Writing: Stylistic Mastery C2 - Lesson 5: Irony, Sarcasm, and Understatement in Writing

Style: The Gap

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"Great Weather."

(It was raining.)

C2 writing relies on "The Gap"—the difference between what you say and what you mean.

Situational Irony

"The fire station burned down while the crew was out teaching fire safety."

The Gap: Expectation (Safety) vs. Reality (Destruction). Irony is often unintentional.

Adjust the Bite 🦷

"You're so smart." (Weak)

British Translator

"I am devastated."➔"I'm a bit miffed."

"This is a disaster."➔"It's sub-optimal."

"He is terrifying."➔"He's not a teddy bear."

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Tone Detector

Can you spot the intent?

"I have to have this operation. It isn't very serious. I have this tiny little tumor on the brain." (Salinger)

"Oh, a flat tire. Outstanding. Exactly what I wanted today."

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Mission

Practice the Arts

Scenario: You just failed an exam you studied for, but the student who didn't study got an A.

Task: Write 3 sentences in your notebook:

• Irony: Describe the situation objectively.
• Sarcasm: Congratulate the other student (meanly).
• Understatement: Describe your own failure.