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Paragraph Summary Questions
24. The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.
John Cleese told Fox News Digital that comedians do not have the freedom to be funny in 2022. âThereâs always been limitations on what theyâre allowed to say,â Cleese said. âI think itâs particularly worrying at the moment because you can only create in an atmosphere of freedom, where youâre not checking everything you say critically before you move on. What you have to be able to do is to build without knowing where youâre going because youâve never been there before. Thatâs what creativity is â you have to be allowed to build. And a lot of comedians now are sitting there and when they think of something, they say something like, âCan I get away with it? I donât think so. So and so got into trouble, and he said that, oh, she said that.â You see what I mean? And thatâs the death of creativity.â
A. Comedians must not check what they think and say. They must go where no one has gone before.
B. Creativity and critical thinking cannot work together. Comedians must first be creative, and later be critical.
C. Comedians are being prevented from saying what they want and that is the death of this art form.
D. Freedom and creativity are essential for comedy. Fear about offending people hinders originality.
Solution with Explanation
Correct Answer: D
Detailed explanation by Wordpandit:The passage centers around comedian John Cleeseâs concern that the fear of backlash or offending others is negatively affecting the creative process in comedy. Cleese argues that creativity, especially in comedy, requires a space free from self-censorship and fear. He emphasizes that comedians should be able to experiment and take risks without preemptively editing their thoughts based on potential consequences. This atmosphere of self-doubt and overthinking, he claims, inhibits originality and disrupts the natural flow of comedic creation. Therefore, the core message is that freedom of expression is vital for creativity, and fear of offending others disrupts this freedom.
Option-wise Analysis
- Option A âComedians must not check what they think and say. They must go where no one has gone before.â
This option overstates the message of the passage. While Cleese does emphasize the importance of unfiltered creativity, the idea that comedians âmust go where no one has gone beforeâ is not articulated in the passage. This phrasing adds a dramatic flair that is not aligned with Cleeseâs more grounded argument about freedom and inhibition. - Option B âCreativity and critical thinking cannot work together. Comedians must first be creative, and later be critical.â
This is a misrepresentation of Cleeseâs point. The passage does not suggest that creativity and critical thinking are inherently incompatible. Rather, it discusses how constant self-monitoring due to external fearânot thoughtful critiqueâhampers creativity. The emphasis is on the fear of repercussions, not on a philosophical incompatibility between thinking and creating. - Option C âComedians are being prevented from saying what they want and that is the death of this art form.â
While this option captures part of the concern, it exaggerates the idea by stating that the art form is dying. Cleese does mention that creativity is being stifled, but he does not claim that comedy as an art is dying entirely. The passage is more about the suppression of the creative process rather than a fatal conclusion about the art itself. - Option D âFreedom and creativity are essential for comedy. Fear about offending people hinders originality.â
This is the most accurate summary of the passage. It encapsulates both the need for freedom in creative expression and the central issue raised by Cleeseâthe fear of offending others. This fear leads to hesitation and self-censorship, which directly impairs originality. Thus, this option faithfully reflects the core argument made in the passage.
Word 1: Limitations
Context:
"Thereâs always been limitations on what theyâre allowed to say,â Cleese said." â Commentary on Freedom of Expression
Explanatory Paragraph:
âLimitationsâ refer to restrictions, boundaries, or conditions that prevent someone or something from going beyond a certain point. In the context of the sentence, it highlights the idea that there are always boundariesâlegal, social, or politicalâon what individuals are permitted to say. This word is commonly used in discussions about freedom, capacity, legal rights, and personal or systemic constraints. Limitations can be either external (rules imposed by others) or internal (personal abilities or beliefs).
Meaning: Conditions or rules that restrict freedom, ability, or scope. (Noun â plural)
Pronunciation: li-mi-tay-shunz
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner-Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *limitatio* (a bounding), from *limitare* (to bound), from *limes* (boundary or border).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âLimitationsâ is an important word in debates and analytical writing. Whether youâre discussing legal systems, human potential, technology, or ethicsâthis word captures the essence of constraint. Make sure to distinguish between *natural* limitations (e.g., physical abilities) and *imposed* limitations (e.g., censorship, laws).
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: restrictions, constraints, boundaries, curbs, confines
Antonyms: freedoms, allowances, possibilities, permissions, opportunities
Usage Examples:
- The law places clear limitations on what government agencies can access.
- He learned to work within the limitations of his resources.
- There are always limitations to freedom of speech in certain political climates.
