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. What type of muscle is found in the walls of the heart?

A. Smooth muscle
B. Cardiac muscle
C. Skeletal muscle
D. Voluntary muscle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cardiac muscle. Cardiac muscle is the specialized muscle found in the walls of the heart. It contracts involuntarily to pump blood throughout the body, ensuring circulation. Smooth muscle is typically found in organs like the intestines and blood vessels, aiding in their functions. Skeletal muscle is attached to bones and plays a vital role in movement and posture. Voluntary muscle is a general term for skeletal muscles that are under conscious control, unlike cardiac muscle which contracts involuntarily to maintain the heart's continuous pumping action.

3. Why does the author repeat the phrase 'I had a dream' throughout the text?

A. To emphasize the speaker's excitement
B. To persuade the audience
C. To demonstrate the speaker's authority
D. To create a rhythmic effect

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The repetition of 'I had a dream' in the text serves to emphasize the speaker's excitement and vision. By repeating this phrase, the author highlights the importance and impact of the dream, reinforcing the central theme of hope and aspiration. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the primary purpose of the repetition is not persuasion, demonstration of authority, or creating a rhythmic effect, but rather to underscore the speaker's emotions and aspirations.

4. What causes varicose veins to occur?

A. Atherosclerosis.
B. Incompetent valves.
C. Loss of skin turgor.
D. Loss of blood vessel elasticity.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Varicose veins occur when the valves within the veins become incompetent, leading to blood pooling in the veins instead of being efficiently pumped back to the heart. This causes the veins to become enlarged, twisted, and visible under the skin. Factors such as genetics, aging, pregnancy, and prolonged standing or sitting can contribute to the development of incompetent valves and the resulting varicose veins. Atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque in arteries, not veins, and does not directly cause varicose veins. Loss of skin turgor is related to skin elasticity and not a direct cause of varicose veins. Loss of blood vessel elasticity is a general term and does not specifically address the mechanism behind varicose veins, which is primarily due to incompetent valves.

5. What is the surface area of the cylinder shown below?

A. 602.9 cm²
B. 904.3 cm²
C. 1,408.7 cm²
D. 1,507.2 cm²

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The surface area of a cylinder can be calculated using the formula: S = 2πr² + 2πrh, where r is the radius and h is the height. Substituting the values for radius (12) and height (8) into the formula: S = 2π(12)² + 2π(12)(8). S = 2π(144) + 2π(96). S = 288π + 192π. S = 480π ≈ 1507.964. Therefore, the surface area of the cylinder is approximately 1507.2 square centimeters. Choice A, 602.9 cm², is incorrect as it is significantly lower than the correct value. Choice B, 904.3 cm², is also incorrect as it does not match the calculated surface area. Choice C, 1,408.7 cm², is incorrect as it does not align with the calculated value of the surface area.