how does wilde portray the institution of marriage in the importance of being earnest

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS Reading Practice Test

1. How does Wilde portray the institution of marriage in The Importance of Being Earnest?

A. As a romantic union between two individuals.
B. As a social contract designed for economic and social gain.
C. As a trivial and superficial agreement.
D. As a necessary evil in a structured society.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In The Importance of Being Earnest, Wilde portrays marriage as a social contract rather than a romantic union. The play satirizes the transactional nature of marriage in the society Wilde critiques. Characters like Lady Bracknell's interrogation of Jack highlight how marriage is viewed as a means for economic and social gain rather than genuine affection, emphasizing the societal norms of the time. Choice A is incorrect because Wilde's portrayal goes beyond a simple romantic view of marriage. Choice C is incorrect as it oversimplifies Wilde's critique of marriage and societal norms. Choice D is incorrect as it doesn't capture the nuanced satire Wilde employs in dissecting the institution of marriage.

2. What is the author's purpose in discussing aquatic insects in relation to those that spend their entire lives in the air?

A. To emphasize the adaptability and complexity of insect life cycles.
B. To compare aquatic insects with those that remain airborne.
C. To highlight the unique features of insects that live in both environments.
D. To question the validity of studying insects that live in only one environment.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The author's purpose in discussing aquatic insects in relation to those that spend their entire lives in the air is to emphasize the adaptability and complexity of insect life cycles. The author highlights how some insects transition between aquatic and aerial environments, showcasing the diverse strategies and features these insects possess to thrive in different habitats. Choice B is incorrect because the author is not solely comparing aquatic insects with those that remain airborne, but rather exploring their adaptability. Choice C is incorrect as the focus is not on highlighting unique features but on showcasing the transition between environments. Choice D is incorrect as the author is not questioning the validity of studying insects in only one environment but rather demonstrating the fascinating dual-life cycles of certain insects.

3. From the extract, what is the author's point of view?

A. First person
B. Third person limited
C. Third person omniscient
D. Objective

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, third person omniscient. The author provides insight into the thoughts of multiple characters, such as Michael and Lana June, indicating knowledge beyond what a single character could perceive. This omniscient viewpoint allows readers to understand the perspectives of different individuals, enhancing the depth and complexity of the narrative. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the extract demonstrates a narrative style that extends beyond a single character's viewpoint, revealing thoughts and feelings of various characters.

4. What role do the spiracles play in the respiration of the insects described in the passage?

A. They allow insects to breathe atmospheric air even when submerged.
B. They protect the insect's internal organs from water pressure.
C. They filter oxygen from the water for underwater breathing.
D. They are used to expel carbon dioxide from the body.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The spiracles in insects serve the crucial function of allowing them to breathe atmospheric air even when submerged. The passage explains that insects have a system of branching air-tubes that carry atmospheric air with oxygen to all tissues. The air enters these tubes through paired air-holes or spiracles, enabling insects to respire even when they are underwater. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the spiracles do not protect internal organs from water pressure, filter oxygen from water for underwater breathing, or expel carbon dioxide from the body. The primary role of spiracles is to facilitate respiration by allowing insects to access atmospheric air.

5. 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.