What's so funny? (Opener)

What's so funny? (Opener)

What's funny to you? Are there things that others find funny that you don't? What are some examples?

Share your answers with the class.

What effect does laughter have on people? How can humor be used when discussing unpleasant topics or issues?

Share your answers with the class.

Vocabulary

Guess pronunciation and read.

1. Comedian

An entertainer who tells jokes to make people laugh.

2. Delivery

The way a joke or humorous story is told.

3. Exaggerate

To indicate that something is bigger, worse, or more important that it really is.

4. Expose

To uncover, reveal.

5. Hysterical

Extremely funny.

6. Kid

To say something as a joke.

7. Off-color

Rude or offensive.

8. Offensive

Something that upsets or embarrases because it is rude or insulting.

9. Point out

To direct attention to something.

10. Profanity

Offensive language; swearing.

12. Shortcut

A way that is more direct or quicker.

13. Universal

Related to everyone in a group, society, or the world.

14. Witty

Amusing in a clever way.

EXERCISE 01

Read this profile of comedian Jerry Seinfeld and choose the correct option for each item.

In pairs, answer these questions.

• What type of comedy does Seinfeld specialize in?

• How does Seinfeld use his voice in his delivery?

• What does Seinfeld think about the role of profanity in comedy? Do you agree?

• What do you think of Seinfeld's approach to comedy? Can ordinary events be funny?

Is it funny to you? Why? Why not?

Read and give opinion.

The baby

A woman gets on a bus with her baby. The driver says “Ugh – that’s the ugliest baby I’ve ever seen! ”The woman just walked to the back of the bus and sat down. She said to the man next to her: “The driver just insulted me! ”The man said: “You go up there and tell him off. Go on. I’ll hold your monkey for you.”