Comprehension Skills Package Focus on Irony & Paradox

a) Paradox
What is a Paradox?
- An improbable combination of two opposing ideas.
Principles of explaining paradoxes:
The contradictory factors are usually placed side by side, hence resulting in a paradox. When
explaining, use key phrases like:
o It is paradoxical that
o On the one handon the other hand
o This is contradictory as
E.g. they place much of the blame on the very same technologies that they were so
aggressively championing.
Possible answer: It is paradoxical that while they actively advocate the benefits of technology,
they also find fault in the same technology for the various problems that have arisen in
society.
1. TJC Prelim 2003
Recent incidents, such as the projectile-throwing tantrum of the Yankees-Red Sox
game in Fenway Park and the abuse of European golfers at the Ryder Cup in
Brookline, Massachusetts, suggest an answer: legal hooliganism. Teams will
sponsor cells of well-trained, remorseless thugs ready at any moment to storm the
field and waylay players. Athletes will be expected to hone those skills necessary to
contend with this exciting new variable.
Explain the paradox in the phrase legal hooliganism (line 37) [1m]

2. AJC Prelim 2008

In general our society is becoming one of giant enterprises directed by a
bureaucracy in which man becomes a small, well-oiled cog in the machinery. The
oiling is done with higher wages, fringe benefits, well-ventilated factories and
piped music, and by psychologists and human relations experts; yet all this oiling
does not alter the fact that man has become powerless, that he does not
wholeheartedly participate in his work and that he is bored with it. In fact, the blueand the white-collar workers have become economic puppets who dance to the tune
of automated machines and bureaucratic management.
What contradiction is the author highlighting about mans working life (lines 2-7)? Use your
own words as far as possible. [1m]

3. JJC Prelim 2008

There is something mad about the modern world. Its as if there is a collective
neurosis where the delights of personal convenience have, paradoxically, created
intolerable sensitivities. Or maybe its that our collective unconscious (as outlined
by Carl Jung) is in fact fragmenting. Jung believed that we share a sense of

symbols, dreams and feelings that go back to primitive times and reflect memories
of our ancestors experiences.
Explain why the collective neurosis (line 1-2) is paradoxical in nature. [1]

Answers On Paradox
1. TJC Prelim 2003
Explain the paradox in the phrase legal hooliganism(line 37)
Hooliganism is an act that is not approved by law and so cannot be legal. The phrase is a
contradiction (1m)
2. AJC Prelim 2008
(a) What contradiction is the author highlighting here about mans working life
(lines 2-7)? Use your own words as far as possible.
(1
mark)
Lift

Suggested answers

Oiling is done with higher

1. The contradiction is that people who
wages, fringe benefits, well
have so many work benefits would likely be
ventilated factories and piped
interested in/ enjoy their work/ be happy/
music, and by psychologists
be motivated in their work.
and human relations
Wrong subject 0 mark
experts (lines 2-4)
2. Instead, they are unhappy/ find work
Contradiction
tedious and they put in minimal effort.
he does not wholeheartedly
participate in his work, (line
Students are not required to paraphrase word
5)
for word to get the mark.
he is bored with it (line 6)
Students answers must contain both parts
explicitly to get the mark.

Mar
k
1

3. JJC Prelim 2008

Explain why the collective neurosis (line 1) is paradoxical in nature (1m)
Text
The delights of personal convenience
have

Inference / Paraphrase
Although people emphasise their own
comfort / look after their own wellbeing and thus expect to enjoy life,
(m)
*focus is on convenience give if
that is clearly covered, but 0 if only
delights is paraphrased (eg. for
benefits, 0 for happiness)

Created intolerable sensitivities

They end up being susceptible to

suffering discomfort
OR
They cannot withstand unbearable
conditions / inconveniences. (m)

b) Irony
What is an irony?
- The words employed are clearly opposite in its meaning. They could be used for a humorous
effect, or simply to express sarcasm or annoyance.
o Principles of answering questions on ironies are similar to that of the paradox.
E.g. It is wonderfully ironic that after decades of struggle to achieve a shorter working week,
those who now aspire to the top are obliged to do so by working themselves to the ground.
Possible answer: The irony lies in the fact that, on the one hand, people have fought so hard
to enjoy more leisure time by working a shorter work week. However, in their climb up the
corporate ladder, they end up working harder and longer than before to secure their high
postions. The outcome is a direct contradiction to their initial aim of striving for a shorter
work week.
EXERCISES ON IRONY
2002 Promotional Examinations
1. PJC (Passage A, Para 1)
The irony of the obesity issue is that the pressure for slenderness posed by the
American society is making people even more overweight. The 1980s and 1990s
were supposed to be times when people started to care more about their health.
In this sense, obesity began to be seen as a threat. Exercise has been highly
valued and recreation centres proliferated everywhere. Fat became an enemy. As
noted earlier, low calorie and low fat food became plentifully available. The
contradiction resides on the fast increasing rate of overweight among men and
women, from almost all ages and origins during this period. The psychological
issues related to these contemporary pressures could give further
understanding to such a problem.
Why does the writer use the word irony in paragraph 1? (2m)

