WRITING SETUPS FOR JOKES.

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Random Punchlines – A setup joke writing exercise. It is helpful to be able to separate a punchline from the setup. Below are a list of 30 punchlines to real jokes. You should pick a random punchline and write as many setups as you possibly can for it.

Setups should be clear and concise. Delete any wasted words. Challenge yourself to write as many setups as you possibly can for each punchline.

  1. A nervous wreck!
  2. A smiley face.
  3. All of them!
  4. Because her students were so bright!
  5. Because it was too heavy to carry!
  6. Because it’s faster than walking!
  7. Because you can see right through them!
  8. But then I saw you!
  9. Give me a ring sometime!
  10. He changed his mind!
  11. He thought he couldn’t use his hands!
  12. I think not.
  13. I’m a fun guy.
  14. It ran out of gas.
  15. Mice-cream!
  1. No thank you I’ve already eaten.
  2. Nothing, they were free of charge!
  3. Now you’re under my spell.
  4. Pregnant!
  5. Right where you left him!
  6. She gave him the cold shoulder.
  7. She had no arms!
  8. So they don’t get spotted!
  9. Thanks, I’ll never part with this!
  10. The banana split.
  11. Then he disappeared.
  12. Time to get a new clock!
  13. To get to the other side
  14. To the movies.
  15. You read my mind.