Understanding Understatement

Imagine Luna and Noah are having a conversation. Luna says, "Oh, it's just a tiny scratch," while pointing at a massive dent on Noah's car. What is Luna's primary purpose in using this understatement?

• To exaggerate a situation for comedic effect

• To minimize the significance of something for emphasis or irony

• To present a situation without emotion

• To express shock or surprise

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CCSS.RL.11-12.6

Abigail and Arjun were discussing the weather, and Arjun said something that made Abigail laugh. Which of the following is an example of an understatement?

• "This is the best day of my life!"

• "I could eat a whole pizza by myself."

• "The hurricane was just a bit of rain."

• "I am so excited for the weekend!"

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CCSS.RL.11-12.6

Imagine Liam just finished a puzzle and said, "The task was a little difficult." What literary device is Liam most likely using here?

• Hyperbole

• Irony

• Understatement

• Sarcasm

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CCSS.RL.11-12.6

Grace and Liam are having a fun debate about language. Which of the following statements from their conversation is an understatement?

• "I’m absolutely freezing; I think I’ll turn into an ice cube!"

• "The movie was okay, but I’ve seen better."

• "He only lost a small fortune at the casino."

• "I think I can finish this huge project in one hour."

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CCSS.RL.11-12.6

After a minor car accident, Aiden chuckles and says, "It’s just a scratch." What effect is Aiden trying to achieve with this understatement?

• To convey a sense of panic

• To downplay the seriousness of the damage

• To make the accident sound more dramatic

• To express anger about the situation

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CCSS.RL.11-12.6

Mia and Noah were discussing their day. Which of the following phrases from their conversation best demonstrates an understatement?

• "That was the worst concert I’ve ever seen!"

• "I’ve had better days."

• "This is the most amazing thing ever!"

• "I’m so thrilled I can’t contain myself!"

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CCSS.RL.11-12.6

Imagine Scarlett is telling a story about her weekend adventure, and she uses an understatement. What effect does this have on her audience?

• It highlights the importance of the situation.

• It makes the speaker sound more serious and intense.

• It often creates a humorous or ironic tone.

• It completely confuses the audience.

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CCSS.RL.11-12.6

Imagine Harper just won the championship game with a last-second goal! Which of the following would be considered an understatement about this epic victory?

• "That game was a little exciting, but we pulled through."

• "We won, but it wasn’t a big deal."

• "That was a historic win! We are champions!"

• "It was the greatest game ever played."

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CCSS.RL.11-12.6

Imagine you're reading a thrilling novel, and suddenly, the author uses understatement. What might they be trying to achieve? Perhaps Ethan and Hannah are discussing this over a cup of tea!

• Overemphasize the significance of an event.

• Create suspense or irony.

• Deliver a moral lesson in a direct way.

• Make a character seem less intelligent.

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CCSS.RL.11-12.6

During a lively debate in class, Daniel quipped, "It’s not a big deal, just a few million dollars lost in the stock market." What literary device is he using here?

• Hyperbole

• Understatement

• Irony

• Exaggeration

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CCSS.RL.11-12.6