Read the following passage and answer the questions.

There was a time when the late Prime Minister of India, P.V. Narasimha Rao was asked by a journalist, "Sir, why do you always answer a question with a question?" Pat came the reply "Why shouldn't I answer a question with a question?" Such is the spontaneity of repartee that it leaves the person at the receiving end dumbfounded and speechless.
The word 'repartee' owes its origin to the French word repertoir which is a retort. Sir Sullivan states. "I have used the word 'artless' in my title for good reason, for if there be even a suggestion of premeditation about a repartee, it ceases to be what it is meant for-its power is gone ..., repartee is the saying of something on the spur of the moment which, by the unanimous consent of the hearers, leaves the person replied to practically destitute of speech by way of defence".
While repartee may be considered as the peak of wit, it necessarily needs to meet two conditions. First, it's always a rejoinder and second, it is delivered with lightning speed. The rejoinder need not always be a response to a spoken delivery and could include a response to an irritating action. Timing is the essence of repartee! It is different from 'staircase wit' which is when we think of a rather witty reply but only once we've left the door and are heading down the staircase. A repartee is typically delivered with courtesy although sometimes along with cleverness. It is distinct from an acrimonious reply but is brutal in its action. Which is why the Irish refer to it as an "insult with its dress suit on".