Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition Practice Exam

What characterizes an oxymoron?

1. A statement that is factually correct

2. A combination of contradictory terms

3. A rhetorical device intending to provoke thought

4. A detailed description of a character

The correct answer is: A combination of contradictory terms

An oxymoron is characterized by a combination of contradictory terms, which creates a unique effect by juxtaposing opposing ideas. This literary device is often used to highlight complexities or to provide a new perspective on a concept, prompting the audience to think more deeply about the underlying meaning. For instance, phrases like "deafening silence" or "bittersweet" illustrate how two opposing words can be combined to encapsulate a nuanced feeling or idea, enriching the text's emotional and intellectual depth. The other options do not accurately describe an oxymoron. A statement that is factually correct does not embody the essence of contradiction inherent in an oxymoron. Likewise, while a rhetorical device intending to provoke thought could apply to other figures of speech, it does not specifically relate to the oxymoron itself. Finally, a detailed description of a character does not pertain to the nuanced contradiction that defines an oxymoron; it describes a narrative technique rather than the specific combination of contradictory elements.