In West Africa, jalis have traditionally been keepers of information about family histories and records of important events. They have often served as teachers and advisers, too. New technologies may have changed some aspects of the role today, but jalis continue to be valued for knowing and protecting their peoples' stories. Which choice best states the main idea of the text? A) Even though there have been some changes in their role, jalis continue to preserve their communities' histories. B) Although jalis have many roles, many of them like teaching best. D Jalis have been entertaining the people within their communities for centuries. D) Technology can now do some of the things jalis used to be responsible for.

## Step 1<br />The first step in solving this problem is to understand the main idea of the text. The text discusses the role of jalis in West Africa, focusing on their traditional role as keepers of family histories and important events. It also mentions that despite the advent of new technologies, jalis continue to be valued for their knowledge and protection of their people's stories.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />Next, we need to match the main idea of the text with the given options. The main idea of the text is about the role of jalis in preserving their communities' histories, even with the changes brought by technology.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />Looking at the options, we can see that option A, "Even though there have been some changes in their role, jalis continue to preserve their communities' histories," best encapsulates the main idea of the text. It mentions the changes in their role and their continued role in preserving their communities' histories.