Nursing Elites

1. As used in the passage, what does the word 'depressed' most nearly mean?

• A. Very unhappy
• B. Decreased appreciably
• C. Exhaled hard
• D. Pushed down

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this context, 'depressed' means 'pushed down' as it refers to the action of pushing down the plunger to force out the clog in the pipe. The word 'depressed' is used to describe the physical action of pressing down, not to convey emotions like being very unhappy (choice A), to decrease appreciably (choice B), or to exhale hard (choice C), making these choices incorrect.

2. How does Wilde use irony to critique the upper class in the play?

• A. By portraying the upper class as sincere and honorable.
• B. By showing that the upper class is deeply concerned with morality.
• C. By exaggerating the trivial concerns and behaviors of the upper class.
• D. By highlighting the noble and upright nature of the upper class.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Wilde uses irony by exaggerating the trivial concerns and behaviors of the upper class, revealing their lack of genuine depth and morality. In 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' Wilde satirizes the British aristocracy by highlighting their absurdities and trivialities. The play's characters, like Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, lead double lives, symbolizing the dual nature of their social status. Through witty dialogue, puns, and irony, Wilde exposes the superficiality and hypocrisy of the upper classes. The term 'Bunburying' coined by Wilde exemplifies the characters' deceitful actions to avoid social responsibilities. Additionally, the play ridicules the concept of marriage, portraying it as a societal transaction rather than a romantic bond. For instance, Lady Bracknell's interrogation of Jack about his eligibility as a suitor for Gwendolen underscores the materialistic view of marriage prevalent in the society Wilde critiques. Wilde's humorous yet critical portrayal of the aristocracy in 'The Importance of Being Earnest' makes it a timeless and cherished work.

3. What is the meaning of the word deceptive as it is used in the fifth paragraph?

• A. misleading
• B. malicious
• C. illegal
• D. irritating

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the context of the fifth paragraph, the word 'deceptive' is used to describe actions that are misleading or giving a false impression. It does not directly imply malice, illegality, or irritation, but rather that the actions are meant to mislead or deceive others. Choice A is correct as it aligns with the definition of 'deceptive' in this context. Choice B, 'malicious,' implies a deliberate intent to harm, which is not necessarily conveyed by the term 'deceptive' in this paragraph. Choice C, 'illegal,' does not capture the essence of misleading actions without specifically addressing the legality aspect. Choice D, 'irritating,' is unrelated to the meaning of 'deceptive' as used in this context.

4. Which of the following pairs of examples from the passage best demonstrates why the use of plastics is a divisive topic?

• A. Plastic has advantages. Plastic is difficult to recycle efficiently.
• B. Plastic is consumed by birds. Plastic is entering our food.
• C. Plastic is popular. Plastic is used for packaging.
• D. Plastic is in landfills. Plastic is in the ocean.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The examples of plastic's advantages and difficulties in recycling show why the topic is divisive. The passage mentions that plastic has advantages, but it is difficult to recycle efficiently, indicating a conflict between the benefits and environmental impact of plastics. This conflict contributes to the divisive nature of discussions surrounding the use of plastics. Choices B, C, and D do not provide contrasting examples that highlight the divisive nature of the topic.

5. The author of the passage describes Harriet Tubman's life as a slave to show

• A. why she wanted to escape slavery.
• B. why she was a spy during the Civil War.
• C. why she suffered from seizures.
• D. how she loved babies.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'why she wanted to escape slavery.' The author details Harriet Tubman's life as a slave to highlight the hardships and injustices she faced, motivating her to seek freedom for herself and others. Choice B is incorrect because while Tubman was a spy during the Civil War, the passage focuses on her experiences as a slave. Choice C is incorrect as the passage mentions her suffering from seizures due to a head injury, not as a primary reason for describing her life as a slave. Choice D is incorrect as the passage briefly mentions her experience as a nursemaid for a baby, but it does not focus on her love for babies as a key aspect of describing her life as a slave.

Similar Questions