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 first step to take after planting potatoes?

A. Mound soil around the base of the plant.
B. Water immediately.
C. Mix fertilizer or compost into loosened soil.
D. Place potatoes 1 foot apart.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Water immediately. After planting potatoes, the first step should always be to water them immediately. This is crucial to settle the soil around the newly planted potatoes, ensuring good contact between the roots and the soil. Watering helps kickstart the growth process and provides the necessary moisture for the newly planted potatoes to establish themselves successfully. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because mounding soil, mixing fertilizer/compost, and spacing potatoes should be done before or during planting, not immediately after.

3. Which definition best fits the word zymosis?

A. Discontent
B. An infectious disease
C. Poverty
D. Bad luck

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this passage, the word 'zymosis' is described as a malady that the narrator has been suffering from since boyhood. This aligns with the definition of zymosis as an infectious disease, making option B the correct choice. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the passage clearly indicates that zymosis is a medical condition, not related to feelings of discontent, poverty, or bad luck.

4. In which of the following battles were there more Confederate casualties than Union casualties?

A. Cold Harbor
B. Chancellorsville
C. Atlanta
D. Shiloh

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Shiloh had more Confederate casualties than Union casualties. In the Battle of Shiloh, fought in April 1862, the Confederates suffered around 10,700 casualties, while the Union forces had approximately 13,000 casualties. Therefore, Shiloh is the correct answer. Choice A, Cold Harbor, is incorrect because in that battle, the Confederate casualties were fewer than the Union casualties. Choices B and C, Chancellorsville and Atlanta respectively, also had more Union casualties than Confederate casualties, making them incorrect answers.

5. What word best describes the author's attitude toward those who believe they understand money?

A. Supportive
B. Incriminating
C. Excessive
D. Patronizing

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The author's tone towards those who think they understand money is patronizing, as seen in the statement 'Many of my hearers may say, 'we understand this; this is economy, and we know economy is wealth; we know we can't eat our cake and keep it also.' Yet I beg to say that perhaps more cases of failure arise from mistakes on this point than almost any other.' This conveys a sense of superiority and belittlement, making 'Patronizing' the best word to describe the author's attitude. - Choice A, 'Supportive,' is incorrect as the author is not expressing support but rather a critical view. - Choice B, 'Incriminating,' is incorrect as the author is not accusing or blaming those who believe they understand money. - Choice C, 'Excessive,' is incorrect as it does not capture the author's attitude of looking down on others' understanding of money.