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. Why does Bobo, despite coulrophobia, book more shows and make more money than Gob?

A. Bobo is an experienced clown.
B. Despite rampant coulrophobia, statistical data shows that people generally prefer clowns to magicians for children's birthday parties.
C. Bobo goes out of his way to appear non-threatening.
D. Bobo works in a densely populated city, while Gob works in a rural town.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because despite the widespread fear of clowns (coulrophobia), statistical data indicates that people typically favor clowns over magicians for children's birthday parties. This preference results in Bobo booking more shows and earning more money than Gob. Choice A is incorrect because being an experienced clown alone does not address the paradox. Choice C is incorrect as the statement does not directly relate to the preference for clowns over magicians. Choice D is irrelevant to the paradox as the location of their work does not explain why Bobo is more successful despite coulrophobia.

3. Which of the following best describes the theme of the passage?

A. Patronizing
B. Skeptical
C. Objective
D. Nostalgic

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Objective.' The passage presents a factual account of Clara Barton's life events without showing bias or personal feelings. The text outlines significant milestones in Barton's life chronologically, from her birth to her contributions during and after the Civil War, culminating in her advocacy for the establishment of an American branch of the International Red Cross Organization. The passage does not exhibit a patronizing tone (choice A), as it does not talk down to Barton or belittle her achievements. It is also not skeptical (choice B), as it does not express doubt or disbelief in the information presented. Furthermore, the passage is not nostalgic (choice D), as it does not dwell on sentimental feelings or memories of the past. Therefore, 'Objective' is the most suitable description of the passage's theme.

4. What can the reader infer from this passage? I would sometimes lie down, and let five or six of them dance on my hand; and at last the boys and girls would venture to come and play at hide-and-seek in my hair.

A. The children tortured Gulliver.
B. Gulliver traveled to meet new people.
C. Gulliver is considerably larger than the children playing around him.
D. Gulliver has a genuine love and enthusiasm for people of all sizes.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The reader can infer from the passage that Gulliver is considerably larger than the children playing around him. This is evident from the fact that the children dance on his hand and play hide-and-seek in his hair, indicating a significant size difference between Gulliver and the children. Choice A is incorrect because there is no mention or implication of the children torturing Gulliver in the passage. Choice B is incorrect because Gulliver's reason for traveling is not mentioned in the provided excerpt. Choice D is incorrect as there is no explicit indication of Gulliver having a genuine love and enthusiasm for people of all sizes; the passage primarily focuses on the interaction between Gulliver and the children in terms of size and playfulness.

5. Which option best describes the use of the spider in the poem?

A. Idiom
B. Haiku
C. ABBA rhyming convention
D. Simile

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Simile.' In the poem, the speaker compares the spider to an artist using 'as,' indicating a simile. A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using 'like' or 'as.' Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. An idiom is a phrase with a figurative meaning different from its literal meaning, a haiku is a form of Japanese poetry, and ABBA rhyming convention refers to a specific rhyme scheme commonly found in poetry, none of which apply to the comparison of the spider to an artist in the poem.