Oxymoron and Paradox

Which of the following best defines an oxymoron?

• A figure of speech that combines two contradictory words side-by-side.

• A statement that seems contradictory but contains a deeper truth.

• An extreme exaggeration used for emphasis or effect.

• A comparison between two things using the words 'like' or 'as'.

Answer explanation

An oxymoron joins two words with opposite meanings, such as 'deafening silence'. The other options define a paradox, hyperbole, and simile.

What is the primary characteristic of a paradox?

• It is a short, two-word phrase.

• It is a statement that appears self-contradictory but reveals an underlying truth.

• It is always a false or nonsensical statement.

• It gives human qualities to non-human objects.

Answer explanation

A paradox is a full statement that seems illogical on the surface but makes sense upon deeper reflection. An oxymoron is a two-word phrase.

In the sentence, "The ending of the movie was perfectly imperfect," which words form the oxymoron?

• ending of

• movie was

• perfectly imperfect

• The ending

Answer explanation

The words 'perfectly' and 'imperfect' have opposite meanings but are placed together to describe something that is wonderful because of its flaws.

What is the main structural difference between an oxymoron and a paradox?

• An oxymoron is typically a short phrase, while a paradox is a complete statement or idea.

• An oxymoron is used in poetry, while a paradox is used in prose.

• An oxymoron is always serious, while a paradox is always humorous.

• There is no difference; the terms are interchangeable.

Answer explanation

This highlights the key distinction: an oxymoron is a compact, two-word contradiction, whereas a paradox is a more complex, sentence-level contradiction.

The paradox "The more you learn, the more you realize how little you know" suggests what idea?

• Learning is a waste of time.

• True wisdom involves recognizing the vastness of knowledge and one's own limitations.

• It is impossible to ever know anything for certain.

• You should stop learning after a certain point.

Answer explanation

This paradox reveals that gaining knowledge opens your eyes to how much more there is to learn, which is a sign of wisdom.

Match each term to its correct definition.

• The general state of two ideas being in opposition to each other.

• Oxymoron

• A two-word phrase combining opposite terms, like 'living dead'.

• Contradiction

• A statement that seems false but contains a truth, like 'less is more'.

• Paradox

Answer explanation

Each term is matched with its specific definition, which helps distinguish between these related concepts.

Match the example sentence to the literary device it uses.

• Metaphor

• The politician was a wolf in sheep's clothing.

• Paradox

• To find yourself, you must first lose yourself.

• Oxymoron

• His new shoes were a classic replica of the original design.

Answer explanation

'Classic replica' is an oxymoron. 'To find yourself, you must lose yourself' is a paradox. 'Wolf in sheep's clothing' is a metaphor, not a paradox or oxymoron.

Match the oxymoron to the situation it best describes.

• Harm coming from an unexpected or allied source.

• Friendly fire

• A list of names that has been deliberately shuffled.

• Awfully good

• A slice of chocolate cake that tastes amazing.

• Random order

Answer explanation

This requires applying the contextual meaning of each oxymoron. 'Friendly fire' is harm from a friend, 'awfully good' expresses strong approval, and 'random order' describes intentional disorganization.

Drag the correct word to complete each definition. A(n) (a)   is a phrase like 'minor crisis', while a(n) (b)   is a statement like 'War is peace'.

• oxymoron
• paradox

Answer explanation

The first blank describes an oxymoron (a short phrase), and the second blank describes a paradox (a contradictory statement).

Complete the sentence by dragging the word that creates an effective oxymoron. The comedian's routine was (a)   funny.

• seriously
• very

Answer explanation

'Seriously funny' is an oxymoron because 'seriously' and 'funny' are contradictory, creating a strong, descriptive effect. 'Very' just intensifies 'funny' without creating a contradiction.