Meaning: 'Claim' means to assert or state something as a fact, often without providing evidence, in this case, suggesting that people believe they have a sense of humour.

Wrong options:

• demand: 'Demand' implies a strong request or insistence, which does not fit the context of expressing a belief about humour.
• look: 'Look' does not convey the idea of asserting a belief; it suggests a visual action, making it irrelevant here.
• deserve: 'Deserve' indicates entitlement, which does not align with the context of claiming a sense of humour.

Correct answer: caused

Explanation: The word 'caused' is the correct choice as it indicates that annoyances and frustrations are the result of actions or events. It fits grammatically and contextually, as it refers to the source of the issues mentioned in the sentence.

Meaning: 'Caused' means to bring about or make something happen, in this case, referring to the source of annoyances and frustrations.

Wrong options:

• brought: 'Brought' is a past tense verb that implies an action but does not fit the grammatical structure needed here, as it would require a different construction.
• made: 'Made' suggests creation but does not accurately convey the sense of resulting from something, making it less suitable in this context.
• effected: 'Effected' means to bring about or accomplish, but it is not commonly used in this context and does not fit grammatically.

Correct answer: fun

Explanation: The word 'fun' is appropriate here as it refers to the enjoyment or amusement derived from joking about someone. It fits grammatically and contextually, as it aligns with the idea of making light of a situation.

Meaning: 'Fun' refers to enjoyment or amusement, particularly in a light-hearted context, which is relevant when discussing humour.

Wrong options:

• joke: 'Joke' is a noun that does not fit grammatically in this context, as the sentence requires a noun that describes the outcome of the action.
• conversation: 'Conversation' implies a dialogue and does not convey the idea of amusement or enjoyment, making it irrelevant here.
• entertainment: 'Entertainment' is a broader term that does not specifically capture the light-heartedness implied by 'fun,' making it less fitting.

Correct answer: forward

Explanation: The word 'forward' is the correct choice as it indicates the action of presenting or proposing a theory. It fits grammatically and contextually, as it aligns with the intention of putting forth an idea.

Meaning: 'Forward' means to send or present something for consideration, in this case, a theory about humour and satire.

Wrong options:

• up: 'Up' does not convey the action of presenting an idea and is not appropriate in this context.
• in: 'In' suggests inclusion rather than presentation, making it unsuitable for the intended meaning.
• down: 'Down' implies a downward direction and does not fit the context of proposing a theory.

Correct answer: effective

Explanation: The word 'effective' is suitable here as it describes the ability of satire to bring about change or reform. It fits grammatically and contextually, as it aligns with the idea of satire being a powerful tool for reform.

Meaning: 'Effective' means successful in producing a desired or intended result, which in this context refers to the ability of satire to reform human follies.

Wrong options:

• handy: 'Handy' implies convenience rather than effectiveness, making it less relevant in this context.
• decent: 'Decent' suggests adequacy but does not convey the strength of impact implied by 'effective.'
• logical: 'Logical' refers to reasoning rather than the ability to bring about change, making it an inappropriate choice.