Define a folk ballad, including its characteristics (Describe the content of the ballad, not its meter or form.).

A folk ballad is a song that is traditionally sung by the common people of a region and forms part of their culture.

Simplicity is a big characteristic of folk ballads, they are very simple which makes them a very popular form of poetry.

It's universal appeal is another characteristic. Every ballad touches on a certain subject and bears significance.

The use of colloquial language which is the use of common, day-to day words.

Dialogue and refrains which is a phrase or a line that is repeated over and over after a stanza