Comprehension
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: Jan 14, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Core Idea of Paragraph 1 The text highlights humor's dual nature: it entertains and amuses, while also serving as a tool for witty criticism. This illustrates humor's positive and negative potentials.
Step 2: Elaboration Humor, capable of both generating joy and delivering cutting remarks, functions 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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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: Jan 14, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Identifying key evidenceParagraph 5 indicates: "Schmoozing at a cocktail party offers light conversation; others appreciate skilled individuals who make awkward situations enjoyable."
Step 2: InterpretationThis implies humour facilitates social ease, alleviates tension, and fosters connections, thus simplifying and enhancing life.
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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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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: Jan 14, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Humor's key benefit is aiding in managing daily difficulties by making tough circumstances easier.
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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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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: Jan 14, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Textual Evidence Paragraph 5 states, "Schmoozing with a group of new people at a cocktail party offers a chance for light conversation, and others appreciate someone who can make a rigid situation enjoyable."
Step 2: Interpretation This illustrates humour's role as a social facilitator, aiding connections.
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Question: 5

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

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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: Jan 14, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Evolutionary psychologists believe that individuals with a sense of humor can reduce social tension.
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Question: 6

“...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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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: Jan 14, 2026
  • 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: Definition of “same wavelength” The text explains that humour connects people. “Same wavelength” refers to shared thoughts, interests, and viewpoints.
Step 2: Answer Verification - (1) Incorrect: Age is not a predictor of shared humour.
- (2) Incorrect: Occupation is unrelated to humour.
- (4) Incorrect: Workplace does not guarantee shared humour.
- (3) Correct: Shared interests and attitudes often lead to similar humour, making it the right answer.
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Question: 7

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

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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: Jan 14, 2026
  • Situation
  • Stare
  • Indignation
  • Arsenal
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Analogy Explained The words "advantage" and "benefit" are synonyms. We need to find the synonym for "anger."
Step 2: Answer Evaluation - (1) Incorrect: "Situation" is not related to anger.
- (2) Incorrect: "Stare" is not a synonym for anger.
- (3) Correct: "Indignation" means anger, making it the right answer.
- (4) Incorrect: "Arsenal" means a collection of weapons and is 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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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: Jan 14, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Contextual understanding The text describes humour as a singular skill with diverse social functions. "Arsenal of tools" implies humour's multiple applications, including easing tension, building relationships, and attracting attention.
Step 2: Interpretation This highlights humour's adaptability, enabling effective navigation of various social scenarios.
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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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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: Jan 14, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Locate Supporting Text The passage includes: {"An undeveloped sense of humour lacks a social skill that puts him or her at a disadvantage."}
Step 2: Interpretation This quote illustrates how a poor sense of humour hinders social interactions, leading to social difficulties.
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Question: 10

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: Jan 14, 2026
  • 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

Fase 1: Comprender el significado del extracto El pasaje explica que el humor es una habilidad social valiosa que ayuda a las personas a conectar con los demás, aliviar situaciones tensas y mejorar las relaciones.
Fase 2: Verificación de la respuesta correcta - (1) Correcto: Dado que el humor ayuda a las personas socialmente, eleva su estatus haciéndolas más simpáticas.
- (2) Incorrecto: El pasaje no menciona que las personas con humor no sean tomadas en serio; en cambio, destaca los beneficios del humor en entornos sociales.
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