Here are the answers to your worksheet on Oxymorons.
I. Circle the Oxymoron
*(These are the phrases in the sentences that combine opposite meanings)*
1.
deafening silence (Silence is quiet, but deafening implies a very loud noise)
2.
dull roar (A roar is usually loud and sharp, while dull means quiet or boring)
3.
genuine imitation (Genuine means real, but imitation means fake/copy)
*(Note: "Lead balloon" and "only choice" are idioms, but they do not fit the strict definition of an oxymoron like the three above do.)*
II. Fill in the Blank
*(Add a word with the opposite meaning to create an oxymoron)*
*
forced smile (or *sad* smile)
*
silent scream
*
open secret
*
freezing hot (or *cold* hot)
*
loud whisper
III. Explain the Oxymoron
1.
Working vacation: A vacation is supposed to be for resting and having fun, but "working" means you are doing your job. You can't really rest if you are working.
2.
Unbiased opinion: An opinion is what you personally think or feel, so it is naturally biased toward your own view. If it is "unbiased," it would be a fact, not just an opinion.
3.
Larger half: Half means exactly 50% (two equal parts). If one part is "larger," then the parts aren't equal, so it isn't truly a half.
Final Answer:
I. Circle the Oxymoron:
1. deafening silence
2. dull roar
3. genuine imitation
II. Fill in the Blank:
1. forced smile
2. silent scream
3. open secret
4. freezing hot
5. loud whisper
III. Explain the Oxymoron:
1. Vacations are for relaxing, but work is stressful/busy.
2. Opinions are personal feelings, but unbiased means neutral/factual.
3. Halves must be equal size; if one is larger, it isn't a true half.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of oxymoron worksheet pdf.
