What is irony?

You may have heard this statement before. But what does it really mean? What is irony?

Explore the following scenarios and take notes on what you notice and wonder about each example.

Can you create a definition of irony after exploring the three scenarios?

Access the following audio recording entitled The Party Planner to examine the first scenario.

Examine the following image for the second scenario.

Access the following audio recording entitled The Internet Café to examine the third scenario.

Three types of irony

What is irony? It is the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of what is actually said.

There are three types of irony: situational irony, verbal irony, and dramatic irony.

Let’s return to the three situations in the Minds On section. In the next multiple choice activity, determine which scenario is an example of “situational irony,” which one is “verbal irony,” and which one is an example of “dramatic irony. Select the correct answer, then press ‘Check Answer’ to learn how you did.

Is it ironic?

Canadian singer Alanis Morissette wrote a song in 1995 called “Ironic.” Access the following audio clip to examine a small sample of the song.

Now consider the following questions:

• Are the three examples of irony that Morissette sings about actually irony? If so, what type of irony are they?
• How do you know?

Irony lesson

Your teacher has asked you to teach a new student about the three types of irony. In order to successfully teach this, you will need to consider how to define irony and the three types, as well as create an example for each. You will be recording your lesson in an audio recording, a video, or as a presentation to a partner.

Use the following checklist as you create your lesson to ensure that you have met the criteria for the lesson.

Lesson checklist

I have created my own definition for irony I have created my own definition for situational irony I have included an example of situational irony I have created my own definition for verbal irony I have included an example of verbal irony I have created my own definition for dramatic irony I have included an example of dramatic irony

Reflect on your lesson creation. How did you use the oral texts and examples of irony from the learning activity to help you prepare your lesson?

Reflection

As you read the following descriptions, select the one that best describes your current understanding of the learning in this activity. Press the corresponding button once you have made your choice.

I feel…

I have an excellent understanding of the concepts I have a very good understanding of the concepts I have some understanding but need to review some more my understanding of the concepts needs a lot more work

Now, expand on your ideas by recording your thoughts using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.

When you review your notes on this learning activity later, reflect on whether you would select a different description based on your further review of the material in this learning activity.