Paradoxical Language: Oxymorons, Contrast, and Meaning Quiz

  • 7th Grade,
  • 8th Grade,
  • 9th Grade,
  • 10th Grade
Reviewed by Anneda Nettleton
Anneda Nettleton, Bachelor’s in Middle Grade Education |
K–12 Expert
Review Board Member
Anneda N. is an experienced instructional designer and educator with over 22 years in K–12 education. She specializes in standards-aligned quizzes, curriculum development, literacy programs, and academic writing. Holds a Bachelor’s in Middle Grades Education and a Rank 1 Reading & Writing Specialist credential.
Meet Our Review Board Members
, Bachelor’s in Middle Grade Education
By Thames
T
Thames
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 8157 | Total Attempts: 9,569,759
| Questions: 15 | Updated: Jan 8, 2026
Please wait...
Question 1 / 15
🏆 Rank #-- ▾
Score 0/100
1. Which phrase best shows the definition of an oxymoron?

Explanation

It combines opposite ideas, peace and war, forming a contradiction.

Submit
Please wait...
About This Quiz
Paradoxical Language: Oxymorons, Contrast, And Meaning Quiz - Quiz

How can something be "terribly good"? In this oxymorons contrast meaning quiz, you’ll focus on this two-word device that pairs contradictory terms (like jumbo shrimp). You'll practice identifying the inherent contrast and analyzing how the combination creates a new, complex meaning. Each question unlocks your understanding of this clever, paradoxical... see morelanguage.
see less

2. True or False: All oxymorons are made of adjectives and nouns.

Explanation

Oxymorons can be made of verbs, adverbs, or entire phrases (e.g., “act naturally”).

Submit
3. Fill in the blank: The phrase “jumbo shrimp” is an oxymoron because it combines something very ________ with something very ________.

Explanation

“Jumbo” means large, while “shrimp” can mean small in size.

Submit
4. Which of these sentences contains an oxymoron?

Explanation

“Quiet yell” joins opposite actions.

Submit
5. Fill in the blank: Oxymorons help writers show both sides of an __________ or __________.

Explanation

They reflect conflict or contrast within a single thought.

Submit
6. Match each oxymoron to what it suggests: a. Sweet sorrow, b. Clearly confused, c. Living death (1. Emotional pain and joy, 2. Uncertainty, 3. Existence without purpose)

Explanation

Each one pairs opposing meanings to express deeper emotion.

Submit
7. Pick two that are oxymorons.

Explanation

“Original copy” and “random order” both show opposite ideas in one phrase.

Submit
8. Which statement is true about the use of oxymorons?

Explanation

Oxymorons reveal mixed feelings or highlight tension.

Submit
9. Fill in the blank: The phrase “alone together” means being with someone but still feeling __________.

Explanation

It expresses emotional distance while being physically near.

Submit
10. True or False: The phrase “old news” is an oxymoron because “old” and “news” contrast in time.

Explanation

“News” implies recent events, so “old news” is contradictory.

Submit
11. Which of these could describe a hardworking student who doesn’t always succeed?

Explanation

“Failing success” combines opposite outcomes and can express struggle.

Submit
12. Fill in the blank: The oxymoron “living death” is often used to describe a life without __________.

Explanation

It implies someone alive in body but empty in spirit.

Submit
13. Choose the sentence that uses an oxymoron correctly.

Explanation

“Seriously funny” joins opposing tones to emphasize humor.

Submit
14. Pick two reasons authors use oxymorons.

Explanation

They make writing creative and show mixed emotions.

Submit
15. Fill in the blank: In literature, an oxymoron adds _________ by showing that two truths can exist together.

Explanation

The contrast invites readers to think more deeply.

Submit
×
Saved
Thank you for your feedback!
View My Results
Anneda Nettleton |Bachelor’s in Middle Grade Education |
K–12 Expert
Anneda N. is an experienced instructional designer and educator with over 22 years in K–12 education. She specializes in standards-aligned quizzes, curriculum development, literacy programs, and academic writing. Holds a Bachelor’s in Middle Grades Education and a Rank 1 Reading & Writing Specialist credential.
Cancel
  • All
    All (15)
  • Unanswered
    Unanswered ()
  • Answered
    Answered ()
Which phrase best shows the definition of an oxymoron?
True or False: All oxymorons are made of adjectives and nouns.
Fill in the blank: The phrase “jumbo shrimp” is an oxymoron...
Which of these sentences contains an oxymoron?
Fill in the blank: Oxymorons help writers show both sides of an...
Match each oxymoron to what it suggests: a. Sweet sorrow, b. Clearly...
Pick two that are oxymorons.
Which statement is true about the use of oxymorons?
Fill in the blank: The phrase “alone together” means being with...
True or False: The phrase “old news” is an oxymoron because...
Which of these could describe a hardworking student who doesn’t...
Fill in the blank: The oxymoron “living death” is often used to...
Choose the sentence that uses an oxymoron correctly.
Pick two reasons authors use oxymorons.
Fill in the blank: In literature, an oxymoron adds _________ by...
play-Mute sad happy unanswered_answer up-hover down-hover success oval cancel Check box square blue
Alert!