What's So Funny? - IELTS Reading Answers Explained

What's So Funny? - IELTS Reading Answers Explained: The IELTS reading module has to be attempted in a one-hour duration and has three sections. Students preparing for Academic IELTS reading will have to attempt three long passages answering 40 questions. Students should aim high and score a minimum of band 7 in IELTS reading to attract various scholarships granted by universities. The below “What’s So Funny?” is an example passage for students to read and understand the way it should be attempted.

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This Story also Contains

1. Reading Passage: What's So Funny?
2. Understanding the “What’s so Funny” Passage
3. Key Themes and Main Ideas
4. Strategies for Answering IELTS Reading Questions
5. Common Question Types in "What's So Funny?"
6. Detailed Explanation of Answers
7. Tips to Improve Your IELTS Reading Skills
8. Utilizing Practice Resources Effectively
9. Final Thoughts
10. About the Author:

Reading Passage: What's So Funny?

John McCrone reviews recent research on humour

Paragraph 1:
The joke comes over the headphones: ' Which side of a dog has the most hair? The left.' No, not funny. Try again. Which side of a dog has the most hair? The outside.' Hah! The punchline is silly yet fitting, tempting a smile, even a laugh. Laughter has always struck people as deeply mysterious, perhaps pointless. The writer Arthur Koestler dubbed it the luxury reflex: 'unique in that it serves no apparent biological purpose'.

Paragraph 2:
Theories about humour have an ancient pedigree. Plato expressed the idea that humour is simply a delighted feeling of superiority over others. Kant and Freud felt that joke-telling relies on building up a psychic tension that is safely punctured by the ludicrousness of the punchline. But most modern humour theorists have settled on some version of Aristotle's belief that jokes are based on a reaction to or resolution of incongruity, when the punchline is either nonsense or, though appearing silly, has a clever second meaning.

Paragraph 3:
Graeme Ritchie, a computational linguist in Edinburgh, studies the linguistic structure of jokes in order to understand not only humour but language understanding and reasoning in machines. He says that while there is no single format for jokes, many revolve around a sudden and surprising conceptual shift. A comedian will present a situation followed by an unexpected interpretation that is also apt.

Paragraph 4:
So even if a punchline sounds silly, the listener can see there is a clever semantic fit, and that sudden mental 'Aha!' is the buzz that makes us laugh. Viewed from this angle, humour is just a form of creative insight, a sudden leap to a new perspective.

Paragraph 5:
However, there is another type of laughter, the laughter of social appeasement and it is important to understand this too. Play is a crucial part of development in most young mammals. Rats produce ultrasonic squeaks to prevent their scuffles from turning nasty. Chimpanzees have a 'play-face' - a gaping expression accompanied by a panting 'ah, ah' noise. In humans, these signals have mutated into smiles and laughs. Researchers believe social situations, rather than cognitive events such as jokes, trigger these instinctual markers of play or appeasement. People laugh on fairground rides or when tickled to flag a play situation, whether they feel amused or not.

Paragraph 6:
Both social and cognitive types of laughter tap into the same expressive machinery in our brains, the emotion and motor circuits that produce smiles and excited vocalizations. However, if cognitive laughter is the product of more general thought processes, it should result from more expansive brain activity.

Paragraph 7:
Psychologist Vinod Goel investigated humour using the new technique of 'single event' functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). An MRI scanner uses magnetic fields and radio waves to track the changes in oxygenated blood that accompany mental activity. Until recently, MRI scanners needed several minutes of activity and so could not be used to track rapid thought processes such as comprehending a joke. New developments now allow half-second 'snapshots' of all sorts of reasoning and problem-solving activities.

Paragraph 8:
Although Goel felt being inside a brain scanner was hardly the ideal place for appreciating a joke, he found evidence that understanding a joke involves a widespread mental shift. His scans showed that at the beginning of a joke, the listener's prefrontal cortex lit up, particularly the right prefrontal cortex, believed to be critical for problem-solving. But there was also activity in the temporal lobes at the side of the head (consistent with attempts to rouse stored knowledge) and in many other brain areas. Then when the punchline arrived, a new area sprang to life -the orbital prefrontal cortex. This patch of brain tucked behind the orbits of the eyes is associated with evaluating information.

