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This satirical device occurs when the intended meaning is different from the literal meaning, often to expose flaws or hypocrisy.
irony
This satirical device uses extreme exaggeration to create humour or criticism.
hyperbole
This device deliberately makes something seem less important or serious than it actually is.
understatement
A pun is a type of wordplay that uses what feature of language?
multiple meanings or similar-sounding words
This device imitates a style, person, or genre to make fun of it.
parody
A writer says “What a brilliant idea!” after a character makes an obviously terrible decision. This is an example of what device?
verbal irony
“This new phone is so amazing it will change humanity forever.” What device is being used?
hyperbole
After a huge disaster, a character says “That was slightly inconvenient.” What device is this?
understatement
A restaurant critic writes: “The chef was not cooking with his best thyme.” What device is used?
a pun
A comedy show copies a famous advertisement but changes it to criticise consumerism. What device is this?
parody
A company advertises itself as “saving the planet” while creating massive pollution. What social issue is being criticised through irony?
environmental responsibility/pollution
A cartoon shows a student with a mountain of homework taller than a skyscraper. What is being exaggerated?
the amount of homework/workload
A satire describes a major political failure as “a tiny mistake.” What is the writer suggesting?
the failure is much worse than the description suggests
Why do satirists use puns?
to make criticism entertaining and memorable
A cartoon draws a politician with an enormous ego and tiny hands. What satirical device is being used?
caricature
A satirical article praises a corrupt politician as “the most honest person alive.” What message is the writer communicating?
the politician is dishonest and the writer is criticising corruption
Why might a satirist exaggerate a social issue instead of presenting it realistically?
to make the issue more noticeable and force the audience to think about it
How does understatement create humour in satire?
the contrast between the small description and the serious reality creates comedy
A cartoon about politicians says: “They’re always making promises, but never delivering the goods.” What wordplay could be used to make this satirical?
a pun on political “delivery” and actual delivery of goods
Why do satirists exaggerate a person’s features in caricature?
to emphasise traits they want the audience to notice or criticise
Explain why irony is effective in satire.
it highlights contradictions and encourages audiences to question people, ideas, or systems
A satire claims that teenagers spend “24 hours a day glued to their phones.” What issue is being criticised?
technology/social media dependence
A writer uses understatement to discuss inequality by calling poverty “a minor inconvenience.” What criticism is being made?
society is ignoring serious social problems
Explain how puns can make a serious social message easier for audiences to engage with
humour attracts attention while still communicating criticism
A parody of a superhero movie shows the hero only caring about popularity instead of saving people. What social issue is being criticised?
Society’s focus on fame/image over meaningful action?