Understanding Oxymorons
This worksheet helps sixth-grade students understand and identify oxymorons, a type of figurative language.
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Understanding Oxymorons
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Read each section carefully and answer the questions to the best of your ability. This worksheet will help you understand oxymorons, a type of figurative language.
What is an Oxymoron?
An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines contradictory terms. It creates an effect of paradox or humor. For example, 'jumbo shrimp' is an oxymoron because 'jumbo' means large, and 'shrimp' refers to a small creature. These two words contradict each other but are used together to create a new meaning.
1. Which of the following is the best definition of an oxymoron?
A comparison between two unlike things.
Words that sound the same but have different meanings.
Two contradictory terms used together.
A word that imitates the sound it represents.
2. In the phrase 'living dead,' which two words form the oxymoron?
in and the
living and dead
dead and phrase
the and words
Read each sentence and identify the oxymoron. Write the two contradictory words in the blanks.
3. The silence in the empty auditorium was deafening.
4. The comedian told a seriously funny joke.
5. It was an open secret that she was planning a surprise party.
6. Explain how 'original copy' is an oxymoron.
7. The phrase 'exact estimate' is an example of an oxymoron.
True
False
8. An oxymoron always makes a sentence humorous.
True
False
9. Write two sentences. Each sentence should include a different oxymoron. Underline the oxymoron in each sentence.