Verbal Irony

1. What is verbal irony?

When someone says the opposite of what they mean

When a situation turns out unexpectedly

When the reader knows more than the character

When two words rhyme

Verbal irony happens when a speaker says one thing but actually means the opposite.

Explanation

Verbal irony happens when a speaker says one thing but actually means the opposite.

2. Which is verbal irony?

“Great! Another homework assignment,” said the tired student.

The cat ran away.

The teacher taught the class.

It’s sunny outside.

The student is not actually happy about more homework, so the statement means the opposite of what it says.

Explanation

The student is not actually happy about more homework, so the statement means the opposite of what it says.

3. Verbal irony often depends on a speaker’s ________.

Tone helps listeners understand that the speaker means the opposite of the literal words.

Explanation

Tone helps listeners understand that the speaker means the opposite of the literal words.

Submit

4. Which example shows verbal irony?

“That test was a breeze,” said the student who failed.

The teacher handed out papers.

The sun rose early.

The book was long.

Calling a failed test “a breeze” means the opposite of the truth, which is verbal irony.

Explanation

Calling a failed test “a breeze” means the opposite of the truth, which is verbal irony.

5. Verbal irony can make a statement funny or dramatic.

True

False

By saying the opposite of what is meant, verbal irony can add humor or strong emotion.

Explanation

By saying the opposite of what is meant, verbal irony can add humor or strong emotion.

6. Verbal irony happens when words mean the ________ of their literal meaning.

The key feature of verbal irony is that the intended meaning is the opposite of the spoken words.

Explanation

The key feature of verbal irony is that the intended meaning is the opposite of the spoken words.

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7. Verbal irony can reveal a character’s attitude.

True

False

Verbal irony often shows how a character feels, such as frustration, humor, or sarcasm.

Explanation

Verbal irony often shows how a character feels, such as frustration, humor, or sarcasm.

8. Which phrase shows verbal irony?

“This movie is so short,” during a three-hour film.

“The sun is hot.”

“The bird is flying.”

“I finished my lunch.”

Calling a very long movie “short” means the opposite of the truth.

Explanation

Calling a very long movie “short” means the opposite of the truth.

9. Authors use verbal irony to do which of the following:

Show humor, attitude, or emotion

Confuse the reader

Make stories longer

Avoid dialogue

Verbal irony helps authors show feelings, attitudes, and humor in a clear and engaging way.

Explanation

Verbal irony helps authors show feelings, attitudes, and humor in a clear and engaging way.

10. Verbal irony is always sarcastic.

True

False

Sarcasm is one type of verbal irony, but verbal irony can also be playful or humorous, not just mean.

Explanation

Sarcasm is one type of verbal irony, but verbal irony can also be playful or humorous, not just mean.

11. “What a pleasant day,” said the man as it poured rain. This is—

Verbal irony

Situational irony

Dramatic irony

Literal meaning

The speaker says the opposite of what the weather is really like, which makes this verbal irony.

Explanation

The speaker says the opposite of what the weather is really like, which makes this verbal irony.

12. Match the tone to the irony:

“Oh, fantastic! More chores.”

“Wow, I can’t wait for Monday.”

“Oh, this old phone is the best!” (it’s broken)

Each sentence uses verbal irony, but the tone changes how it feels—frustrated, sarcastic, or humorous.

Explanation

Each sentence uses verbal irony, but the tone changes how it feels—frustrated, sarcastic, or humorous.

Submit

13. “Oh, I just love getting stuck in traffic” shows—

Verbal irony

Situational irony

Dramatic irony

Hyperbole

The speaker clearly does not enjoy traffic, so the statement is verbal irony.

Explanation

The speaker clearly does not enjoy traffic, so the statement is verbal irony.

14. Which line is NOT verbal irony?

“Nice going,” said after someone spills juice.

“Wow, what perfect timing!” after missing the bus.

“I love pizza,” said by someone eating pizza.

“Lovely weather,” said during a storm.

Saying “I love pizza” while eating pizza is literal and honest, not ironic.

Explanation

Saying “I love pizza” while eating pizza is literal and honest, not ironic.

15. “I’m thrilled to clean the garage,” said Dad with a sigh. What kind of irony is this?

Verbal irony

Situational irony

Dramatic irony

Literal statement

Dad clearly does not want to clean the garage, so the statement is verbal irony.

Explanation

Dad clearly does not want to clean the garage, so the statement is verbal irony.