This question is based on General Literary Principles. When two statements or comparisons are apparently contradictory, we have an example of

Analyze the question: The question asks for the term used when two statements or ideas seem to contradict each other.

Explain the concept: Here are the four options:

• Irony: A gap between what is said and what is meant, or between what is expected and what actually happens. Example: a fire station burning down.
• Paradox: A statement that seems self-contradictory or absurd on the surface but contains a deeper truth. Example: "The more you know, the more you realise you don't know."
• Contrast: Simply placing two different things side by side to show how they differ. The two things are not contradictory.
• Parallelism: Using similar grammatical structures or ideas in a balanced way. Example: "Easy come, easy go."

Step-by-step solution:

1. The key phrase is "apparently contradictory", meaning the statements look like they clash.
2. Irony depends on a mismatch between expectation and reality, not on two statements clashing.
3. Contrast only highlights differences, and there is no real contradiction.
4. Parallelism is about balanced structure, so it is out.
5. Paradox fits exactly. Two statements seem to contradict each other, yet on closer thought they make sense or reveal a truth.

Answer: B. paradox

Exam tip: Think of the word "apparently". Paradox = apparent contradiction that is actually true. A classic example is Shakespeare's "Parting is such sweet sorrow." Remember: Paradox = Puzzling but Proven true.