Ninth graders explore two figures of speech built on contradiction — the oxymoron (two opposite words paired, like “deafening silence”) and the paradox (a self-contradictory statement that reveals a deeper truth, like “Less is more”).
Students will be able to…
“Deafening silence” and “Less is more” both seem to contradict themselves — yet they express something true and striking. How do writers turn contradiction into meaning?
Project this and sort each example into oxymoron (two contradictory WORDS) or paradox (a self-contradictory STATEMENT that’s true).
Tap any phase to open the teacher moves and student actions.
“Deafening silence” and “Less is more” — how can contradictions be meaningful?
Teacher models.
Class uses Oxymoron or Paradox?
Students analyze.
Students share an example.
Aligned to the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts (Grades 9–10).
Interpret figures of speech (e.g., oxymoron, paradox) in context.
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language and nuances.
Analyze the impact of word choices on meaning and tone.
Determine the meaning of words and phrases.
Preview the three formative checks. Tap “Sample answer” to see what mastery looks like — hide them before you print for students.
Have students choose a paradox and explain the deeper truth it reveals — like how “The only constant is change” captures a real fact about life. A printable oxymoron-and-paradox sheet is in the ELA library.
Tap a card to flip it, then rate whether you knew it. Built from this lesson’s vocabulary.
A quick self-check with instant feedback, drawn from this lesson’s key terms.
A print-and-go review sheet with a built-in answer key. Tap “Show answer key” to reveal answers, or print the clean version for students.