IXL | Classify figures of speech: euphemism, hyperbole, oxymoron, paradox

Which figure of speech is used in this text?

Now that I'm an adult, I love my job and work hard at it. But when I was younger, I was a little motivationally challenged. I just couldn't see the payoff that might come from hard work.

paradox

euphemism

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question

Which figure of speech is used in this text?

Common sense is not so common.

—attributed to Voltaire

paradox

hyperbole

key idea

Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive.

A euphemism is a polite or indirect expression that is used to de-emphasize an unpleasant topic.

The head of Human Resources would never refer to firing people, only to laying them off.

Hyperbole is an obvious exaggeration that is not meant to be taken literally.

I ate so much that I think I might explode!

An oxymoron is a joining of two seemingly contradictory terms.

Some reviewers are calling this book a new classic.

A paradox is a statement that might at first appear to be contradictory, but that may in fact contain some truth.

Always expect the unexpected.

solution

The text uses a paradox, a statement that might at first appear to be contradictory, but that may in fact contain some truth.

Common sense is not so common at first appears to be contradictory, as common sense refers to basic good judgment shared by most people. However, it contains some truth: many people do not use good sense or judgment in their actions.

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