What is irony?

  • 5th Grade,
  • 6th Grade
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| By Thames
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Thames
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Quizzes Created: 8157 | Total Attempts: 9,567,281
| Questions: 15 | Updated: Jan 5, 2026
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1. What is irony?

Explanation

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

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About This Quiz
What Is Irony? - 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?

Explanation

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

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3. Irony always means something funny.

Explanation

Irony can be funny, serious, or surprising.

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

Explanation

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

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5. Irony happens when what we expect is ________ from what actually happens.

Explanation

Irony surprises us with the unexpected.

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6. Which line shows verbal irony?

Explanation

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

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7. Match the type of irony with its example:

Explanation

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.

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

Explanation

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

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

Explanation

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

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

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?

Explanation

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

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

Explanation

Irony can be funny, serious, or surprising.

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13. Which sentence best shows irony?

Explanation

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

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

Explanation

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

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15. Irony makes stories more—

Explanation

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

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What is irony?
Which sentence shows irony?
Irony always means something funny.
“A police officer gets a speeding ticket” is an example of—
Irony happens when what we expect is ________ from what actually...
Which line shows verbal irony?
Match the type of irony with its example:
Situational irony happens when events turn out differently than...
“The dentist has a cavity” shows which literary figure of speech?
When a character says the opposite of what they mean, it’s called...
Which situation is NOT ironic?
Irony is always about the ending of a story.
Which sentence best shows irony?
“Wow, you’re so early,” said the teacher to a student who was...
Irony makes stories more—
Alert!