Paragraph 9:
Making a rapid emotional assessment of the events of the moment is an extremely demanding job for the brain, animal or human. Energy and arousal levels may need to be returned in the blink of an eye. These abrupt changes will produce either positive or negative feelings. The orbital cortex, the region that becomes active in Goel's experiment, seems the best candidate for the site that feeds such feelings into higher-level thought processes, with its close connections to the brain's sub-cortical arousal apparatus and centres of metabolic control.

Paragraph 10:
All warm-blooded animals make constant tiny adjustments in arousal in response to external events, but humans, who have developed a much more complicated internal life as a result of language, respond emotionally not only to their surroundings but to their thoughts. Whenever a sought-after answer snaps into place, there is a shudder of pleased recognition. Creative discovery being pleasurable, humans have learned to find ways of milking this natural response. The fact that jokes tap into our general evaluative machinery explains why the line between funny and disgusting, or funny and frightening, can be so fine. Whether a joke gives pleasure or pain depends on a person's outlook.

Paragraph 11:
Humour may be a luxury, but the mechanism behind it is no evolutionary accident. As Peter Derks, a psychologist at William and Mary College in Virginia, says: 'I like to think of humour as the distorted mirror of the mind. It's creative, perceptual, analytical, and lingual. If we can figure out how the mind processes humour, then we'll have a pretty good handle on how it works in general.

Understanding the “What’s so Funny” Passage

To answer the questions for the passage, the first thing you need to do is read the questions, your thought of reading the passage should be task two. Once you have read the questions, you know what you are looking for, now, here is what you do while reading the passage-

Overview of the "What's So Funny?" Passage

Making an overview (gist) is one of the most effective ways to know what is happening in the passage, this is not necessary but highly recommended, it will help you peruse through the passage much faster at later stages of the exam, here is an example overview of the passage-

Paragraph 1: Humor is like a mystery with no particular reason, and it brings out laughter.

Paragraph 2: Explanation of humour in ancient and modern theories as releasing tension and sometimes unreasonable.

Paragraph 3: Studies were done by linguists for structuring jokes that proved humour often comes from unexpected ways.

Paragraph 4: The joy of humour comes from recognizing a sudden connection.

Paragraph 5: Laughter or humour is like a social function that signifies play and prevents violent behaviour.

Paragraph 6: Both social and cognitive laughter originate or come distinctively and engage the brain in the same way.

Paragraph 7: The latest MRI technology allows scientists to study humour’s brain activity in real time.

Paragraph 8: Identification of the activities of many parts of the brain, especially those involved in problem solving and evaluation at the time of listening to the jokes.

Paragraph 9: The brain quickly processes humour, linking emotional reactions to cognitive understanding.

Paragraph 10: Humans react emotionally not only to external events but also to thoughts, and humour with disgust or fear.

Paragraph 11: Understanding humor may offer insights into human cognition, as it engages creativity, perception, and language.

Key Themes and Main Ideas

Knowing the key themes and ideas of the passage has a similar effect as the overview, so here are the main key themes and main ideas-

• Different theories of humor

• Processing of jokes: Linguistics and Cognitive

• Role of laughter

• Humour with Neurological basis

• Different aspects of humour and its creative process

Strategies for Answering IELTS Reading Questions

Now that you know how to read and what to do after reading, let's see how you can make answering questions easier-

1. Skimming for Key Information

Skimming means going through a piece of text while only paying attention to important things, this will ensure that it takes you a few seconds at most to get through the passage, which will be monumental in answering the questions.

While you are reading the passage, you should mark important words and dates, this will help you skim through the text more easily.

2. Identifying Keywords and Synonyms

You can do this step while you are marking important words, the main idea behind this is to know what keywords are used to convey the point of the paragraph to the reader and the synonyms that the writers are using to portray the same point without repeating the words.

Common Question Types in "What's So Funny?"

