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. During the Great Emu War, which of the following events happened immediately after the conflict resumed in mid-November?

A. Military efforts became ineffective
B. The Australian government launched the initial assault
C. The military withdrew
D. Emus resorted to guerrilla tactics

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. According to the extract, emus resorted to guerrilla tactics during the Great Emu War. This choice aligns with the information provided, indicating that the emus changed their tactics in response to the conflict. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as there is no mention in the extract or historical context of military efforts becoming ineffective, the Australian government launching an initial assault, or the military withdrawing immediately after the conflict resumed in mid-November.

3. On which day of the week will they be able to water their lawn?

A. Tuesday
B. Wednesday
C. Thursday
D. Saturday

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Based on the town's watering schedule, residents with addresses ending in 7 should water their lawns on Wednesdays. The Morgan family's address ends in 7, so they should set up their watering schedule for Wednesdays. Therefore, the correct answer is Wednesday. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they correspond to days designated for addresses ending in other numbers according to the town's schedule.

4. Which of the following words is a synonym for avian in this passage?

A. Bird
B. Flying
C. Aerial
D. Plane

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The word 'avian' refers to birds, so the synonym is 'Bird.' In the provided passage, the term 'avian' is used to refer to birds, making 'Bird' the correct synonym. 'Flying' and 'Aerial' are related to the concept of flight but do not specifically refer to birds. 'Plane' refers to an aircraft and is not synonymous with 'avian' or 'bird.' Therefore, 'Bird' is the most appropriate choice as a synonym for avian in this context.

5. What is the definition of the word 'antediluvian' in the sentence: 'Ermengarde loved spending time with her great-aunt, but she occasionally had to roll her eyes at what she considered to be Aunt Fredericka's antediluvian views about dating and relationships'?

A. outdated
B. confusing
C. hostile
D. Eager

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The word 'antediluvian' is often used to mean extremely old or outdated, especially in a derogatory sense. In this context, Ermengarde finds her great-aunt's views on dating and relationships to be old-fashioned or out of touch with modern ideas. 'Confusing', 'hostile', and 'Eager' do not accurately capture the meaning of 'antediluvian' in the given context, making them incorrect choices.