The question after a joke
Original practice source: a commentary about explaining humour.
A joke may depend on a shared meaning which one listener does not yet possess. Explaining that meaning can make a later encounter possible, even if it does not recreate the first moment of surprise. Understanding and immediate laughter are not identical results.
An explanation can also flatten an experience by pretending that one technique accounts for every response. Timing, voice and context may matter alongside the words. A useful account can identify part of the effect while allowing the listener to remain unamused. Being able to explain a joke does not give someone the right to prescribe its reception.
An arts magazine is inviting articles on the statement: “Explaining a joke always ruins it.”
Write an article for the magazine arguing your view. You may use ideas from the source and your own ideas.
60 exam-style questions on Oxford AQA IGCSE English Language 2.2.1 Writing for audience and purpose. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.