A dramatic type directed against an individual or a private institute with the intent to severely ridicule is called_________

Analyze the question: The question asks for the term for a piece of writing or drama aimed at a specific individual or private institution with the intent to severely ridicule them.

Explain the concepts:

• Satire: Uses humour, irony, or exaggeration to expose and criticise human folly or social vices. It targets society, general behaviour, or institutions broadly, usually with the aim of correction or reform.
• Burlesque: Imitates a serious work or subject in an absurd way, treating the trivial seriously or the serious trivially, to create comic effect. It targets a style or genre, not mainly a person.
• Caricature: Exaggerates a person's physical features or characteristics for comic effect. It is mostly visual or descriptive, not a dramatic type.
• Lampoon: A harsh, bitter, personal attack on a specific individual or institution, written to ridicule severely. It is more personal and more abusive than general satire.

Step-by-step solution:

1. Look at the key phrases: "directed against an individual or a private institute" means the target is specific and personal, not society at large.
2. "Intent to severely ridicule" means the tone is harsh and abusive, not gently corrective.
3. Satire (A) is broader and aims at reform, so it does not fit as well.
4. Burlesque (B) mocks through imitation of a genre or style, which does not match.
5. Caricature (C) is about exaggerating features, not a dramatic type.
6. Lampoon (D) is a personal, scathing attack on an individual or institution. This matches the definition exactly.

Answer: The correct option is D. lampoon.

Exam tip: Remember the link: Lampoon = Lash out at a person. Satire targets society's vices generally, while lampoon targets a specific person or body. When a question stresses "individual" and "severe ridicule", think lampoon.