Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

Which expression is a form of irony that represents something as being less than it is?

1. Exaggeration

2. Understatement

3. Personification

4. Oxymoron

The correct answer is: Understatement

Understatement is a form of irony where a situation or phenomenon is presented as being less serious or significant than it actually is. This literary technique is often employed to create a contrast that emphasizes the reality of the situation, adding a layer of sarcasm or humor. For example, saying “It’s just a scratch” when referring to a large dent in a car effectively downplays the actual damage, providing a humorous effect while also provoking thought about the exaggerated nature of human reactions to problems. Other options do not fit this definition. Exaggeration involves amplifying a situation beyond its actual proportions, while personification attributes human traits to non-human entities, and oxymoron combines contradictory terms to create a nuanced meaning. Therefore, understatement correctly identifies the type of irony in question.