- The study acknowledges the limitations of its sample size and methodology.
Cultural Reference:
"Man is not made for defeat. A man can be destroyed but not defeated â unless he accepts his limitations." â Ernest Hemingway
Think About It:
Are limitations always negative, or can they sometimes protect us or foster creativity?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence about a limitation you've encounteredâeither personal or societalâand how you dealt with it.
Memory Tip:
âLimitationsâ come from âlimitsââimagine a fence around an idea, space, or action. That fence is your limitation.
Real-World Application:
âLimitationsâ are frequently discussed in legal, scientific, and social contexts. Recognizing them helps in understanding rights, designing fair policies, and assessing the scope of any claim, theory, or law.
Word 2: Atmosphere
Context:
"I think itâs particularly worrying at the moment because you can only create in an atmosphere of freedom, where youâre not checking everything you say critically before you move on." â Commentary on Creativity and Free Speech
Explanatory Paragraph:
âAtmosphereâ typically refers to the layer of gases surrounding the Earth, but in this context, it means the emotional or mental environment in which something happens. It describes the overall feeling, mood, or tone of a place or situation. In the quote, it refers to a creative environment characterized by openness and freedom. The term is often used metaphorically in social, psychological, and artistic contexts to describe the âvibeâ or conditions surrounding human activity.
Meaning: The mood, tone, or emotional environment of a setting or situation. (Noun)
Pronunciation: at-muhs-feer
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner-Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek *atmos* (vapor) + *sphaira* (sphere). The figurative use to describe mood or feeling emerged in the 19th century.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âAtmosphereâ is a versatile word with both scientific and figurative uses. In essays or conversations, it can help describe the cultural, emotional, or intellectual climate of a place. Itâs especially helpful when analyzing literature, workplaces, classrooms, or political discourse.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: environment, mood, vibe, setting, climate
Antonyms: tension, discomfort, unease, hostility (context-dependent)
Usage Examples:
- The café had a warm, welcoming atmosphere that made customers want to stay.
- You need a relaxed atmosphere to do your best creative work.
- The tense atmosphere in the courtroom was almost unbearable.
- Good leaders foster an atmosphere of trust and respect.
Cultural Reference:
"Atmosphere is not just what surrounds usâit's what shapes us." â A theme commonly explored in literature and theater, such as in Arthur Millerâs *The Crucible*
Think About It:
What kind of atmosphere helps you feel most creative, confident, or free? How can you create that space for yourself or others?
Quick Activity:
Write a short description of a place (real or imagined) that has a powerful atmosphere. Focus on how it makes you feel.
Memory Tip:
Think of âatmosphereâ as the air you canât see but always feelâwhether itâs the real sky or the emotional air in a room.
Real-World Application:
âAtmosphereâ is key in storytelling, branding, leadership, and team building. Whether you're setting the tone for a meeting, designing a space, or analyzing a novel, understanding atmosphere helps you connect with emotions and intent.
Word 3: Hinders
Context:
"Freedom and creativity are essential for comedy. Fear about offending people hinders originality." â Commentary on Artistic Expression
Explanatory Paragraph:
âHindersâ means to make it difficult for something to happen or progress. It refers to anything that slows down, blocks, or interferes with success or development. In the sentence provided, the fear of offending others is described as a barrier that prevents original and creative comedy from flourishing. The word is commonly used in both personal and professional contexts to describe obstacles, interruptions, or factors that reduce effectiveness.
Meaning: Prevents or obstructs the progress, success, or effectiveness of something. (Verb â present tense)
Pronunciation: hin-derz
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner-Intermediate
Etymology: From Old English *hindrian* (to keep back, delay), related to *hinder* (behind), implying something that holds you back.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Use âhindersâ when discussing barriersâwhether emotional, physical, institutional, or creative. Itâs a precise word that works well in essays and arguments where you want to show how something prevents progress or freedom. Pair it with words like âgrowth,â âsuccess,â âcommunication,â or âoriginalityâ for strong effect.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: blocks, obstructs, prevents, restrains, impedes
Antonyms: promotes, facilitates, supports, enables, encourages
Usage Examples:
- Lack of funding hinders scientific research and innovation.
- Overthinking often hinders creative flow.
- Fear of judgment hinders many people from speaking their truth.
- The heavy rain hindered the progress of the construction work.
Cultural Reference:
"Rigid censorship hinders not only art but also democracy." â A sentiment often expressed in discussions about freedom of speech and artistic freedom.
