Have you ever had someone tell you a scary story that supposedly happened to "a friend of a friend," and then later heard the exact same story from another, unrelated person? If so, it's a good bet that the story you heard was an urban legend.

Question

Urban legends are like folk tales or myths. Often times these legends have been told so many times that it is impossible to determine their origin. The teller of an urban legend may claim that the story happened to a friend. This serves to personalize and enhance the power of the narrative. Since people often exaggerate or change stories when telling them, urban legends can evolve over time.
Still, even the most exaggerated urban legends may have a basis in reality. Indeed, this would explain how the story, or legend, became popular in the first place. Another way that urban legends catch on is by depicting horrific crimes or other situations that would affect large populations of people. That way, the people that hear the stories feel compelled to pass them on to their friends and loved ones.
One of the classic hallmarks of false urban legends is a lack of specific information. Tellers may be unable to recall the names, dates, or locations of the story. Thus, an astute listener will know to treat the story as entertainment rather than as a serious warning or a reason to panic.
5
Based on the central idea, which would be the best title for this passage?
A.
Don't Believe Every Story You Hear
B.
Urban Legends Have No Basis in Reality
C.
Stories Provide a Good Reason to Panic
D.
Stories About Horrific Crimes Are Lies

Answer 1

A. Don't Believe Every Story You Hear