A Comedian and Two Stories

A comedian is ​ (a)   to entertain an audience ​ (b)   . They may do this through jokes, ​ (c)   , acting foolish (as in slapstick), or employing prop comedy. A comedian who ​ (d)   directly is called a stand-up comedian.

• by making them laugh
• amusing situations
• addresses an audience
• a person who seeks

Comedians ​ (a)   all walks of life and have ​ (b)   of personalities, but they tend ​ (c)   some common ​ (d)   .

• come from
• a wide range
• to share
• characteristics

• Creativity: Comedians are ​ (a)   who are not afraid to think ​ (b)   and come up with new and ​ (c)   . They are also able to see the ​ (d)   of everyday life and situations.

• highly creative individuals
• outside the box
• original material
• funny side

• Observational skills: Comedians ​ (a)   observing the world around them and ​ (b)   in everyday situations. They ​ (c)   to identify and ​ (d)   at human foibles.

• are good at
• finding the humor
• are also able
• poke fun

• Strong stage presence: Comedians ​ (a)   to be able ​ (b)   a stage and connect with ​ (c)   . They need to have ​ (d)   , delivery, and energy.

• to command
• an audience
• good timing
• need

• Thick skin: Comedians ​ (a)   to be able ​ (b)   and rejection. They also need ​ (c)   to laugh ​ (d)   themselves.

• to handle criticism
• to be able
• at
• need

In addition to these ​ (a)   , comedians may also have ​ (b)   or talents that they use ​ (c)   . For example, some comedians are good ​ (d)   , while others are good at wordplay or satire.

• general characteristics
• specific skills
• in their act
• at physical comedy

Once upon a time, there was ​ (a)   who had a dog ​ (b)   a chicken. The comedian was ​ (c)   , and ​ (d)   and chicken were ​ (e)   .

• a comedian
• and
• very funny
• his dog
• his best friends

One day, the comedian ​ (a)   to perform at ​ (b)   in the city. He was ​ (c)   , but he was also ​ (d)   . He wanted to ​ (e)   that his performance was perfect.

• the comedian
• was invited
• a big show
• very excited
• a little nervous
• make sure

The comedian decided ​ (a)   with his dog and chicken. He told them ​ (b)   , and they ​ (c)   . The comedian ​ (d)   . He knew that his dog and chicken were his best critics, and if ​ (e)   , then the audience would too.

• to practice his jokes
• laughed and laughed
• was very happy
• all of his best jokes
• they liked his jokes