Irony Choiceboard Instructions

Ten Examples: Using your notes and LiteraryDevices.net, write ten sentences with each
featuring an example of situational irony. Once you are done, show your work to a classmate and
have them review, to make sure that you have used situational irony correctly. (5 points)
A Clear Distinction: “Rain on a wedding day” is not an ironic statement. Write a short response
describing why it is not ironic and provide an alternative version of the statement that is actually
ironic. Explain why the new statement is ironic. (5 points)
Some Ironic Similes: Use your notes to review the definition of an ironic simile. Write five
pieces of dialogue which each use at least one ironic simile. Once you are done, show your work
to a classmate and have them review, to make sure that you have used ironic similes correctly. (5
points)
Just Contradiction: Use your notes and LiteraryDevices.net to review the definition of verbal
irony. Write three examples containing verbal irony. Each example should include at least one
piece of dialogue and supporting text to show why the dialogue is verbal irony. (5 points)
Ten Non-Examples: Write ten sentences, each containing an unfortunate coincidence that is not
ironic. An unfortunate coincidence is when two or more things happen at the same time and have
negative consequences. Your examples must not be ironic. (5 points)
Poem Literacy: Get together with at least two other students and, using the internet as your
resource, explore some poetry. Each student should pick one poem that resonates with them, then
everyone will take turns reading their poem to the rest of the group. Take this opportunity to
practice emphasizing rhyming syllables and giving feedback on each other’s performances. (10
points)
A Flair for the Dramatics: Use your notes and LiteraryDevices.net to review the definition of
dramatic irony. Think about a book, movie, show, play, video game or other place that you’ve
seen dramatic irony. Describe what consequences the irony had for the characters and/or on the
plot. (10 points)
Personal Anecdote: Think about a time in your life that you or someone you know wound up in
an ironic situation. Write a short response about what happened, how it was ironic, and how the
situation made you feel. Did you learn anything from the experience? (10 points)
Poetry Rehearsal: Using a webcam, record yourself (audio and video) reading your poem for
“Your Ironic Verse.” Take this chance to practice emphasizing rhyming syllables and be
animate! (10 points)
Be Mr. Yarbrough: Get together with at least two other students and create a PowerPoint
presentation describing situational irony, dramatic irony, verbal irony and ironic similes. Provide
examples of each. (15 points)
A New Ozymandias: The person that Percy Shelley’s “Ozymandias” is named after, Ramesses
II, is not actually an ironic figure. Using the internet as your resource, try to find some ironic
historical figures. Imagine you are going to attempt a modern take on the “Ozymandias” poem,
and you need a suitable figure to base it on: which of the figures you’ve researched would be
most appropriate? Write a short response describing your historical figure, how they were ironic,
and why they would be appropriate for a modern version of “Ozymandias.” (15 points)
The Ferris Wheel: Get together with at least four other students. Designate one person as
“judge.” All students except the judge will form a circle. In this game, you will go from player to
player in a circular rotation, with the first player giving three possible subjects (person, place or
thing), and then the second player describing an ironic situation for one of those subjects. The
judge will give the second player 30 seconds to come up with this irony, and if they can, the first
player will be out of the game. If time runs out on the second player, they are out instead. The
judge must also determine if the second player’s response is ironic; if it is not, they are out.
Regardless of who is out, the game continues with the third player, who gives three subjects for
the fourth player, and so on. Keep going in a circle until only one player remains. (15 points)
Also, can you figure out what’s ironic about this game’s title?