Comprehension

1. Read the following passage carefully:

(1) Having a sense of humor might mean having the ability to entertain other people by making them laugh, but it can also mean having a quick wit that is frequently employed to criticize other people with mischief comments. Some might define a sense of humor as the ability to see humor in everyday life or as appreciating the cleverness of puns and wordplay, and many think it is possible to possess a good sense of humour without ever having those around them be aware of it.
 

(2) In any case, a sense of humour is a socially valued trait that almost all of us would rather have more, rather than less of – akin to the way that we think about intelligence or good looks. A person with an undeveloped sense of humour lacks a social skill that puts him or her at a severe disadvantage in the hurly-burly of everyday adult life.
 

(3) Freud thought of humour as an outlet for forbidden impulses, and philosophers ranging from Aristotle to Descartes believed that we are amused by something when it makes us feel superior to other people.
 

(4) Evolutionary psychologists believe that humour, along with other creative abilities, such as art and music, evolved as an honest signal of intelligence and genetic quality. The value of such a skill in defusing tension, aggressive situations and in managing alliances and friendships should not be underestimated either.
 

(5) Schmoozing with a bunch of new people at a cocktail party is an opportunity to engage in light-hearted banter, and other people are grateful when someone is skilful enough to turn a stiff and awkward situation into fun. Cracking jokes, making witty remarks, or engaging in humorous, cheeky observations about the social scene can be like fishing for other minds that connect naturally with one’s own. When it works, humour can be a device for connecting people who are operating on the same wavelength.
 

(6) Observing the operation of other people in such situations gives you a feel as to who you would like to get to know better – and who might be best left behind, wallowing in indignation and bitterness. In short, a sense of humour is the Swiss Army Knife of social skills. Perhaps it is indeed a single instrument, but it contains an arsenal of tools – each exquisitely designed for a unique social purpose.
 

Answer the following questions, based on the given passage:
 

Question: 1

How does the author prove in paragraph 1 that a sense of humour is a double-edged sword?

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When answering comprehension-based questions, always refer back to the paragraph mentioned in the question to ensure accuracy. Look for key phrases that directly support your answer.
Updated On: Jun 19, 2025
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Identifying the key point in paragraph 1 The passage states that humour can be used to entertain others and make them laugh. However, it also mentions that humour can be used to criticize others with witty remarks. This shows that humour has both a positive and a negative aspect.
Step 2: Explanation Since humour can bring joy and amusement but also be employed as a sharp tool to mock or demean others, it acts as a double-edged sword.
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Question: 2

Cite evidence from the passage to prove that a sense of humour is a valuable tool to make someone’s life better.

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Updated On: May 20, 2025
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Extracting relevant evidence Paragraph 5 states that "Schmoozing with a bunch of new people at a cocktail party is an opportunity to engage in light-hearted banter, and other people are grateful when someone is skilful enough to turn a stiff and awkward situation into fun."
Step 2: Explanation This suggests that humour helps in navigating social interactions, diffusing tense situations, and forming alliances, making life easier and more enjoyable.
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Question: 3

Complete the following sentence suitably with reference to paragraph 3.
One significant advantage of humour is that it helps one ....... .

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Updated On: May 8, 2025
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Solution and Explanation

One significant advantage of humour is that it helps one cope with the hardships of everyday life by lightening difficult situations.
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Question: 4

Provide ONE textual evidence with reference to paragraph 5, to show a good sense of humour can be a great ice breaker.

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Updated On: May 8, 2025
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Locating textual evidence Paragraph 5 mentions that "Schmoozing with a bunch of new people at a cocktail party is an opportunity to engage in light-hearted banter, and other people are grateful when someone is skilful enough to turn a stiff and awkward situation into fun."
Step 2: Explanation This proves that humour acts as an icebreaker, helping people connect in social settings.
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Question: 5

Select the correct option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank.

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Updated On: Jun 23, 2025
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Solution and Explanation

According to evolutionary psychologists, people with a sense of humour can (trigger/lighten) tension in social situations. 
 

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Question: 6

Choose the correct option: 
“...Humour can be a device for connecting people who are operating on the same wavelength.” 
By the phrase “same wavelength,” the author refers to: 
 

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Updated On: May 8, 2025
  • People of age group
  • People who belong to the same line of profession
  • People having similar interests and attitudes
  • People who are working in the same organisation
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the phrase “same wavelength” 
The passage discusses how humour helps people relate to each other. Being on the “same wavelength” means sharing similar thoughts, interests, and perspectives. 
Step 2: Verifying the correct answer 
- (1) Incorrect: Age group does not necessarily determine shared humour. 
- (2) Incorrect: Profession is not a key factor in humour. 
- (4) Incorrect: Working in the same organisation does not imply shared humour. 
- (3) Correct: People with similar interests and attitudes often share humour, making this the right choice. 
 

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Question: 7

Complete the analogy with one word from paragraph 6:
Advantage: benefit :: ________: anger

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Updated On: May 8, 2025
  • Situation
  • Stare
  • Indignation
  • Arsenal
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the analogy 
The relationship between “advantage” and “benefit” is that they are synonyms. Similarly, the word that matches the meaning of “anger” should be its synonym. 
Step 2: Choosing the correct answer 
- (1) Incorrect: "Situation" is unrelated to anger. 
- (2) Incorrect: "Stare" is not a synonym for anger. 
- (3) Correct: "Indignation" means strong displeasure or anger, making it the best choice. 
- (4) Incorrect: "Arsenal" refers to a collection of tools or weapons, unrelated to anger. 
 

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Question: 8

In the line "it is indeed a single instrument, but it contains an arsenal of tools…", what does the phrase “arsenal of tools” refer to?

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Updated On: May 8, 2025
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the phrase in context The passage refers to humour as a single skill, but one that serves multiple purposes in social interactions. The phrase “arsenal of tools” means that humour has many uses, such as lightening tense situations, forming bonds, and engaging others.
Step 2: Final interpretation It signifies that humour is a versatile tool that helps individuals navigate different social situations effectively.
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Question: 9

Provide ONE textual evidence from the text which states lack of sense of humour may prove to be a handicap in one’s life.

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Updated On: May 31, 2025
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Finding the relevant textual evidence The passage states: "An undeveloped sense of humour lacks a social skill that puts him or her at a disadvantage."
Step 2: Explanation This statement directly shows how lacking a sense of humour can make social interactions difficult, placing a person at a disadvantage in social settings. 
 

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Question: 10

An undeveloped sense of humour shows lack of a social skill that puts him or her at a disadvantage.
Choose the correct option (A) or (B) which reaffirms the idea conveyed in the above extract.

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Analogies in comprehension tests often involve relationships like synonymy, cause-effect, or function. Always identify the relationship between the first pair before selecting the missing word.
Updated On: May 8, 2025
  • Sense of humour elevates the status of a person in the social circle.
  • People with sense of humour are not taken seriously in the society.
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the meaning of the extract The passage explains that humour is a valuable social skill that helps individuals connect with others, diffuse tense situations, and enhance relationships. 
Step 2: Verifying the correct answer 
- (1) Correct: Since humour helps people socially, it elevates their status by making them more likable. 
- (2) Incorrect: The passage does not mention that people with humour are not taken seriously; instead, it highlights the benefits of humour in social settings. 
 

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