Oxymoron and Paradox

Which of the following best defines an oxymoron?

• A long, complicated sentence that seems to contradict itself.

• A figure of speech that combines two opposite or contradictory terms in a brief phrase.

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

• A statement that is proven to be true after some thought.

Answer explanation

An oxymoron is a compact phrase, like 'jumbo shrimp,' that joins two words with opposite meanings. The other options describe a paradox, a simile, or a general truth.

Sort the following phrases into the correct categories.

Groups:

(a) Oxymoron

,

(b) Paradox

• alone together

• Save money by spending it

• deafening silence

• This is the beginning of the end

Answer explanation

Oxymorons are short, contradictory phrases ('deafening silence,' 'alone together'). Paradoxes are full statements that seem contradictory but contain a deeper truth.

A character in a story says, 'I must be cruel to be kind.' What underlying truth does this paradox reveal?

• Being mean is the same as being nice.

• True kindness is always easy to show.

• Sometimes, a difficult or painful action is necessary for a better long-term outcome.

• It's impossible to be both cruel and kind at the same time.

Answer explanation

This paradox suggests that an action that seems harsh (like telling a friend a hard truth) can be motivated by a desire to help them in the long run, which is a form of kindness.

Match each phrase to its correct literary device.

• Metaphor

• The classroom was a zoo.

• Paradox

• The child is father to the man.

• Oxymoron

• bittersweet memory

Answer explanation

'Bittersweet' is an oxymoron (contradictory terms). 'The child is father to the man' is a paradox (a seemingly absurd statement that reveals a truth about how early experiences shape adulthood). 'The classroom was a zoo' is a metaphor (a direct comparison not using like/as).

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

• An oxymoron uses rhyming words, while a paradox does not.

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

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

• There is no difference; the words mean the same thing.

Answer explanation

The key structural difference is length and scope. An oxymoron is a compact phrase (e.g., 'living dead'), while a paradox is a complete thought or sentence (e.g., 'The only constant is change.').

The comedian’s routine was (a)   , making the audience laugh at topics they usually wouldn't discuss.

• seriously funny
• terribly sad
• obviously hidden
• truly false

Answer explanation

The context of a comedian's routine that makes people laugh fits the oxymoron 'seriously funny,' which combines a solemn idea with a lighthearted one.

Read the sentence: 'After the surprise party, the birthday boy was left with a feeling of sweet sorrow.' What does the oxymoron 'sweet sorrow' suggest?

• He was angry that the party was over.

• He was happy the party was over but sad it happened.

• He was experiencing a pleasant sadness about the wonderful event coming to an end.

• He only pretended to be happy about the party.

Answer explanation

'Sweet sorrow' captures the complex emotion of being happy that something wonderful occurred, but sad that it is now over.

Sort these examples into the correct categories.

Groups:

(a) Oxymoron

,

(b) Paradox

• wise fool

• less is more

• I am nobody.

• open secret

Answer explanation

'Open secret' and 'wise fool' are two-word contradictory phrases (oxymorons). 'I am nobody' and 'less is more' are full statements that seem contradictory but express a deeper truth (paradoxes).

Which of the following is the best definition of a paradox?

• A figure of speech that joins two opposite words, like 'cold fire.'

• An exaggeration used for emphasis or humor.

• A statement that appears self-contradictory but contains a possible truth.

• A comparison that does not use 'like' or 'as'.

Answer explanation

A paradox is a full statement that seems illogical on the surface but reveals a deeper meaning upon reflection. The other options define an oxymoron, hyperbole, and metaphor.

Match the paradoxical statement to the situation it best describes.

• A student finishing a huge research project feels overwhelmed by new questions.

• The more you learn, the more you realize you don't know.

• An entrepreneur invests in new equipment to grow their business.

• You have to spend money to make money.

• A team wins a game but loses their star player to an injury for the season.

• This is the beginning of the end.

Answer explanation

Each paradox is matched to a real-world scenario that illustrates its underlying truth: learning reveals ignorance, investment is needed for returns, and a victory can lead to a larger defeat.