how does wilde use irony to critique the upper class in the play

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS Reading Practice Test

1. How does Wilde use irony to critique the upper class in the play?

A. By portraying the upper class as sincere and honorable.
B. By showing that the upper class is deeply concerned with morality.
C. By exaggerating the trivial concerns and behaviors of the upper class.
D. By highlighting the noble and upright nature of the upper class.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Wilde uses irony by exaggerating the trivial concerns and behaviors of the upper class, revealing their lack of genuine depth and morality. In 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' Wilde satirizes the British aristocracy by highlighting their absurdities and trivialities. The play's characters, like Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, lead double lives, symbolizing the dual nature of their social status. Through witty dialogue, puns, and irony, Wilde exposes the superficiality and hypocrisy of the upper classes. The term 'Bunburying' coined by Wilde exemplifies the characters' deceitful actions to avoid social responsibilities. Additionally, the play ridicules the concept of marriage, portraying it as a societal transaction rather than a romantic bond. For instance, Lady Bracknell's interrogation of Jack about his eligibility as a suitor for Gwendolen underscores the materialistic view of marriage prevalent in the society Wilde critiques. Wilde's humorous yet critical portrayal of the aristocracy in 'The Importance of Being Earnest' makes it a timeless and cherished work.

2. Which of the following statements best summarizes the central purpose of this text?

A. Gulliver details his experiences and interactions with the natives of the new land.
B. Gulliver observes the unique customs and traditions of the society he encounters.
C. Gulliver becomes acquainted with the people and practices of his new surroundings.
D. Gulliver reflects on the cultural differences between his homeland and the new land.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the text describes how Gulliver becomes familiar with the customs and practices of the new society he finds himself in. He interacts with the natives, learns their language, and participates in their shows, indicating his growing understanding and acceptance of the new culture. Choice A is incorrect because the text goes beyond detailing his experiences to focus on his growing familiarity with the society. Choice B is incorrect because Gulliver not only observes but actively engages with the customs. Choice D is incorrect as the focus is on Gulliver's adaptation rather than reflecting on cultural differences.

3. Julie Walker-Mayfield plans to register for fall classes at Chatham College. She works during the day and doesn't get off work until 5:30 PM. She also has no internet access at work and will have to register for classes once she gets home. Taking into account her personal schedule and the registration schedule provided by the college, when will she be able to go online to enter the registration system and select her classes?

A. Monday, 10 AM-12 PM
B. Monday, 5-7 PM
C. Tuesday, 5-7 PM
D. Tuesday, 8-10 PM

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Julie Walker-Mayfield doesn't get off work until 5:30 PM, so she won't be able to register for classes until she gets home. Considering she needs time to unwind after work and settle in, the earliest and most suitable time for her to enter the registration system and select her classes is Tuesday, 5-7 PM. Choice A is incorrect as it falls on Monday, and she gets off work at 5:30 PM. Choices B and D are also incorrect as she needs time to settle in after work before going online to register.

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 of the following sentences uses the word 'smart' with a negative connotation, rather than a positive connotation or simply the word's denotation?

A. Eliot's teacher said he was not quite gifted, but too smart for a general class.
B. Eliot was smart to have studied the day before the test; he got a good grade.
C. Eliot was identified by his teacher as one of the smart students in her classes.
D. Eliot got into trouble when he gave a smart answer to his teacher's question.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In sentence D, the word 'smart' is used with a negative connotation as it describes Eliot getting into trouble for giving a smart answer to his teacher's question. This implies that being smart in this context led to a negative consequence. Choices A, B, and C use 'smart' in a positive or neutral light, highlighting intelligence or wise decisions without any negative implications.