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 is true of hypotheses of the form 'All x and y'?

A. Something that is neither x nor y disproves the hypothesis.
B. Something that is both x and y disproves the hypothesis.
C. Something that is x but not y disproves the hypothesis.
D. Something that is y but not x disproves the hypothesis.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. According to the passage, when encountering evidence that disproves a hypothesis of the form 'All x and y,' something that is x but not y can disprove the hypothesis. Using the example provided in the passage, a monkey (x) that has no hair (not y) would disprove the hypothesis 'All monkeys are hairy.' Choice A is incorrect because something that is neither x nor y is not specifically mentioned in the passage to disprove such hypotheses. Choice B is incorrect because the passage states that something that is both x and y confirms the hypothesis, not disproves it. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not discuss something that is y but not x disproving the hypothesis; it focuses on x but not y as evidence to disprove the hypothesis.

3. What is the main idea conveyed in the extract?

A. Shia hears strange noises in the dark hallway
B. Shia is working late at the office
C. Shia is preparing for a presentation
D. Shia encounters a terrifying situation in the CFO's office

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The main idea conveyed in the extract is that Shia encounters a terrifying situation in the CFO's office. The passage describes Shia hearing strange noises, feeling fear, and encountering alarming events like crashes and howls. This builds tension and indicates a dangerous situation unfolding. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not capture the central theme of Shia facing a frightening encounter in the CFO's office.

4. Why did Julia not return to work after the alarm?

A. She was embarrassed that she could not finish the work her boss asked for.
B. She was tired and wanted to go home.
C. She got stuck in traffic and could not get back to her office.
D. Her boss gave her the afternoon off.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most likely reason Julia did not return to work after the alarm is that she got stuck in traffic and could not get back to her office. The extract provides details about Julia's challenging morning, starting from being woken up early by lawn mowers, having a caffeine-free cup of coffee, facing traffic delays, arriving late at work, and receiving additional work from her boss. These events culminated in Julia deciding to leave after the fire alarm, indicating that being stuck in traffic was the primary reason for her absence. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because there is no direct evidence in the provided extract to support them. Julia's actions suggest that her decision to leave was more related to external factors like traffic issues rather than internal feelings of embarrassment, tiredness, or being given time off by her boss.

5. What role do the spiracles play in the respiration of the insects described in the passage?

A. They allow insects to breathe atmospheric air even when submerged.
B. They protect the insect's internal organs from water pressure.
C. They filter oxygen from the water for underwater breathing.
D. They are used to expel carbon dioxide from the body.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The spiracles in insects serve the crucial function of allowing them to breathe atmospheric air even when submerged. The passage explains that insects have a system of branching air-tubes that carry atmospheric air with oxygen to all tissues. The air enters these tubes through paired air-holes or spiracles, enabling insects to respire even when they are underwater. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the spiracles do not protect internal organs from water pressure, filter oxygen from water for underwater breathing, or expel carbon dioxide from the body. The primary role of spiracles is to facilitate respiration by allowing insects to access atmospheric air.