OXYMORONA figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction.

awfully good

bittersweet

open secret

Examples1. small crowd

Note:• When you look at each word’s separate definition,

you will notice the contradiction.• It stops the reader short and causes

them to pause and think. The oxymoron generates a new concept / meaning.

crowd: a large number of people gathered together

a small number of people gathered together

2. act naturally3. tragic comedy

1. silent screamThe quivering girl let out a silent scream when the hooded figure lunged at the unsuspecting victim and thrust a knife into his chest.

2. eloquent silenceThe teacher stood in eloquent silence; the class finally realised that he had no intention of going on until someone ventured a guess.

Well-timed silence hath more eloquence than speech.

Martin Farquhar Tupper

Day 1: 16 July 2014

1. strangely familiar I could not recall ever having seen the man before, yet there was something about him that was strangely familiar.

2. organised chaos Upon observing their practice sessions, we got the impression of organised chaos as the students moved around and worked in teams.

Day 2: 17 July 2014

1. intentional accidentAfter an investigation revealed that the automobile crash was an intentional accident, the insurance company denied the policy holder’s claim for the loss of his left leg.

2. unbiased opinionThe expert witness is expected to give an impartial, unbiased opinion on matters within his or her expertise.

Day 3: 18 July 2014

1. intense apathyThe intense apathy towards the city’s destitute is appalling.

2. abundant povertyThe lack of education, widespread unemployment and abundant poverty have turned the country into a target for human trafficking.

Day 4: 21 July 2014

1. working vacationHis trip to Bali was a working vacation.

2. work-study programThe work-study program is a popular option among the students as it allows them to work part of the time to finance their education and study part-time.

Day 5: 22 July 2014