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 main point of dispute between the politicians?

A. Spending on social welfare programs increases the national debt.
B. Certain classes of people rely on social welfare programs to meet their basic needs.
C. Certain classes of people would be irreparably harmed if the country failed to provide a social welfare program.
D. All of the country's leaders have bootstrapped their way to the top.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main point of dispute between the conservative and liberal politicians is about whether certain classes of people rely on social welfare programs to meet their basic needs. The conservative politician believes that no citizens truly need government assistance and that it only makes things easier, while the liberal politician argues that various groups, such as immigrants, single mothers, and the elderly, require a safety net for basic necessities. Choice A is incorrect as it refers to the impact on national debt, which is not the primary point of dispute. Choice C is incorrect as it discusses the consequences of failing to provide social welfare programs, not the main point of disagreement. Choice D is irrelevant as it talks about the backgrounds of the country's leaders, which is not the focus of the dispute between the politicians.

3. Which of the following shows the correct chronological order of events from the passage?

A. Princess Charlotte Augusta died, Princess Alexandrina Victoria was born, King George IV married Maria Fitzherbert, King George IV married Caroline of Brunswick
B. Princess Alexandrina Victoria was born, King George IV married Maria Fitzherbert, King George IV married Caroline of Brunswick, Princess Charlotte Augusta died
C. King George IV married Maria Fitzherbert, King George IV married Caroline of Brunswick, Princess Charlotte Augusta died, Princess Alexandrina Victoria was born
D. King George IV married Caroline of Brunswick, Princess Charlotte Augusta died, King George IV married Maria Fitzherbert, Princess Alexandrina Victoria was born

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The passage provides a timeline of events related to King George IV, Princess Charlotte Augusta, and Princess Alexandrina Victoria. King George IV secretly married Maria Fitzherbert in 1783 and later married Caroline of Brunswick in 1795. Princess Charlotte Augusta, the daughter of King George IV and Caroline, died in 1817. Princess Alexandrina Victoria, who later became Queen Victoria, was born in 1819. Therefore, the correct chronological order of events is: King George IV married Maria Fitzherbert, King George IV married Caroline of Brunswick, Princess Charlotte Augusta died, and Princess Alexandrina Victoria was born (Choice C). Choices A, B, and D do not follow the correct chronological order as depicted in the passage.

4. Based on the passage, which conclusion can be drawn about the author?

A. They are overly emotional and...
B. They would rather be at a concert
C. They go to the theater as often as possible
D. They enjoy the decor of most theaters

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The passage does not mention anything about the author's emotional state or preference for concerts. However, it does discuss cicadas and their emergence, life cycle, and behavior. Therefore, the reader can conclude that the author is likely interested in cicadas and their natural history, indicating that they go to the theater as often as possible. Choice A is incorrect because there is no evidence regarding the author being overly emotional. Choice B is incorrect as there is no mention of the author's preference for concerts. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not provide any information about the author enjoying theater decor.

5. Which of the following quotes offers the best summary for the instructor's motive in sending the email to the students?

A. By now, many of you have probably seen your grade and are a little concerned. (And if you're not concerned, you should be-at least a bit!)
B. With each class comes a new challenge, however, and as any good instructor will tell you, sometimes the original plan has to change.
C. The purpose of the group project is to allow students to work together and arrive at a stronger response than if each worked individually.
D. At the beginning of the semester, I informed the class that I have a strict grading policy and that all scores will stand unquestioned.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. This quote best captures the instructor's motive in the email to adjust the original plan to better support the students. Dr. Edwards is offering alternative options, including extra credit projects and a group project, to help students improve their scores after the essay exam. These options aim to provide students with opportunities to enhance their grades and succeed in the course. Choice A focuses on students feeling concerned about their grades but does not address the instructor's motive. Choice C highlights the purpose of the group project but does not capture the instructor's motive for sending the email. Choice D emphasizes the instructor's strict grading policy but does not explain the motive behind offering alternative ways to improve scores.