<p>21.
Which of the following, if true, would best support the main argument presented in passage 2?
(A) Literary greatness can sometimes be the subject of offensive satire.
(B) Certain subjects are not easily satirized.
(C) Intelligent men and women appreciate a good joke at their own expense every now and then.
(D) Humorists are likely to be well received when they undertake to ridicule respected writers of the past.
(E) Contemporary humorists are never as insightful as the great comic writers of the past.</p>
<p>Why (A) is wrong:
</p>
<p>The author is passage two suggests that true humorists, great figures of the literary world, “do not at every turn slap their readers on the back… they kept their humor in its proper place… a wise purpose… did not degrade it to catch… applause.” Therefore, this answer choice is irrelevant because literary greatness is never stated to be a result of offensive satire, but rather the product of calculated, circumspect purpose.</p>
<p>Why (C) is wrong:
</p>
<p>This response essentially epitomizes the antithesis of the passage’s argument. Humor isn’t forced, trite, or expected. And it isn’t just done for sh1ts and giggles.</p>
<p>Why (D) is wrong:
[quote]
Humorists are likely to be well received when they undertake to ridicule respected writers of the past**</p>
<p>Avoids the point of the passage. Never says anything about humorists being lauded when they insult iconic writers.</p>
<p>Why (E) is wrong:
This is an example of a trick answer that is thrown into most mixes of answer choices. You’ve probably heard this many times but generally you’ll have… one correct answer, one seemingly correct answer with a crucial flaw, and three bogus answers that may have some element of accuracy but are generally filler and for people who don’t understand most of the passage. However, the ONE correct answer is always supported by the passage, whether it be completely direct or implicit. First of all, the author never references all contemporary humorists. He only points out that the ancient thinkers were the true humorists of our world and then expatiates on their qualities that we seemingly LACK. HOWEVER, this answer choice is refuted by this phrase: are never as insightful as. This is complete bunk because the author says Mark Twain’s work would have been brilliant had it not been for his flawed modern humor. “…it is the more pitiful because he has a talent which stands in need of no… embellishment.” Contemporary humors can be as insightful as the great comic writers of the past but are hampered by their inferior humor.</p>
<p>Why (B) is correct!!!
Well, first, by process of elimination this has to be right. Although I am not particularly pleased with this answer choice because I don’t like it, it is the right one. This response suggests the difficulty one finds to be deftly satirical. Certain subjects is just a way of saying in general. So in general it’s hard to be humorous, I guess is what they are saying. And it is hard to be truly humorous because it takes a lot of mental thought. Hopefully this makes sense? If not let me know.</p>
<p>Honestly don’t feel bad about getting this wrong. It’s an online test and I don’t think they’re as good as the blue book or the released exams. It’s a tad wishy-washy, so to speak.</p>