Now let's look at what type of questions you can expect to see in your exam-

1. Multiple-Choice Questions

2. What is the most widely accepted theory of humour today?

A. Humour is a way to show mastery over others.

B. Humour results from resolving incongruity.

C. Humour is a biological and automatic response with no purpose.

D. Humour is just a social behaviour.

Answer: B

2. What does Graeme Ritchie believe is essential for a joke to be funny?

A. A clear structure.

B. A surprising yet fitting conceptual shift.

C. A very difficult linguistic formation.

D. A gradual form of tension.

Answer: B

3. What is the function of the orbital prefrontal cortex in humour?

A. It helps to recall stored knowledge.

B. It evaluates new information and emotional responses.

C. It prepares the motor function for laughter.

D. It puts down unnecessary reactions.

Answer: B

2) True/False/Not Given

This is unlike normal true and false, which has another type of answer that is not given. In this, the statement will be closely related but the particulars of the statement will not be given in the paragraph.

Some examples of these types of questions are as follows:

1. Arthur Koestler believed that humour serves an important biological purpose.
   False

2. MRI scanning technology has always been able to track quick and spontaneous thought processes.
   False

3. Chimpanzees show a form of laughter that is similar to humans.
   True

4. Goel’s research concluded that humour does not involve any brain activity.
   False

5. The passage states that all cultures take humour in the same way.
   Not Given

3) Matching Information or Headings

In these types of questions, you will be required to match a heading with the paragraph or identify the paragraph from the heading.

Match the following headings (A–E) with the correct paragraphs (1–11).

A. Humor as a Cognitive Process
B. Theories of Humor from Ancient to Modern Times
C. Humor as a Biological Evolutionary Trait
D. Scientific Studies on Humor Processing in the Brain
E. The Social Function of Laughter

Answer:

1. Paragraph 2 → B

2. Paragraph 5 → E

3. Paragraph 7 → D

4. Paragraph 10 → A

5. Paragraph 11 → C

Detailed Explanation of Answers

The detailed information of the answers will help you analyze mistakes you have made:

1. Multiple-Choice Questions

2. What is the most widely accepted theory of humour today?

Answer: Humour results from resolving incongruity.

Explanation: The second paragraph mentions many modern theorists believing Aristotle’s belief of humour based on resolving incongruity. Also, meaning that humour comes when something happens surprisingly.

2. What does Graeme Ritchie believe is essential for a joke to be funny?

Answer: A surprising yet fitting conceptual shift.

Explanation: In the third paragraph, Graeme Ritchie concludes that jokes rely on sudden and surprising conceptual shifts. The person presenting the joke gives a meaningful interpretation, which makes the joke funny.

3. What is the function of the orbital prefrontal cortex in humour?

Answer: It evaluates new information and emotional responses.

Explanation: According to paragraph 8, when a punchline is delivered, it activates the orbital prefrontal cortex and this helps in evaluating if the joke is funny or not.

2) True/False/Not Given

The detailed explanation of the answers given above is as follows:

1. The answer is False because the given statement contradicts the idea that humour has an important biological function according to paragraph 1.

2. The answer is False because paragraph 7, clearly states that only the recent advancements allowed half-second snapshots.

3. The answer is True because paragraph 5 describes the way chimpanzees show laughter-like behaviour.

4. The answer is False because in paragraph 8, according to Vinod Goel's fMRI studies, humour involved significant mental processing.

5. The answer is not given because the entire passage does not mention the cultural differences in humour.

3) Matching Heading Explanation

1. Paragraph 2 → B. Theories of Humor from Ancient to Modern Times

• Explanation: This paragraph outlines different historical theories of humour, from Plato’s superiority theory to Aristotle’s incongruity theory.

2. Paragraph 5 → E. The Social Function of Laughter

• Explanation: This paragraph highlights laughter as a social behaviour rather than a cognitive response. It mentions how mammals use laughter-like signals to prevent aggression and how humans laugh in social situations, even without amusement.

3. Paragraph 7 → D. Scientific Studies on Humor Processing in the Brain

• Explanation: This paragraph describes psychologist Vinod Goel’s fMRI studies on humour processing. It shows how modern MRI scanners help track brain activity related to joke comprehension.