2. AJC (Passage A, Para 4)

Despite four decades of feminist influence, women are still easily seduced by
images of almost impossibly beautiful females. But if females fantasise about
what it would be like to possess nothing more than good looks, the daydreams of
men generally follow different plotlines. Men long to be powerful and to make
decisions. Therefore the basic premise of male modeling is absurd, for what
could embody passivity more than modeling?
What is ironic about male modeling? Answer in your own words as far as possible. (2m)

3. SRJC (Passage B, Para 1)

In the worlds rich countries, when you retire at 65 you can expect to live, on
average, for another 15-20years. A hundred years ago, you would on average,
have been already dead. The late 20th century has brought to many the ultimate
gift: the luxury of ageing. But like any luxury, age is expensive. Very expensive.
And the worse is yet to come.
According to the writer, ageing is a gift, yet it is so expensive. Explain the irony shown
here. (2m)

4. HCJC Prelim 2003

Long, long ago, before the Williams sisters ensured that a black player would win a
Wimbledon final, there was Arthur Ashe. Ashe had to leave his hometown of
Richmond Virginia, because the tennis courts were segregated Now his statue
stands on one end of Monument Avenue in the city a tribute to the late
humanitarian and only black man ever to have gained an All-England Club singles
title. Almost a mile away at the other end of the street stands Jefferson Davis the
president of the Confederacy who led slave owning states into battle and approved
the summary execution of black soldiers during the civil war as an example to
discourage the arming of slaves.
Briefly explain the irony of having a statue of Arthur Ashe standing within a mile of a status of
Jefferson Davis. Use your own words as far as possible.

5. AJC Prelim 2007

Psychotherapy will not fix these issues whose roots are societal and spiritual.
Psychiatrists rarely delve into an individual's spiritual vacuum. After all, the doctor
is himself in the same boat. Hence the high rate of suicide in the medical
profession.
Explain in your own words the irony in After all, the doctor is himself in the same boat. (line
34-35) (1)

6. MJC Prelim 2007

There are plenty of signs that another backlash is on the way. Much of this
resentment focuses on growing inequalities. People complain that these are
straining the bonds of society to breaking point: a new aristocracy of talent is
retreating into golden ghettos and running the global economy in their own
interests. The talented retain many of the vices of aristocracy without its virtues,
said the late Christopher Lasch, an American historian, in one of the best analyses
of the trend. The logic of talent wars is meritocratic: the most talented get the
most rewards. But the reality of democracy is egalitarian: the people can use their
political power as a social leveller.
Explain the contradiction or irony found in lines 14-16.

[2]

7. SAJC Prelim 2007

Ensuring that we allow for different cultures and people to coexist and flourish
alongside one another is as important a priority today as ever. There is, ironically, a

unity in this. The task before us is to find the great truth of this unity, to transcend
the repetitions and contradictions of our earthly experience and discover the unity
of the world. This may be what civilisation is all about.
Ensuring that we allow for different cultures and people to coexist and flourish alongside one
another is as important a priority today as ever (lines 39-40). Explain the irony in this
statement. [2]

8. AJC Prelim 2008

We demand difficulty even in our games. We demand it because without difficulty there can be
no game. A game is a way of making something hard for the fun of it. The rules of the game
are an arbitrary imposition of difficulty. When the spoilsport ruins the fun, he always does so
by refusing to play by the rules. It is easier to win at chess if you are free, at your pleasure, to
change the wholly arbitrary rules, but the fun is in winning within the rules. No difficulty, no
fun.
We demand difficulty even in our games (line 28). What is the irony in this statement?

9. NYJC Prelim 2008

How is the phrase SOFT POWER ironic or contradictory? [2]

10. ACJC Prelim 2004

When we think of a globe it is usually a miniature model of the earth, which one
finger can send into violent revolution. If we dwell on that aspect, the tag "global
culture" ominously hints at a terrible, dizzying shrinkage, at the mercy of some
external hand (eg Disney, Murdoch, Coca-Cola). The more obvious implication, of
course, is that "global culture" is something vast, a giant structure existing beyond
any of us no matter how cosmopolitan our personal horizons. Neither way does
'global culture' seem to belong to medium-sized human beings with a local
habitation and a name. But then are we really supposed to feel good about it?
Perhaps it is often meant sarcastically - as an oxymoron.
Why is 'global culture' described as an oxymoron (line 9)? Use your own words as far as
possible. [2m]

ANSWERS ON IRONY
2002 Promotional Examinations
1. PJC (Passage A, Para 1)
Why does the writer use the word irony in paragraph 1? (2m)
From the Passage
the pressure of slenderness posed by the
American society is making people even more
overweight (lines 1-2)
The contradiction resides on the fast
increasing rate of overweight among men and
women (line 7-8)

Suggested Answer
American desire (especially womens) to be
slim but the stress following this leads to
people becoming even more overweight /
heavier. (1m) <- context
Thereby sabotaging/ becoming opposite to
their original intention to be slim (1m) <intention

2. AJC (Passage A, Para 4)

What is ironic about male modeling? Answer in your own words as far as possible. (2m)
From the Passage
Men long to be powerful and to make
decisions
For what could embody passivity more than
modeling?

