Most funny stories are based on comic situations. In spite of national differences, certain funny situations have a universal attraction. No matter where you live, you would find it difficult not to laugh at, say Charlie Chaplin’s early films. However, a new type of humour, which starts largely from the US, has recently come into fashion. It is called “sick humour”.

Comedians base their jokes on tragic situations like violent deaths or serious accidents. The following “sick humour” will enable you to amuse yourself.

A man who had broken his right leg was taken to hospital a few weeks before Christmas From the moment he arrived there, he kept on bothering his doctor to tell him when he would be able to go home. He was afraid of having to spend Christmas in hospital. Though the doctor did his best, the patient’s recovery was slow. On Christmas Day, the man still had his right leg in plaster(石膏).

He spent a miserable day in bed thinking of all the fun he was missing. The following day, however, the doctor consoled him by telling him that his chances of being able to leave hospital in time for New Year celebrations were good. The man took heart and, sure enough, on New Year’s Eve he was able to hobble(蹒跚) along to a party. To make up for his unpleasant experiences in hospital, the man drank a little more than what was good for him. In the process, he enjoyed himself thoroughly and kept telling everybody how much he hated hospitals. He was still murmuring something about hospitals at the end of the party when he slipped on a piece of ice and broke his left leg.

If you're someone who looks in the mirror every day and concentrates only on any little flaws(瑕疵) , you're not alone. For many people, struggling with body image issues is a continuous battle.

How hostile the world is to unattractive girls became a trending topic on Sina Weibo in March. The topic resonated with many girls who shared their personal experiences. One internet user talked about how her friends would often cut her image out of group pictures because they thought she was too fat.

“My nose is not high enough, my chin is short and flat, and my eyes are small,” Tang Yuqi, a college student, told China Youth Daily. She doesn't even answer the door without putting on makeup first. “I just can't accept myself if I'm not wearing it,” Tang added.

What promotes this anxiety among young people?

As the country's economy has developed rapidly, people are more likely to be affected by what others think of them. Greater time spent online also means greater exposure to advertisements promoting “paper-thin waist” or “chopstick legs”. Such unrealistic ideals only further young people's anxiety and lead to an unhealthy mindset of perfectionism.

The anxiety over appearance and shape has pushed some people into physical and mental illness. According to Beat, the UK's leading eating disorder charity, the idealization of thinness is a key factor in worsening the illness and preventing recovery. Some people even go through surgery just to achieve what they believe society considers "beautiful".

But beauty doesn't come from a makeup brush or a thinner waist. Growing taller and having perfect skin isn't the solution to insecurity. The fact that every person is different is something to be celebrated.

Are men able to dance? Well, if I am an example, then no—I have two left feet and taking to the dance floor just fills me with dread. But of course, we know that most of us have the potential to throw some shapes, 【小题1】

If you’ve ever watched fascinating dance shows on TV, you’ll know that there are men who have great dexterity and fancy footwork on the dance floor. These professional dancers have spent years learning and performing ballroom dances such as the waltz, foxtrot and tango.

【小题2】 According to a survey, over three quarters of British men have never or rarely danced. It found that over a third of men surveyed wouldn’t show off their skills on the dance floor because they were too embarrassed. And ten percent said what put them off was fear of being the center of attention, being made fun of, or being judged.

Women may say we have to relax, get on our feet and just let ourselves go! 【小题3】 But what helps is a crowded dance floor where there is safety in numbers. And according to the survey, 【小题4】 One man questioned said, “I don’t think I’m very good at it and therefore need some Dutch courage to get me on the floor.”

【小题5】 We need training, we need to practice and we need to lose our inhibitions. Gareth Dew, who took part in the survey, says, “I think to be able to dance you need to be able to let loose, be aware of your body and generally be more comfortable in yourself.” Would you agree?