Question

The class president’s face took up one half of the screen and the survey took up the other half.

“Alright,” she said. “You can all vote for whichever community project most interests you. I can’t see the totals from my side while the vote is ongoing, but when everyone’s finished, I’ll announce the winner.”

Casey voted, and a bar graph showing the vote totals popped up in the survey’s place. She watched one bar on the graph rapidly outclimb the others.

“I’m sure this will be a close vote,” the class president continued. “A lot of thought went into developing these ideas, and it’s just so hard to choose.”

There were four options. As the president spoke, Casey watched the vote spread settle at 19 to 1 to 1 to 2.

“I hope we can all agree to put our all into the project that wins,” the president went on. “And, for those of you who feel strongly about an option that doesn’t win, perhaps you can consider leading an additional project next semester.”

Question
Use the story excerpt to answer the question.

In 3–5 sentences, explain how the author uses a type of irony to create an effect. Identify both the type of irony used and the effect it has.

(4 points)
grade 6

Answer 1

The author uses verbal irony when the class president says, “I’m sure this will be a close vote,” even though the bar graph clearly shows the totals are 19–1–1–2. Her words contradict the obvious reality on the screen, which makes the line ironic. This creates a slightly humorous, awkward effect and shows that the president is either out of touch or pretending not to see the obvious winner. It also emphasizes how lopsided the class’s preference is.