Suggested Answer
Men want to be influential / strong /
dominant / be in positions of authority /
control (1m) BUT
Male models exemplify / represent /
symbolize/ stand for inactivity / compliance /
are inactive submission (1m)

3. SRJC (Passage B, Para 1)

According to the writer, ageing is a gift, yet it is so expensive. Explain the irony shown
here. (2m)
Ans: A gift is normally associated with pleasure, happiness and something that one longs for.
In this sense, ageing or longevity is supposed to be something desirable (1m) YET it also
brings many problems and difficulties, in this case, the high costs involved in maintaining a
longer life is unaffordable and might cause hardship and unhappiness. (1m)
4. HCJC Prelim 2003
Briefly explain the irony of having a statue of Arthur Ashe standing within a mile of a statue of
Jefferson Davis. Use your own words as far as possible.
-

The irony lies ion honouring two local heroes who represented/ supported totally
contradictory world views / aspirations / ideals / ideologies / causes. Arthur
Ashe a black tennis player, is an inspirational role model for racial equality / black
achievement, while Jefferson Davis, a white Confederate leader, supported slavery /
cruelly discrimination against black people.

5. AJC Prelim 2007

Explain in your own words the irony in After all, the doctor is himself in the same
boat. [1m]
LIFT

ANSWER

Psychotherapy will not fix these issues whose

roots are societal and spiritual. Psychiatrists
rarely delve into an individual's spiritual
vacuum. After all, the doctor is himself in the
same boat. Hence the high rate of suicide in
the medical profession. (infer) (lines 33-35)

We expect the doctor to be

able to help the patient with
their psychological problems
[1/2m] but he himself is in
need of help/ he faces similar
problems as the patients.
[1/2m].

6. MJC Prelim 2007

Explain the contradiction or irony found in lines 14-16.
LIFT

[2]

The logic of talent wars is

meritocratic: the most talented
get the most rewards.

ACCEPTED ANSWERS
Word for word paraphrase:
The reason behind the competition for talent is
that those who are most skilled will reap the
most benefits/stand to gain the most.

But the reality of democracy is

egalitarian:

But in actual fact, a democracy works on the

basis of equality for all

the people can use their political

power as a social leveller.

because the citizens can use their right to vote

to even out differences in status.

OR a general sense of the answer should

underline or underpin the contradiction:
A democracy works on the basis of equality for
all / A democracy tries to ensure equal
opportunities for all

MARK

1
1

but a meritocracy can elevate inequalities.

OR
The talent wars is supposed to present fair
opportunities for all

1
1

but it is this same platform that offer those that

are already advantaged to benefit more, thus
taking away all fairness
OR
A democracy minimizes inequalities but
meritocracy heightens inequalities.

7. SAJC Prelim 2007

Ensuring that we allow for different cultures and people to coexist and flourish alongside one
another is as important a priority today as ever (lines 39-40). Explain the irony in this
statement. [2]
Lifted
(Inference)
Ensuring that we allow for different
cultures and people to coexist and
flourish alongside one another is as
important a priority today as ever.
There is, ironically, a unity in this.
(lines 39-40)

Paraphrased
Expected: different cultures and people
cannot live with each other or cannot
cooperate
Yet: reality is that author says that there
is some kind of cohesion in this apparent
state of variation or difference.

8. AJC Prelim 2008

We demand difficulty even in our games (line 28).
What is the irony in this statement?
Lift
We demand difficulty even in
our games (lines 28-29).

(1 mark)

Suggested answers

Mark

Although games are supposed to be fun/

enjoyable/ relaxing, but in reality we still want it
to be challenging.

Expected outcome vs. actual outcome

9. NYJC Prelim 2008

How is the phrase SOFT POWER ironic or contradictory? [2]
The irony lies in power being described as soft because power suggests authority and
authority almost always comes with force or coercion. (1m) Here, however, the writer
means that power can be exercised gently and persuasively. (1m)
10. ACJC Prelim 2004
Why is global culture described as an oxymoron (line 9)? Use your own words as far as
possible.
Lifted
Paraphrase
* global culture
The two words in the phrase/ ideas are in
opposition / contradictory / irreconcilable
/ incompatible to each other (1/2m)
is something vast, giant structure Global suggests that it is large-scale /
international.
existing beyond us no matter how
Whereas/however (1/2m) culture should
cosmopolitan our personal horizons.
Neither way does global culture seem be identified with that which belongs to the
heartlander
/
indigenous
/
native
to belong to medium-sized human
culture/way
of
life.
beings with local habitation and a
name.
OR
Global suggests that it is unfathomable
outside our understanding / impossible
to imagine / comprehend. (1m)
Whereas / However (1/2m) culture should
be identified with that which is very familiar
(1m)
Students must show the direct contradiction
between
international
vs
native
or
unfathamoble vs that which is familiar.
Give 1/2m each for global & culture if the
direct contradiction is not shown.

10