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. Which of the following best describes the passage?

A. Narrative
B. Persuasive
C. Expository
D. Technical

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Persuasive.' The passage aims to persuade readers against smoking by presenting facts and arguments to convince them of the harmful effects of smoking. It highlights the negative consequences of smoking, such as containing carcinogens and toxins, causing various types of cancer, and leading to addiction. The passage also emphasizes the health risks and societal costs associated with smoking. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the passage is not a narrative (storytelling), expository (informative), or technical (specialized information) piece; instead, it focuses on convincing the audience to avoid smoking.

3. 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 passage is written from a third person omniscient perspective, where the narrator knows the thoughts of multiple characters. This is evident as the narrator describes the thoughts and actions of various characters, such as the emperor, the treasurer, and the principal secretary. The narrator's knowledge extends beyond the main character, Gulliver, providing insights into the perspectives of others. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A, 'First person,' would imply that the narrator is a character within the story, which is not the case here. Choice B, 'Third person limited,' would restrict the narrator's knowledge to only one character's thoughts and feelings, which is not the situation in this passage. Choice D, 'Objective,' would indicate a neutral and unbiased narration without delving into characters' thoughts, which is not the perspective used in this excerpt.

4. What is one idea that the students above seem to agree on, based on their statements?

A. Students should be allowed to express themselves through their apparel.
B. Schools should give students a certain amount of respect.
C. Students should focus more on school than on their appearance.
D. Schools would violate students' basic rights by enforcing a dress code.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Both Lisa Grant and Vivian Harris express the idea that schools should give students a certain amount of respect. Lisa Grant believes that wearing uniforms would help students respect each other based on ideas and character rather than appearance. Vivian Harris, on the other hand, argues against uniforms, emphasizing that clothing is crucial for self-expression and taking it away suppresses students' rights. However, at the core of both their arguments is the underlying theme of advocating for respect towards students.

5. Which of the following is not identified as a difference between the two authors?

A. Malory wrote prose, while Tennyson wrote poetry.
B. Malory wrote during the medieval era, while Tennyson wrote during the Victorian era.
C. Malory was more focused on heroism and morality, while Tennyson was more focused on nature and elegy.
D. Malory wrote stories about Gareth, Tristan, and Isolde, while Tennyson focused only on Arthur, Lancelot, and Guinevere.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The passage explicitly mentions that Malory included chapters on knights such as Lancelot and Gareth, and he discussed the relationships between Tristan and Isolde, and Lancelot and Guinevere. This shows that Malory did focus on a wider range of characters beyond just Arthur, Lancelot, and Guinevere. Therefore, the difference mentioned in option D is not accurate as it is identified in the passage that Malory did write stories about Gareth, Tristan, and Isolde. Choices A, B, and C are all correctly identified as differences between the two authors based on the passage provided.