Read the passage excerpt below: "In the wake of the sudden policy shift, the spokesperson … — JAMB UTME

Read the passage excerpt below:

"In the wake of the sudden policy shift, the spokesperson described the investors' immediate reaction as a 'deafening silence' that crippled market activity."

Which of the following accurately identifies the figure of speech used in the phrase 'deafening silence' and its contextual meaning?

An oxymoron, highlighting a conspicuously intense and worrisome total absence of market activityAnswer
B
A hyperbole, exaggerating the actual physical noise made by investors trading on the floor
C
A euphemism, replacing a harsh statement about financial failure with a mild grammatical phrase
D
A simile, making a direct comparison between noisy public protests and quiet financial trading

Answer

An oxymoron, highlighting a conspicuously intense and worrisome total absence of market activity

The phrase 'deafening silence' brings together two contradictory concepts ('deafening' and 'silence') side-by-side, which defines an oxymoron. Contextually, it conveys that the utter lack of response from investors was so dramatic and impactful that it commanded immediate attention.

Step-by-Step Solution

Analyze the structure of the target phrase 'deafening silence'

Identified two juxtaposed words with contradictory meanings ('deafening' meaning extremely loud, and 'silence' meaning complete quiet).

Placing contradictory terms side-by-side forms an oxymoron.

Determine the contextual meaning within the excerpt

The phrase describes the investors' reaction where their total lack of action ('silence') was so dramatic and noticeable that it felt overwhelming ('deafening').

Understanding figurative language in context requires connecting the rhetorical effect to the narrative situation.

Key Concept

Identifying figures of speech (oxymoron) and interpreting contextual figurative meaning

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