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. Based on the context of the passage, the reader can infer that this information is likely to appear in which of the following types of works?

A. a scholarly paper
B. a mystery
C. a fictional story
D. a biography

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The information provided in the passage about the skeleton's structure and divisions, along with specific details like the number of bones and their functions, is characteristic of content found in a biography or a reference work focusing on anatomy. Biographies often include detailed factual information about historical figures, their lives, and aspects related to them, such as physical characteristics. A scholarly paper would delve deeper into analysis and research, rather than presenting basic factual information. The content in the passage is purely informative and factual, ruling out the possibility of it being part of a mystery or fictional story, which require narrative and plot elements rather than straightforward facts.

3. Which of the following statements most closely correlates with the definition of the term working man?

A. A working man is not someone who works for institutions or corporations, but someone who is well-versed in the workings of the soul.
B. A working man is someone who is probably not involved in social activities because the physical demand for work is too high.
C. A working man is someone who works for wages among the middle class.
D. The working man has historically taken to the field, to the factory, and now to the screen.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Option D provides a succinct summary of the historical shifts in the type of work commonly associated with the 'working man.' It references how the working man has transitioned from agricultural fields to factories and eventually to modern society's dependence on technology, represented by the 'screen.' This progression highlights the evolution of labor and the changing landscape of work over time. Choices A, B, and C do not accurately capture the essence of a working man's historical journey through various types of labor and the societal changes that have influenced it.

4. What most likely describes the relationship between the author and Alan?

A. competitive
B. formal
C. friendly
D. caring

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most likely description of the relationship between the author and Alan is friendly. The author's message to Alan is filled with warmth, concern, and offers of help, indicating a positive and supportive tone. The use of phrases like 'I just wanted to drop you a quick note' and 'Let me know if you want any special treats' reflect a friendly and amicable relationship. Choices A, B, and D are not as suitable as competitive, formal, or caring relationships do not align as strongly with the friendly and supportive nature of the interaction described in the text.

5. Who is the author of this article?

A. The New York Times
B. Edwin M. Stanton
C. Frederick Seward
D. Major Rathburn

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, 'The New York Times.' The article is an excerpt from The New York Times, which is a renowned newspaper known for publishing articles on various topics. The other options, Edwin M. Stanton, Frederick Seward, and Major Rathburn, are specific individuals mentioned within the article but are not the authors of the article. Edwin M. Stanton is identified as the Secretary of War, Frederick Seward is mentioned as one of the individuals harmed during the assassination, and Major Rathburn is present in the scene described in the article. Therefore, the most likely author of this article is The New York Times, a reputable source for news coverage.