Which of the following best defines "narrative"?

The definition of "narrative" as a spoken or written account of connected events is accurate because narratives typically involve storytelling elements where events are structured in a sequence that may include characters, settings, and conflicts. This form of communication tells a story or describes experiences in a way that connects various incidents, allowing readers or listeners to follow the development of the plot or situation.

In contrast, a collection of poems does not inherently tell a connected story and may consist of various themes or subjects with no narrative thread linking them. A summary of factual information presents data in a concise manner without the storytelling elements found in narratives. Similarly, a detailed scientific report focuses on research findings and methodologies rather than creating a connected account of events. Therefore, the chosen answer reflects the essence of what a narrative encompasses in literature and storytelling.