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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.
“It does seem to me that the job of comedy is to offend, or have the potential to offend, and it cannot be drained of that potential,” Rowan Atkinson said of cancel culture. “Every joke has a victim. That’s the definition of a joke. Someone or something or an idea is made to look ridiculous.” The Netflix star continued, “I think you’ve got to be very, very careful about saying what you’re allowed to make jokes about. You’ve always got to kick up? Really?” He added, “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
A. All jokes target someone and one should be able to joke about anyone in the society, which is inconsistent with cancel culture.
B. Every joke needs a victim and one needs to include people from lower down the society and not just the upper class.
C. Victims of jokes must not only be politicians and royalty, but also arrogant people from lower classes should be mentioned by comedians.
D. Cancel culture does not understand the role and duty of comedians, which is to deride and mock everyone.
Solution with Explanation
Correct Answer: A
Detailed explanation by Wordpandit:The core ideas presented in the passage can be distilled into the following points:
i) The fundamental purpose of a joke is to target and offend its subject, regardless of their societal status.
ii) The prevailing cancel culture deems it inappropriate to make jokes about individuals belonging to lower strata of society.
Option A aptly encompasses both of these primary concepts and, therefore, stands as the accurate choice.
In contrast, Option B deviates from the passage's main theme. The paragraph does not aim to persuade the inclusion of individuals from the lower class in jokes; rather, it scrutinizes the implications of cancel culture on humor.
Similarly, Option C strays from the central ideas of the passage. The focus is not on ensuring a diverse audience for jokes, but rather on the dynamics between jokes, targets, and societal status.
Option D also misrepresents the primary content of the passage. Nowhere in the text are the comedian's duties or responsibilities explicitly discussed.
Hence, the correct and comprehensive option that encompasses the main ideas is indeed Option A.
Word 1: Offend
Context:
"It does seem to me that the job of comedy is to offend, or have the potential to offend, and it cannot be drained of that potential,” Rowan Atkinson said of cancel culture.
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "offend" generally refers to causing someone to feel upset, annoyed, or hurt, usually by violating a social, moral, or personal norm. In the context of Rowan Atkinson's quote, it highlights the notion that comedy often walks a fine line between humor and sensitivity, and that its power sometimes lies in pushing societal boundaries. Being offensive can be a byproduct of addressing difficult truths or taboos, though the intention isn't always to harm.
Meaning: To cause someone to feel upset, annoyed, or insulted (verb)
Pronunciation: uh-FEND
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *offendere*, meaning "to strike against" or "displease."
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Understanding "offend" in different contexts is important—what offends in one culture might not in another. This word is often used in discussions of speech, social etiquette, and cultural sensitivity.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: insult, upset, affront, displease, provoke
Antonyms: please, flatter, compliment, soothe
Usage Examples:
- The comedian’s joke was meant to entertain, not offend.
- She didn't mean to offend anyone with her remarks about tradition.
- Some people are easily offended by controversial opinions.
- He apologized sincerely after realizing he had offended his host.
Cultural Reference:
"Free speech means the freedom to offend." — Salman Rushdie, speaking on the role of satire and literature in modern society.
Think About It:
Can humor and critique exist in their full forms if we try to avoid offending anyone at all?
Quick Activity:
List three things that people in different cultures might find offensive. Try to identify why they might feel that way and how context affects interpretation.
Memory Tip:
Think of “offend” as someone “off”-loading a comment that “ends” up hurting someone’s feelings.
Real-World Application:
"Offend" is commonly used in discussions of free speech, social media content moderation, and interpersonal communication. Understanding it is crucial for navigating debates on tolerance, sensitivity, and expression.
Word 2: Potential
Context:
"It does seem to me that the job of comedy is to offend, or have the potential to offend, and it cannot be drained of that potential,” Rowan Atkinson said of cancel culture.
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "potential" refers to the possibility or capability for something to happen or develop in the future. In Rowan Atkinson's quote, it emphasizes the idea that comedy inherently carries the possibility of offending—it may not always do so, but that risk or capability is an essential part of its nature. "Potential" underscores latent power or capacity that may not yet be realized but could manifest under the right conditions.
Meaning: The capacity to develop into something in the future; latent ability or power (noun/adjective)
Pronunciation: puh-TEN-shuhl
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *potentialis*, meaning "powerful," from *potentia* meaning "power."
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Potential" is often used to talk about talent, risk, or opportunity. Whether in people, ideas, or actions, it refers to what could be, not necessarily what already is. Keep an eye on how it modifies nouns—it tells you what something is capable of becoming or causing.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: capability, possibility, capacity, promise, power
Antonyms: limitation, incapability, weakness, impossibility
Usage Examples:
- She has great potential as a scientist and innovator.
- This new technology holds the potential to transform the energy industry.
- The film explores the potential consequences of unchecked power.
- Even a small idea has the potential to make a big difference.
Cultural Reference:
"With realization of one’s own potential and self-confidence in one’s ability, one can build a better world." – Dalai Lama
Think About It:
How can we distinguish between genuine potential and wishful thinking? What signs help us spot untapped potential?
Quick Activity:
Write down three personal strengths and next to each, describe the potential impact they could have on your future goals.
Memory Tip:
Think: "Potential = Power-in-waiting"—it hasn't happened yet, but it can!
Real-World Application:
"Potential" is used widely in education, business, science, and everyday speech to evaluate what someone or something could become or achieve. Recognizing potential helps in decision-making, mentoring, and innovation.
