Passage 3 The Humorous Story and the Comic Story The humorous story may be spun to great length, and may wander around as much as it pleases, and arrives nowhere in particular; but the comic story and the witty story must be brief and end with a point. The humorous story bubbles gently along, the other two burst. The humorous story is strictly a work of art --- high and delicate art --- and only an artist can tell it; but no art is necessary in telling the comic and witty stories; anybody can do it. The art of telling a humorous story --- I mean by word of mouth, not print --- was created in America, and has remained at home. The humorous story is told gravely; the teller does his best to conceal the fact that he even dimly suspect that there is anything funny about it; but the teller of the comic story tells you beforehand that it is one of the funniest things he has ever heard, then tells it with eager delight, and is the first person to laugh when he gets through. And sometimes, if he has had good success, he is so glad and happy that he will repeat the "nub" of it and glance around from face to face, collecting applause, and then repeat it. It is a pathetic thing to see. Comprehension of the Text 1. The teller of a humorous story . A) laughs at his own joke B) is very serious when he tells it C) repeats it several times D) tells it with great fun 2. What can be said of the humorous story? A) It takes time for people to get fun from it. B) The teller reveals his point at the very beginning. C) It has a specific theme to invite laughter. D) It's not as funny as comic and witty stories. 3. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT true? A) The teller of the comic story laughs earlier than the others when he finishes it. B) Sometimes the teller of the humorous story doesn't think his story is funny. C) The teller of the humorous story is concerned about listeners' reaction. D) The teller of the comic story wants the listeners to share his delight 4. The humorous story . A) amuses only a few artists B) expects outburst laughter C) is hard to appreciate D) has no particular point 5. The word "conceal" (L1,Para3) most probably means . A) deny B) hide C) present D) reveal