Literary term
Irony
A gap between what is said or expected and what is really meant or true.
What it means
Irony is the gap between appearance and reality, between what is said and what is meant, or between what is expected and what happens. In verbal irony a speaker says one thing but means the opposite, often for humour or criticism. In situational irony an outcome is the reverse of what seemed likely.
Irony asks the reader to hold two meanings at once and to see past the surface. That is why it is a mark of sophisticated reading and writing rather than a simple device to spot.
Why it matters in the exam
Missing irony in the reading paper leads to serious misreadings. Recognising it protects your comprehension marks and your sense of tone. In Literature, discussing irony shows you understand a writer's attitude and the distance between characters and readers.
In your own writing, a light touch of irony can add wit and maturity. Make it clear enough for the reader to catch.
Example
A character declares that nothing could possibly go wrong, moments before everything does. The reader sees the irony even if the character does not.
How to use it
Identify which kind of irony is at work and explain the gap between the surface and the reality. Say what the irony reveals about the writer's attitude or the reader's superior knowledge. In your own writing, signal irony carefully through context or tone.
The reader must know you mean the opposite of what is literally on the page.
Knowing the term is the first step. In a paid one-hour trial, a teacher helps your child use "Irony" accurately in an answer.