Unit 7
Why do We Laugh Inappropriately?
Working with words
A. The following words are synonyms and antonyms of the verb ‘laugh’. Group them into synonyms and antonyms.
Synonyms
chuckle
chortle
smile
snigger
giggle
grin
smirk
snicker
Antonyms
grimace
crackle
frown
pout
scowl
cry
groan
moan
sob
whoop
B. Match the following emotions with their definitions.
a. fear - vi. an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain or harm
b. anger - v. a strong feeling of displeasure
c. surprise - ix. an unexpected event, fact, etc.
d. disgust - i. a feeling of strong disapproval aroused by something unpleasant
e. sadness - ii. affected with grief or unhappiness
happiness - iii. a pleasurable or satisfying experience
g. relief - viii. removal or lightening of something oppressive, painful, or distressing
h. triumph - iv. a great victory or achievement
i. contentment - vii. the quality or state of being satisfied
Comprehension
A. Complete the following sentences with words/ phrases from the text.
a. According to Sophie Scott, laughter is one of the important and misunderstood behaviours.
b. After her study in Namibia, Scott came to the realization that laughter is one of our richest vocal tics.
c. Studies have shown that there are six universal emotions across cultures based on facial expressions.
d. Scott found out that most of the laughs have nothing to do with humour.
e. The couples who laugh at each other are likely to stay together for longer.
f. The primary way of communication of grown up people is laughter.
g. Comedians usually find it easier to work in larger places due to the contagious nature of laughter.
B. Answer the following questions.
a. Why do people giggle at someone’s pain or suffering?
People giggle at someone’s pain or suffering because the brain activity reflects areas normally associated with bodily motion and visualisation.
b. What did Scott’s study in Namibia come up with?
Scott’s study in Namibia came up with realization that laughter is one of our richest tics.
c. How is laughter a social bonding?
When we laugh with people, we show them that we like them, we agree with them, or that we are in same group as them. This is how laughter is a social bonding.
d. According to the author, what role does laughter play in husband-wife relationship?
According to the author, the couples who laugh with each other find it much easier to dissipate tension after a stressful event.
e. How does laughter work as a painkiller?
Laughter works as a painkiller by encouraging the release of endorphins – chemicals that should improve social bonding.
f. What did the study find about the relation between laughter and brain?The study found that laughter tickles the brain's mirror regions.
g. What are two emotions that the author associates with infants and adults?
The author associates crying and laughing with infants and adults.
h. How does a stand-up comedian take the audience’s laughter?
A stand- up comedian takes the audience's laughter as a conversation.
i. Show the relation between laughter and crowd.
The waves of laughter can catch on more easily when there are more people.
j. What does the author mean when he says “there is always a meaning to it"?
When the author says “there is always a meaning to it", he means that laughter is a powerful tool that laughter can be to express ourselves, and get people to listen.
Critical thinking
a. Do you agree that ‘the couples, who laugh together, stay together?’ Is it important for married couples to have the same sense of humour? Why?No wonder laughter brings people closer including those in love. As stated by experts being with a partner who is funny and loves jokes may not be enough. What a person requires to find is a partner who shares the same sense of humor. Having a funny bone doesn’t mean the couple are the complete match. Being able to laugh at the same things helps to create a strong foundation for the relationship.
The couples who laugh with each other find it much easier to disintegrate tension after a stressful event and overall, they are likely to stay together for longer. Other recent studies have shown that people who laugh together at funny videos are also more likely to open up about personal information. If a person meets a partner whom he or she can laugh with, it might mean their future relationship is going to be fun and filled with a good cheer.
b. Some people believe that sometimes crying is good for health. Do you believe it? Give your reasons.Crying is natural response that we have to a bunch of emotions including sadness, grief, joy and frustration. People try to suppress tears if they see them as a sign of weakness, but science suggests that doing so one can miss out a range of health benefits.
Shedding tears releases oxytocin and endorphins making people feel good and ease both physical and emotional pain. Crying may help to lift our spirits and make feel better. When we cry in response to stress, a number of stress hormones can be reduced. A study has shown that crying can help babies to sleep better. Crying helps to kill bacteria and keep the eyes clean because tears contain a fluid called lysozyme. Basal tears released every time a person blinks help to keep the eyes moist and prevent mucous membranes from dying out.
Crying is a normal human response to a whole range of emotions having number of health and social benefits, including pain relief and self- soothing effects.
Writing
a. Write a paragraph narrating an event from your life when you were involved in contagious laughter.I and my classmates decided to go to a stand - up comedy show. As soon as we reached the hall, it was full of audience. The hall was the part of the renowned hotel in the city. In the hall, there was wonderful light. We were in the last row. We were informed that the program would start at 1pm. We were excited to enjoy the live show. When the artist appeared on the stage, everyone in the hall welcomed him with rapturous applause. He started to speak and the audience burst into laughter. Throughout the show each of the punch lines made the hall full of laughter. Sometimes, the sound was inaudible to us, and we couldn’t stop laughing without the comedian’s jokes when there was laughter in the front row. It was the most interesting part of the show.
b. Write a description of your favourite comedian explaining his/her personality, acting, performance and uniqueness.Charles Chaplin was an English comic actor, filmmaker, and composer. He was popular in the era of silent film. He is best remembered for his silent film character the Little Tramp. His career spanned more than 75 years.
Chaplin's movies cover social and political themes. Outfitted in a small coat, large pants, floppy shoes, and a battered derby, Tramp was condemned by polite society and unlucky in love but ever a survivor. Audiences loved his annoying behavior, his unexpected courage, and his ability to feel better after something unpleasant.
Grammar
Adverbs
B. Put the frequency adverbs in appropriate place and rewrite the following sentences.
a. I sometimes forget to do my homework. (sometimes)
b. My father has never touched an alcoholic drink in his life. (never)
c. My father often goes for a walk on Saturdays. (often)
d. We occasionally go to the movie theatre. (occasionally)
e. My brother is in America. He telephones us from time to time. (from time to time)
f. My mother always gets up at five o’clock. (always)
g. He does not like alcoholic drinks but takes some wine now and then. (now and then)
h. I generally drink my tea with milk. (generally)
i. Have you ever been to Agra? (ever)
j. The restaurant hours vary as it is frequently booked for special events. (frequently)
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