Topic 87: Jokes and Stand-Up Comedy

A1 - A2 (Beginner - Elementary)

1. What is a joke?

2. Can you tell me a funny joke?

3. Do you like watching stand-up comedy? Why or why not?

4. What do you think makes people laugh?

5. Who is your favorite comedian?

6. Do you prefer jokes that are short or long? Why?

7. Have you ever laughed at a joke that wasn’t funny?

8. What kind of jokes do you think are funny?

9. Do you like watching comedy shows on TV or online?

10. How do comedians make people laugh?

11. What makes a good joke?

12. How do you feel when you hear a good joke?

13. What do comedians talk about in their shows?

14. Do you think telling jokes is a good way to make friends? Why?

15. Have you ever seen a comedian perform live?

16. If you could tell a joke to make everyone laugh, what would it be?

B1 - B2 (Intermediate - Upper-Intermediate)

17. What makes stand-up comedy different from other types of comedy?

18. How do comedians use everyday situations to make people laugh?

19. Why do people sometimes laugh at jokes that are not meant to be funny?

20. How does humor change when it is performed live versus on TV or the internet?

21. What role does timing play in delivering a good joke?

22. What is the difference between a funny joke and dark humor?

23. Do you think jokes can be offensive? Why or why not?

24. How do comedians use body language in their performances?

25. How does stand-up comedy reflect society and culture?

26. What makes a comedian popular?

27. Do you think everyone can be a comedian? Why or why not?

28. How do comedians use personal experiences to connect with their audience?

29. What is the role of satire in comedy?

30. How do comedians use irony and sarcasm in their routines?

31. What topics are off-limits in stand-up comedy?

32. How does humor help people cope with difficult situations?

C1 - C2 (Advanced - Proficient)

33. What are the psychological effects of laughter and humor in stand-up comedy?

34. How does stand-up comedy challenge social norms and expectations?

35. How do different cultural backgrounds influence what is considered funny?

36. Can humor be used as a tool for social change? Provide examples.

37. How do comedians balance entertainment with commentary on serious topics?

38. What ethical concerns arise in stand-up comedy, particularly with sensitive topics?

39. How does the internet and social media impact the style of modern comedians?

40. How do comedians adapt their humor to different audiences and contexts?

41. What makes certain comedians timeless, while others become less relevant?

42. How does comedy contribute to the breaking of taboos and stigmas in society?

43. Should comedians be held accountable for the impact of their jokes? Why or why not?

44. How does humor vary across different types of comedy (e.g., slapstick, observational, dark)?

45. What is the role of improvisation in stand-up comedy?

46. How do political and social climates influence the topics comedians choose to explore?

47. How do comedians use language, puns, and wordplay in their routines to enhance humor?

48. If you could create the ultimate comedy routine, what topics would you cover?