In his book Laugh Your Way to Financial Success, author Frank Abbott argues that people with a sense of humor have more success in the business world than people who, in his terms, “lack the laughs.” Abbott writes convincingly about the benefits of having a sense of humor. He describes real-life situations in which workplace tensions are diffused by a joke. He also cites a study showing better health outcomes in people who can find the humor in difficult circumstances. In a general sense, Abbott’s point is well-taken: humor can help us lead better lives.

Question

In his book Laugh Your Way to Financial Success, author Frank Abbott argues that people with a sense of humor have more success in the business world than people who, in his terms, “lack the laughs.” Abbott writes convincingly about the benefits of having a sense of humor. He describes real-life situations in which workplace tensions are diffused by a joke. He also cites a study showing better health outcomes in people who can find the humor in difficult circumstances. In a general sense, Abbott’s point is well-taken: humor can help us lead better lives.

However, Abbott never proves his main premise: that having a sense of humor will bring you more money. His anecdotes tend to describe people using humor to reduce awkwardness at work or to feel better about difficult situations. None of his stories involve people receiving promotions, or larger paychecks, or even recognition from their bosses. Has Abbott seen actual examples of humor leading directly to financial success? He doesn’t say. In fact, he seems to deliberately muddle the meaning of success. The book’s title clearly specifies financial success. However, as chapter titles like Joke the Stress Away and The Break Room is Your Stage indicate, the focus quickly changes to non-financial measures of success. While these are certainly valid, they fall short of the title’s promise.

Abbott makes a good case for the benefits of going through life with a sense of humor. However, he falls short of showing how laughter leads to financial gains.

Question
Use the passage to answer the question.

What is the reviewer’s main criticism of the text?

(1 point)
Responses

It concentrates too narrowly on humor in the workplace.
It concentrates too narrowly on humor in the workplace.

It does not contain enough humorous anecdotes.
It does not contain enough humorous anecdotes.

It does not make a convincing case for the benefits of using humor.
It does not make a convincing case for the benefits of using humor.

It does not focus on financial success.
It does not focus on financial success.

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Answer 1

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