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. The passage describes recent hurricane seasons as the most expensive on record. Which of the following statements gives the implied reason for this increased expense?

A. Hurricane Katrina was an extremely violent storm.
B. Valuable buildings were destroyed in New Orleans.
C. The Atlantic Basin is entering an active period.
D. Destruction of barrier islands and coastal wetlands has left the mainland exposed.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The destruction of barrier islands and coastal wetlands has left the mainland exposed, leading to increased damage and expenses from hurricanes. This implies a direct reason for the increased cost of recent hurricane seasons. The other choices do not directly address the reason for the increased expenses. Choice A talks about the intensity of Hurricane Katrina but does not explain the overall trend of increased expenses. Choice B mentions buildings being destroyed, which is a consequence rather than a reason for increased expenses. Choice C discusses an active period in the Atlantic Basin but does not connect it to the increased costs of hurricane seasons.

3. What is the purpose of the italicized text in the passage?

A. To show Madame Butterfly's title
B. To emphasize an idea
C. To format a heading
D. To indicate the title of the opera

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The purpose of the italicized text is to indicate the title of the opera, Madame Butterfly. In the text, 'Madame Butterfly' is italicized to highlight that it refers to the title of the opera written by Giacomo Puccini. It does not serve to show Madame Butterfly's thoughts (choice A), emphasize an idea (choice B), or format a heading (choice C). The italicization is specifically used to identify the title of the opera within the passage.

4. Which of the following is a logical conclusion that can be derived from the announcement above?

A. The library is planning to charge patrons for extended computer use to generate additional revenue.
B. The library is implementing the fee to encourage patrons to use the computers more efficiently.
C. The library has added the fee to discourage patrons from spending too long on the computers.
D. The library is aiming to cover the costs of maintaining the computers by charging patrons for extended use.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The fee imposed by the library is likely intended to discourage patrons from spending excessive time on the computers, ensuring fair usage of limited computer resources. This measure is implemented to promote equal access to all visitors. Choice A is incorrect because the purpose of the fee is not primarily to generate additional revenue but rather to regulate computer usage. Choice B is incorrect as the fee is not meant to encourage more efficient computer use but rather to limit the duration of use. Choice D is incorrect as the main goal of the fee is not to cover maintenance costs but to manage computer access.

5. While some people claim that any kind of distracted driving is dangerous, texting beats them all by keeping attention away from the road.

A. Driving and texting have gone hand in hand ever since the irst teen decided that he needed to let his friends know what he was thinking right then and there. Government ofices have kept tabs on distracted drivers, and the numbers are staggering. The years of the study were from 2002 to
B. Texting while driving has been linked to a dramatic increase in road accidents, with government data showing that drivers are 23 times more likely to crash when texting than when performing other tasks.
C. While it’s true that distracted driving is dangerous, texting is particularly hazardous as it requires drivers to divert their attention from the road for an extended period. This prolonged distraction increases the risk of accidents.
D. Many forms of distracted driving, such as eating or adjusting the radio, are common, but texting stands out due to the high number of accidents and fatalities it causes annually.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: This choice provides a detailed explanation relating to the topic of distracted driving and specifically mentions the issue of texting while driving. It highlights the prevalence of distracted driving due to texting and mentions the efforts of government offices to address this problem. The explanation is relevant and directly supports the idea that texting is the most dangerous form of distraction while driving.