① Sarcasm and jazz have something surprisingly in common: You know them when you hear them. Sarcasm is mostly understood through tone of voice, which is used to portray the opposite of the literal words. For example, when someone says, “Well, that’s exactly what I need right now,” their tone can tell you it’s not what they need at all.

② Most frequently, sarcasm highlights an irritation or is, quite simply, mean.

③ If you want to be happier and improve your relationships, cut out sarcasm. Why? Because sarcasm is actually hostility disguised as humor.

④ Despite smiling outwardly, many people who receive sarcastic comments feel put down and often think the sarcastic person is rude, or contemptible. Indeed, it’s not surprising that the origin of the word sarcasm derives from the Greek word “sarkazein” which literally means “to tear or strip the flesh off.” Hence, it’s no wonder that sarcasm is often preceded by the word “cutting” and that it hurts.

⑤ What’s more, since actions strongly determine thoughts and feelings, when a person consistently acts sarcastically it may only serve to heighten their underlying hostility and insecurity. After all, when you come right down to it, sarcasm can be used as a subtle form of bullying—and most bullies are angry, insecure, or cowardly.

⑥ Alternatively, when a person stops voicing negative comments, especially sarcastic ones, they may soon start to feel happier and more self-confident. Also, other people in their life benefit even more because they no longer have to hear the emotionally hurtful language of sarcasm.

⑦ Now, I’m not saying all sarcasm is bad. It may just be better used sparingly — like a potent spice in cooking. Too much of the spice, and the dish will be overwhelmed by it. Similarly, an occasional dash of sarcastic wit can spice up a chat and add an element of humor to it. But a big or steady serving of sarcasm will overwhelm the emotional flavor of any conversation and can taste very bitter to its recipient.

⑧ So, tone down the sarcasm and work on clever wit instead, which is usually without any hostility and thus more appreciated by those you’re communicating with. In essence, sarcasm is easy while true, harmless wit takes talent.

⑨ Thus, the main difference between wit and sarcasm is that, as already stated, sarcasm is often hostility disguised as humor. It can be intended to hurt and is often bitter and biting. Witty statements are usually in response to someone’s unhelpful remarks or behaviors, and the intent is to untangle and clarify the issue by emphasizing its absurdities. Sarcastic statements are expressed in a cutting manner; witty remarks are delivered with undisguised and harmless humor.

1.1.Why does the author say sarcasm and jazz have something surprisingly in common?

A Both are recognized when heard.

B Both have exactly the same tone.

C Both mean the opposite of what they appear to.

D Both have hidden in them an evident irritation.

解析：选A。A 细节理解题。第一段①句作者借助冒号直接点明“讽刺与爵士乐惊人的共同点是'一听就知道’”,A项 Both are recognized when heard 是对句内冒号后 you know them when you hear them 的同义转述,故A正确。[排除干扰] B、C、D项均利用文中用以说明讽刺的相关词汇(第一段②句 tone of voice、portray the opposite of the literal words 以及第二段 irritation)设置干扰,但这些词汇与爵士乐并无直接关联,故都排除。

2.2.How do many people feel when they hear sarcastic comments?

A They feel hostile towards the sarcastic person.

B They feel belittled and disrespected.

C They feel a strong urge to retaliate.

D They feel incapable of disguising their irritation.

解析：选B。B 细节理解题。第四段①句指出,很多接收到讽刺性言论的人,尽管表面微笑,但实际会觉得自己被贬低,且会认为对方粗鲁或卑劣。B项 feel belittled and disrespected是对句内 feel put down的同义改写,故B正确。[排除干扰]A 项利用第三段③句中 hostility 设置千扰,但文中该词描述的是讽刺者的“敌意/敌对行为”,而非选项中 They所指代的被讽刺者的行为。C项利用第四段②句中to tear or strip the flesh off所体现的打击报复行为设置干扰,但该部分依然用以描述讽刺者的行为,而非被讽刺者的行为。D项杂糅第二段的 irritation和第三段③句的 disguised,但同样,二词均用以说明讽刺者的行为,而非被讽刺者的行为。

3.3.What happens when a person consistently acts sarcastically?

A They feel their dignity greatly heightened.

B They feel increasingly insecure and hostile.

C They endure hostility under the disguise of humor.

D They taste bitterness even in pleasant interactions.

解析：选B。B 细节理解题。第五段①句指出,由于行动极大地影响思想和情绪,因此一个持续讽刺别人的人也会加剧自身潜在的敌意和不安。B项 increasingly insecure and hostile是对句中 heighten...hostility and insecurity 的同义改写,故B正确。[排除干扰]A 项利用第五段①句中 heighten their...设置千扰,却将 heighten 的对象由 hostility and insecurity 偷换为 dignity。C项利用第三段③句中 hostility disguised as humor 设置干扰,但忍受者为被讽刺者,而非选项中They 所指代的讽刺者。D项利用第七段④⑤句中 spice up a chat、add an...humor、taste very bitter 杂糅捏造而来,但文意指“讽刺应适度,否则会破坏交谈氛围,令听者/被讽刺者感到苦涩”,选项与之相去甚远。

4.4.What does the author say about people quitting sarcastic comments?

A It makes others happier and more self-confident.

B It restrains them from being irritating and bullying.

C It benefits not only themselves but also those around them.

D It shields them from negative comments and outright hostility.

解析：选C。C 细节理解题。第六段①句指出,停止发表讽刺性言论对讽刺者本人的积极影响"变得更自信、更快乐”,(2)句进而指出对他人的积极影响“受益更多,因为不再听到伤感情的冷嘲热讽”。C项是对两句的高度概括,故C正确。[排除干扰]A 项张冠李戴,原文实指“停止讽刺使自身更快乐、更自信”,而非他人。B项利用第五段②句bullying、bullies、angry 设置干扰,但文意是指“讽刺自身可视为一种霸凌行为,讽刺者/霸凌者自身是愤怒、不安、懦弱的”,但文中并未指出“停止讽刺就会停止霸凌、停止愤怒(从常识上也可排除)”。D项利用第六段①句 negative comments 以及文中反复出现的 hostility设置干扰,但两词均用以描述讽刺(者)自身,换言之,(讽刺者)停止讽刺会让身边人免受负面言论攻击和敌对行为。

5.5.What is the chief difference between a speaker’s wit and sarcasm?

A Their clarity.

B Their emphasis.

C Their appreciation.

D Their intention.

解析：选D。D 细节理解题。末段①句指出,风趣与讽刺的主要区别在于讽刺实质上是伪装成幽默的敌意。随后②③句作出解释,指出讽刺意在伤人,而风趣意在澄清问题。可见,二者出发点/意图不同。D项是对原文内容的合理归纳与总结,且 intention 同义替换末段②③句 be intended、the intent。故 D正确。[排除干扰]A 项利用末段③句 untangle and clarify 所呈现的“理顺、清晰”之意设置干扰,但这重点用于分析风趣的目的,而非强调这是风趣与讽刺的主要区别。B、C项分别利用第八段①句中 appreciated 所展示的“赞赏”之意以及末段③句 emphasizing 所展示的“重点”之意设置干扰,但无论是“赞赏”、还是“重点”都是作者在论述风趣与讽刺的区别中的碎片信息，与二者的主要区别相去甚远。