"What is the periodic symbol for Nitrogen?" asked the teacher. Looking

around at the silent classroom he remarked wryly, "Whoa, don't
everyone speak up at once."
His last comment is ironic because

everyone knew the answer
he didn't understand his students
he spoke contrary to the situation
he was being serious in his remark

1 answer

The last comment is ironic because he spoke contrary to the situation. The teacher's remark implies that he expected a lively response, but the classroom was silent, making his comment about the lack of response ironic.