Think About It:
Whatâs something in your life or environment that hinders your growth or creativityâand how could you overcome it?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using âhindersâ to describe something that blocks progress in education, relationships, or innovation.
Memory Tip:
Think of âhinderâ as âhold backââif something hinders you, itâs holding you behind from moving forward.
Real-World Application:
âHindersâ is a useful word for analytical writing, presentations, and arguments in academic, professional, and everyday contexts. It helps express challenges or barriers with clarity and precision.
Word 4: Creativity
Context:
"You see what I mean? And thatâs the death of creativity.â â Commentary on Freedom of Expression
Explanatory Paragraph:
âCreativityâ refers to the ability to generate original ideas, solutions, or expressions, often by thinking in imaginative or nontraditional ways. In the quote, itâs used to emphasize how over-censorship or excessive self-monitoring can suppress the natural flow of creative thought. Creativity is vital in art, science, business, and everyday problem-solving. Itâs associated with innovation, freedom of thought, and the courage to take risks or challenge norms.
Meaning: The ability to produce original and valuable ideas, solutions, or artistic expressions. (Noun)
Pronunciation: kree-ay-tiv-i-tee
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner-Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *creare* (to create) + English suffix *-ity*, forming a noun from the verb âcreate.â The concept evolved into its modern form during the Renaissance and Enlightenment.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Creativity is often misunderstood as being limited to the arts, but it applies everywhereâfrom science labs to boardrooms. In writing or speaking, use this word when discussing innovation, freedom, and originality. It also fits well in topics related to education, workplace culture, and mental well-being.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: originality, inventiveness, imagination, innovation, ingenuity
Antonyms: conformity, routine, repetition, rigidity, imitation
Usage Examples:
- True creativity often emerges in environments that encourage freedom and experimentation.
- The company's success is fueled by a culture of innovation and creativity.
- Children show remarkable creativity when given unstructured playtime.
- Fear and censorship are enemies of creativity in any artistic field.
Cultural Reference:
"Creativity is intelligence having fun." â Often attributed to Albert Einstein, highlighting the joyful side of innovative thinking.
Think About It:
What practices or environments help you nurture your creativity? What conditions tend to suppress it?
Quick Activity:
List three activities that spark your creativity. How can you include them more often in your daily routine?
Memory Tip:
âCreativityâ comes from âcreateââif youâre creating something new, you're tapping into creativity!
Real-World Application:
Creativity is essential in fields like education, technology, marketing, design, leadership, and even personal development. Cultivating it can lead to better problem-solving, innovation, and fulfillment in both personal and professional life.
Word 5: Originality
Context:
"Freedom and creativity are essential for comedy. Fear about offending people hinders originality." â Commentary on Artistic Expression
Explanatory Paragraph:
âOriginalityâ refers to the quality of being new, fresh, or unique. It involves expressing ideas in a way that hasnât been done before. In the sentence provided, it suggests that when people are afraid of offending others, they may hold back from expressing bold or unconventional thoughtsâthus suppressing originality. This word is often used in creative, academic, and professional settings to praise innovation, uniqueness, and thinking outside the box.
Meaning: The ability to think or create in new and unique ways. (Noun)
Pronunciation: uh-ri-juh-nal-i-tee
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *originem* (beginning, source) â *originalis* (first, primary), combined with the English suffix *-ity* to form a noun expressing quality or condition.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âOriginalityâ is a great word for essays or reviews when discussing art, writing, design, or thought. Use it to praise someone's work or to discuss what makes an idea stand out. Itâs closely tied to creativity, but while creativity is the process, originality is the result that stands apart from the rest.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: uniqueness, innovation, inventiveness, individuality, novelty
Antonyms: imitation, repetition, cliché, conformity, copy
Usage Examples:
- The show was praised for its originality and bold storytelling.
- Originality is what sets great comedians apart from the rest.
- Her originality shone through in every painting she created.
- In a world of copies, true originality is rare and valuable.
Cultural Reference:
"All great art begins with originalityâsomething that comes from the soul, not from copying others." â Commonly expressed in creative arts education and critique.
Think About It:
Can true originality exist in a world where we are constantly influenced by others? What does it mean to be truly original?
Quick Activity:
Think of a book, song, or invention you admire for its originality. What makes it stand out?
Memory Tip:
âOriginalityâ comes from âoriginââthink of it as going back to the source of something new and authentic.
Real-World Application:
Originality is prized in creative industries, startups, education, and innovation-focused roles. It helps individuals and ideas break through the noise and make a lasting impact.
