1.
Choose the correct definition of the word pun.
Correct Answer
A. A form of word play using words with two or more meanings, or the meanings of words with a similar sound, for an intended humorous or rhetorical effect.
Explanation
The correct answer is "A form of word play using words with two or more meanings, or the meanings of words with a similar sound, for an intended humorous or rhetorical effect." This definition accurately describes pun as a type of word play that involves using words with multiple meanings or similar sounds to create a humorous or rhetorical effect. Puns are often used for comedic purposes and can be found in jokes, riddles, and witty remarks.
2.
No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery.
This pun is based on an idiom and a homophone - what are they, and what do they mean?
Correct Answer(s)
B. HomopHone: stationery - paper and envelopes
C. Idiom: push the envelope - to go beyond commonly accepted boundaries
Explanation
The pun in the statement is based on the homophone "stationery" and the idiom "push the envelope". The homophone "stationery" refers to paper and envelopes, while the idiom "push the envelope" means to go beyond commonly accepted boundaries. The pun plays on the similarity in pronunciation between "stationery" and "stationary", with the latter meaning not moving or fixed in one place. Therefore, the statement humorously suggests that no matter how much you try to push the envelope (go beyond boundaries), it will still remain as stationery (paper and envelopes).
3.
True or false: All jokes in English are based on puns.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
This statement is false because not all jokes in English are based on puns. There are various types of jokes such as one-liners, knock-knock jokes, and observational humor that do not rely on puns for their humor. Puns are a type of wordplay where the humor comes from a play on words or multiple meanings of a word, but they are not the only basis for jokes in the English language.
4.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana!
What is this pun is based on?
Correct Answer
B. The fact that the word flies can be a verb and a noun.
Explanation
The pun in this statement is based on the fact that the word "flies" can be interpreted as both a verb and a noun. In the first sentence, "flies" is used as a verb, meaning that time passes quickly. In the second sentence, "flies" is used as a noun, referring to the insect. This play on words creates a humorous and unexpected twist in the sentence.
5.
Choose the best punning ending!
Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in _ ___.
Correct Answer
D. A tie
Explanation
The punning ending "a tie" is the best choice because it plays on the double meaning of the word. In a literal sense, silk worms produce silk which can be used to make ties. However, in a figurative sense, "a tie" refers to a situation where neither participant in a competition is declared the winner, which is the outcome of the race between the silk worms.
6.
Choose the answer that turns the question into a pun!
Where do you find giant snails?
Correct Answer
B. On the ends of giants’ fingers.
Explanation
The correct answer is "On the ends of giants’ fingers." This answer turns the question into a pun because it plays on the double meaning of "find." Instead of finding giant snails in a literal sense, the answer suggests that you can find them on the ends of giants' fingers, implying that the snails are so small that they can be mistaken for being on the giants' fingertips.
7.
Choose the answer that turns this question into a pun.
What's the best way to stop a bull charging?
Correct Answer
D. Take away his credit card.
Explanation
The answer "Take away his credit card" turns the question into a pun because it plays on the double meaning of "charging." In the context of the question, "charging" refers to a bull running aggressively. However, the answer interprets "charging" as a credit card transaction, implying that stopping a bull from spending money is the best way to prevent it from charging.
8.
True or false: This Is a pun.
Never play cards with big cats - they might be cheetahs!
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The given statement is a pun because it plays on the double meaning of the word "cheetahs." In the context of playing cards, "cheetahs" refers to the fast-moving big cats. However, it can also be interpreted as "cheaters," suggesting that the big cats might cheat during the card game. This play on words creates a humorous effect, making it a pun.
9.
Sometimes puns are based on cultural knowledge, areas of learning, or even accents. What branch of knowledge is this pun based on?
Two hydrogen atoms meet. One says, 'I've lost my electron.' The other says 'Are you sure?' The first replies, 'Yes, I'm positive.'
Correct Answer
B. Science
Explanation
This pun is based on the branch of knowledge known as science. The joke plays on the scientific concept of atoms and their electrons, using the term "positive" to refer to both the loss of an electron and a positive charge.
10.
Choose the best punning end to this little tale.
There was the person who sent ten puns to friends, with the hope that at least one of the puns would make them laugh.
Correct Answer
A. No pun in ten did.
Explanation
The correct answer is "No pun in ten did." This is the best punning end to the tale because it plays on the phrase "No pun intended" by using a play on words. It implies that all ten puns actually did make the friends laugh, despite the initial hope that at least one would.