Word 3: Ridiculous
Context:
"That’s the definition of a joke. Someone or something or an idea is made to look ridiculous.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "ridiculous" describes something so absurd, unreasonable, or silly that it provokes laughter or mockery. In the context of the quote, it captures the essence of humor—highlighting the absurdity in people, actions, or ideas to make others laugh or reflect. Comedy often relies on exaggeration or the unexpected, and what is "ridiculous" is frequently the centerpiece of a good joke or satire.
Meaning: Deserving or inviting mockery or derision because of being absurd or unreasonable (adjective)
Pronunciation: ri-DIK-yuh-luhs
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *ridiculosus*, from *ridere* meaning "to laugh"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word is commonly used in both serious and humorous contexts. It's useful for expressing strong disapproval, but it also appears in casual speech to describe something bizarre or unexpected. In debates or satire, labeling something as "ridiculous" can shift the tone dramatically.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: absurd, laughable, ludicrous, preposterous, nonsensical
Antonyms: reasonable, sensible, logical, wise
Usage Examples:
- It’s ridiculous to expect anyone to finish that much work in one day.
- They wore ridiculous costumes to the party that made everyone laugh.
- His explanation was so ridiculous that no one took him seriously.
- Even the most ridiculous ideas can sometimes spark innovation.
Cultural Reference:
"The most ridiculous thing you can do is allow yourself to become too serious." — Ray Bradbury
Think About It:
Is labeling an idea as “ridiculous” a way of dismissing it, or can it sometimes reveal hidden truth through humor?
Quick Activity:
Write down three things that seemed ridiculous at first but later turned out to be useful or innovative.
Memory Tip:
Remember: *Ridiculous* sounds like *"ridicule us"* — if something is ridiculous, people might laugh at or mock it.
Real-World Application:
"Ridiculous" is a common descriptor in journalism, comedy, casual conversation, and critical analysis. Recognizing when something is being exaggerated for effect can help improve both interpretation and communication skills.
Word 4: Smug
Context:
"There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up."
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "smug" refers to a person who is irritatingly pleased with themselves, often in a way that suggests superiority or a lack of awareness about their flaws. In the given context, it is used to describe individuals who may not hold high social status but still display an overconfidence or self-righteousness that makes them resistant to criticism. The term often carries a negative connotation, implying arrogance and an air of moral or intellectual superiority.
Meaning: Having or showing an excessive pride in oneself or one's achievements (adjective)
Pronunciation: smuhg
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: Originated in the late 17th century from Low German *smuk* meaning "neat, tidy, trim."
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Be careful when using “smug”—it’s not just about confidence, but about that annoying brand of confidence where the person seems blind to their own shortcomings. It’s perfect for describing a person who believes they’re always right or better than others.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: self-satisfied, conceited, complacent, arrogant, snobbish
Antonyms: humble, modest, self-effacing, unassuming
Usage Examples:
- He gave a smug smile after correcting the professor’s mistake.
- Her smug attitude made it hard for others to celebrate her success.
- Don’t be so smug—you’re not the only one who saw the error.
- Even when he’s wrong, he remains smug and unbothered.
Cultural Reference:
"There’s a smug style in American liberalism that makes it impossible to have a real conversation." – Emmett Rensin (on political discourse)
Think About It:
Can being “smug” ever be justified, or does it always alienate others?
Quick Activity:
Think of a character from a movie or novel who acts smugly. Write down what makes them appear smug and how that impacts their relationships.
Memory Tip:
Imagine a person with a “smug mug”—a face wearing a proud, self-satisfied grin that’s hard to forget!
Real-World Application:
"Smug" is frequently used in social commentary, critiques, and media reviews to describe people who appear self-righteous or too pleased with their views, often ignoring others' perspectives or emotions.
Word 5: Arrogant
Context:
"Victims of jokes must not only be politicians and royalty, but also arrogant people from lower classes should be mentioned by comedians."
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "arrogant" describes someone who has an exaggerated sense of their own importance or abilities. Arrogant individuals often look down on others, act entitled, and believe they are superior, regardless of their actual status. In the quote, it highlights that arrogance is not limited to the elite; people from all walks of life can exhibit a condescending attitude. Comedy, therefore, should call out arrogance wherever it exists—not just among the powerful, but among everyday people as well.
Meaning: Having an inflated sense of self-importance; behaving in a proud, superior manner (adjective)
Pronunciation: AIR-uh-guhnt
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *arrogare*, meaning "to claim for oneself."
Prashant Sir's Notes:
It’s important to differentiate confidence from arrogance. Confidence uplifts; arrogance alienates. In literature and real life, arrogant characters are often portrayed as blind to their flaws and resistant to growth.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: conceited, haughty, proud, overconfident, egotistical
Antonyms: humble, modest, meek, unpretentious
Usage Examples:
- He was so arrogant that he refused to listen to anyone else’s opinion.
- Her arrogant behavior made it difficult for her to work as part of a team.
- Many leaders fail because they become too arrogant to accept criticism.
- The athlete’s arrogant remarks after the win turned fans against him.
Cultural Reference:
"The only thing more dangerous than ignorance is arrogance." – Albert Einstein
Think About It:
Can arrogance ever be mistaken for confidence? Where is the line between healthy self-esteem and arrogance?
Quick Activity:
Think of someone you admire and someone you consider arrogant. List the qualities that set them apart.
Memory Tip:
Remember: “Arrogant” people often “claim” (from *arrogare*) more than they truly deserve.
Real-World Application:
"Arrogant" is often used in media, reviews, personal feedback, and leadership analysis to critique attitudes that disregard others’ views. Understanding this word is key in discussions about behavior, professionalism, and personal growth.
