What Is a Paradox?

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Anneda Nettleton, Bachelor’s in Middle Grade Education |
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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.
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Quizzes Created: 8156 | Total Attempts: 9,588,805
| Attempts: 11 | Questions: 15 | Updated: Jan 6, 2026
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1. What is a paradox?

Explanation

A paradox appears contradictory at first but reveals a deeper truth.

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About This Quiz
What Is A Paradox? - Quiz

Ever read a sentence that sounds impossible at first — but makes perfect sense once you think about it? That’s exactly what a paradox does. In this quiz, you’ll learn what paradox means and how writers use it to reveal deeper truths through contradiction. You’ll work with classic examples like... see more“Less is more” and “The silence was deafening,” match paradoxes to what they really mean, and practice spotting the hidden message behind the confusion. Get ready to stretch your thinking and discover how contradictions can actually be meaningful!
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2. Which sentence is a paradox?

Explanation

“Less is more” seems contradictory but suggests simplicity can be powerful.

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3. “The beginning of the end” is a paradox because:

Explanation

The phrase combines opposing ideas to express a deeper idea.

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4. Which phrase shows paradox?

Explanation

“Jumbo shrimp” combines opposite ideas of size.

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5. “Nobody goes to that restaurant; it’s too crowded.” is paradoxical because:

Explanation

The sentence contradicts itself to make a point.

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6. Paradox can be humorous or serious.

Explanation

Paradox can be used for humor or serious reflection.

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7. “The more you learn, the less you know.” means:

Explanation

The paradox highlights awareness of knowledge limits.

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8. “I’m nobody.” is paradoxical because:

Explanation

The statement contradicts reality to express feeling.

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9. “I can resist anything except temptation.” means:

Explanation

The paradox humorously admits weakness.

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10. “War brings peace.” is paradoxical because:

Explanation

The phrase combines opposing concepts.

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11. “The silence was deafening.” is an example of:

Explanation

It combines contradictory terms to emphasize impact.

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12. Authors use paradox to:

Explanation

Paradox encourages deeper thinking about ideas.

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13. Paradox combines ideas that seem _____ but can both be true.

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14. A paradox always makes logical sense at first.

Explanation

A paradox usually seems illogical at first before its meaning becomes clear.

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15. Match the paradox with its idea:

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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.
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What is a paradox?
Which sentence is a paradox?
“The beginning of the end” is a paradox because:
Which phrase shows paradox?
“Nobody goes to that restaurant; it’s too crowded.” is...
Paradox can be humorous or serious.
“The more you learn, the less you know.” means:
“I’m nobody.” is paradoxical because:
“I can resist anything except temptation.” means:
“War brings peace.” is paradoxical because:
“The silence was deafening.” is an example of:
Authors use paradox to:
Paradox combines ideas that seem _____ but can both be true.
A paradox always makes logical sense at first.
Match the paradox with its idea:
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