Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 94%

One of the best ways to understand a group of people is to know what makes them laugh. Laughter encompasses the limits of the soul and serves social, psychological, and physiological functions. In humor, life is redefined and accepted. Irony and satire provide much keener insights into a group's collective psyche and values than do years of research. It has always been a great disappointment to Native Americans that the humorous side of their life has not been mentioned by experts on native American affairs. Rather, the image of the stern-faced redskin has been presented by the American Westerns.

What is implied by this paragraph?

Rationale

Native American humor deserves more attention.

The extract suggests that the humorous aspects of Native American life have been overlooked by experts, who have traditionally focused on a more serious and stern portrayal. This implies a need for more recognition and exploration of Native American humor to better understand their culture and psyche.

A (Native Americans really are as stern and serious as white men make them out to be.) YOUR ANSWER

The paragraph contradicts this statement by highlighting the disappointment of Native Americans regarding the one-sided, stern image often depicted by outsiders. It suggests that this portrayal is incomplete, implying there is more to their culture, such as humor, that is not being acknowledged.

B (Humor is the same all over the world.) YOUR ANSWER

The passage does not suggest that humor is universal; instead, it points out that understanding what makes a specific group laugh can provide deeper insights into their unique culture and values. This indicates that humor can vary significantly between different groups and cultures.

C (Native American humor deserves more attention.) CORRECT

The passage explicitly notes the neglect of Native American humor in expert discussions about Native American affairs. It highlights the importance of humor in understanding their culture, suggesting that it warrants more focus and appreciation.

D (The subject has a fear of heights.) YOUR ANSWER

There is no mention of heights or any related fear in the passage. The focus is entirely on cultural understanding and the role of humor in that context, making this choice irrelevant to the paragraph's content.

Conclusion

The passage emphasizes the significance of humor in revealing cultural identities and values, specifically pointing out the neglect of Native American humor by experts. By addressing this oversight, the paragraph implies that Native American humor deserves more attention to provide a fuller understanding of their culture, countering the stereotypical portrayal of them as stern and serious.

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