Irony Quiz: Define the Device

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1. What is irony?

Saying one thing but meaning another

Comparing two things using “like” or “as”

Repeating sounds in a poem

Giving human traits to objects

Irony happens when words or events mean the opposite of what we expect.

Explanation

Irony happens when words or events mean the opposite of what we expect.

About This Quiz

Irony adds layers of meaning by creating contrast between what is expected and what actually happens. In this irony quiz, you’ll explore the core idea behind irony and why it plays such a powerful role in communication, storytelling, and humor. You’ll practice recognizing ironic moments in everyday situations and written... see moretexts, analyze how meaning shifts through contrast, and build a clear foundation for understanding more specific forms of irony used in literature and speech.
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2. Which sentence shows irony?

The fire station burned down.

The fireman put out the fire.

The teacher graded papers.

The mail carrier delivered mail.

It’s ironic because a fire station burning is the opposite of what we expect.

Explanation

It’s ironic because a fire station burning is the opposite of what we expect.

3. Irony always means something funny.

True

False

Irony can be funny, serious, or surprising.

Explanation

Irony can be funny, serious, or surprising.

4. “A police officer gets a speeding ticket” is an example of—

Situational irony

Verbal irony

Dramatic irony

Literal meaning

It’s the opposite of what we expect from a police officer.

Explanation

It’s the opposite of what we expect from a police officer.

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6. Which line shows verbal irony?

“Oh, great! Another test today.”

“The grass is green.”

“It’s raining outside.”

“Please pass the salt.”

The speaker says “great” but means the opposite—disappointment.

Explanation

The speaker says “great” but means the opposite—disappointment.

7. Match the type of irony with its example:

Verbal

Situational

Dramatic

Verbal irony happens when someone says the opposite of what they mean. Situational irony occurs when the outcome is different from what is expected. Dramatic irony happens when the audience knows something a character does not.

Explanation

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8. Situational irony happens when events turn out differently than expected.

True

False

This is true because situational irony is based on an unexpected outcome.

Explanation

This is true because situational irony is based on an unexpected outcome.

9. “The dentist has a cavity” shows which literary figure of speech?

Situational irony

Verbal irony

Dramatic irony

No irony

Dentists are expected to prevent cavities, so having one is unexpected, making it situational irony.

Explanation

Dentists are expected to prevent cavities, so having one is unexpected, making it situational irony.

10. When a character says the opposite of what they mean, it’s called ________.

Verbal irony occurs when words are used to mean the opposite of their usual meaning.

Explanation

Verbal irony occurs when words are used to mean the opposite of their usual meaning.

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11. Which situation is NOT ironic?

A fire truck catches fire.

A swimmer wins a race.

A teacher forgets homework.

A weather reporter gets caught in the rain.

A swimmer winning a race is expected, so it is not ironic.

Explanation

A swimmer winning a race is expected, so it is not ironic.

12. Irony is always about the ending of a story.

True

False

Irony can be funny, serious, or surprising.

Explanation

Irony can be funny, serious, or surprising.

13. Which sentence best shows irony?

The world’s kindest man yells at everyone.

The man walked to the store.

The teacher helped a student.

The sun rose at dawn.

The sentence is ironic because someone known for kindness behaves in the opposite way.

Explanation

The sentence is ironic because someone known for kindness behaves in the opposite way.

14. “Wow, you’re so early,” said the teacher to a student who was late. This is—

Verbal irony

Situational irony

Dramatic irony

A metaphor

The teacher says the opposite of what they mean, which is verbal irony.

Explanation

The teacher says the opposite of what they mean, which is verbal irony.

15. Irony makes stories more—

Surprising and interesting

Confusing

Sad and slow

Serious and boring

Irony adds surprise and contrast, making stories more engaging and interesting.

Explanation

Irony adds surprise and contrast, making stories more engaging and interesting.

Thank you for your feedback!

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.