express concern that digital media may reduce the fluid, interactive nature of live storytelling into static audio files, project leaders emphasize that preservation takes precedence over artistic spontaneity when a tradition's survival is at stake. Ultimately, these digital archives aim to safeguard centuries of historical knowledge, ensuring that future generations maintain access to their rich cultural foundation.

Which of the following best expresses the main idea of the passage?

  1. A
    Archivists in Bamako are using modern audio technology to record master storytellers.
  2. Digital archiving initiatives are being undertaken to safeguard endangered West African oral traditions for future generations.Answer
  3. C
    Rapid urban migration has completely destroyed the traditional practice of passing down history through oral poetry.
  4. D
    Live storytelling is fundamentally superior to digital recordings because of its artistic spontaneity and audience interaction.

Answer

Digital archiving initiatives are being undertaken to safeguard endangered West African oral traditions for future generations.
The correct answer synthesizes the full scope of the text. The author focuses on how modern threats to traditional West African griot performances have prompted digital archiving efforts aimed at preserving centuries of historical knowledge for the future.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the passage structure to distinguish the central argument from supporting details.
The passage establishes the role of griots, explains modern threats to their survival, introduces digital archiving as a response, addresses objections, and concludes with the overall objective of preserving cultural knowledge.
Identifying the overarching narrative arc reveals the author's primary intent across the entire text.
2
Evaluate the choices to isolate the comprehensive main thesis.
The option stating that digital archiving initiatives are being undertaken to safeguard endangered oral traditions encapsulates both the core problem and the primary purpose of the actions described.
A main idea statement must reflect the central thesis rather than isolated supporting facts or counter-arguments.

Key Concept

Identifying the main idea of a passage requires synthesizing the central problem, proposed resolution, and ultimate objective, while distinguishing the central thesis from supporting facts or counter-arguments.
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