4. Paragraph 10 → A. Humor as a Cognitive Process

• Explanation: This paragraph explains that humour comprises problem-solving, memory retrieval, and evaluating information.

5. Paragraph 11 → C. Humor as a Biological Evolutionary Trait

• Explanation: This paragraph argues that humour is not just a luxury but an essential cognitive function shaped by evolution. The passage highlights that humour reflects the complexity of human thought.

4) Analyzing Context to Identify Correct Answers

As a student preparing for the IELTS reading section, you will have to identify contextual clues. This skill will make you identify many answers in less time. You will be able to develop this skill by becoming an active reader, making a vocabulary journal, and identifying words that signal to facts, or different aspects of the passage.

5) Handling Tricky or Confusing Questions

The examiners will be making a lot of tricky questions, I mean they have nothing better to do, so here is how you handle them and not give them the sweet satisfaction of knowing that their tricks worked on you-

Read the questions carefully.

• Know what the passage is talking about.

• Know what the question is asking about.

• Break down the question statement into simpler chunks, to understand in detail.

• Search for appropriate information.

Tips to Improve Your IELTS Reading Skills

Well, now that you know how to read the passage, what questions to expect, and how to answer them, let's see how you can sit down and read, cause today even that is a feat.

1. Practice Regularly with Sample Passages

Sample passages are one of the best ways to practice reading, much like how sample papers are good practice for exams, but just constantly reading sample passages won't develop a habit of reading, for that, reading stuff like magazines and newspapers is a lot more effective. Make sure that any reading material you prefer is authenticated and from a native English person.

2. Develop Time Management Techniques

You can take as long as you want while practising, but in the exam, you have sixty minutes to complete three passages, so managing your time will be imperative. Here are the best ways to do that-

• Practice on the clock, this will help you be more mindful of the time.

• Don't linger on questions.

• Remember to come back to the questions you passed on.

3. Learn to Avoid Common Mistakes

Now that you know everything about this topic, let's see what the common mistakes that people make, which you won't, cause you will know about them-

• Misreading the question

• Misunderstanding the words

• Not knowing synonyms

Utilizing Practice Resources Effectively

As you set the target of scoring high bands in the IELTS, you should thoroughly use the authenticated material to prepare for the exam. Either download for free or purchase the authenticated Cambridge books and then prepare your roadmap for IELTS preparation. Attempt a mock test to identify your current band level and aim to improve as per the requirements you have. Ideally, one band improvement takes around 15 days of dedicated timeline.

1. Recommended Books and Online Materials

The most recommended IELTS preparation materials are

• Series of Cambridge IELTS books

• IELTS mock test from British Council (ROAD TO IELTS)

• Authenticated online portals for CBT IELTS

2. Taking Mock Tests for Better Preparation

It is very important to attempt an IELTS mock test as these tests will give the candidates an exam-like environment and a clear picture of the bands they can expect in their actual IELTS exam. Some of the benefits of attempting the IELTS mock test are as follows:

• Builds confidence

• Realization of mistakes

• Time management

• Helps in analyzing what aspects need particular attention and improvement.

Final Thoughts

As you plan your preparation for the IELTS, remember there should be zero procrastination while you prepare. You should build a perfect timetable and follow it diligently to gracefully clear the exam within a stipulated time frame.

1. Building Confidence for the IELTS Reading Test

You will be able to build confidence for the IELTS reading test, not just by attempting various sample papers and following the tips and tricks of the IELTS reading section, but also by reading authenticated English material published in various native English books and newspapers.

2. Staying Calm and Focused During the Exam

While preparing for the IELTS exam, there will be times you will feel that you are stuck to a particular band score, but do not worry, go on with your practice, trust yourself, do not shy away from seeking help from an IELTS expert, and lastly, maintain a perfect balance in life.

About the Author:

Pooja Aggarwal is an experienced trainer with over 15 years of expertise in helping students achieve their educational goals. With a degree in Education, she focuses on clear, patient, and personalized instruction. Her approach has successfully guided students from diverse backgrounds, preparing them for both Academic and General Training modules of various exams in a supportive and engaging environment.