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 represents the central idea of this passage?

A. Self-improvement classes teach work-related skills.
B. Attendance is voluntary for self-improvement classes.
C. Many different kinds of self-improvement classes are available.
D. Cooking is one type of self-improvement classes.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The central idea of the passage is that there are many different kinds of self-improvement classes available. The passage discusses various topics such as cooking, yoga, language learning, and computer skills, emphasizing the range of options for self-improvement classes. This choice captures the main theme of the passage focusing on the diversity of available classes for personal development.

3. If Cynthia wants to pick the meal where there would be the least options for her and fellow vegetarians, during what meal should she bring the platter?

A. Breakfast
B. Lunch
C. Cocktail hour
D. Dinner

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Dinner has the least vegetarian options, making it the most suitable meal for Cynthia to bring her platter. The dinner menu includes Roasted pork loin, seared trout, and bacon-bit topped macaroni and cheese, which are all non-vegetarian dishes. Breakfast, Lunch, and Cocktail hour all have vegetarian options available, making them less suitable for Cynthia's vegetarian platter.

4. Which of the following bones is not part of the appendicular skeleton?

A. skull
B. clavicle
C. scapula
D. pelvic bone

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, 'skull.' The skull is part of the axial skeleton, not the appendicular skeleton. The axial skeleton, which includes the skull, vertebrae, and ribs, is located down the center of the body and protects vital organs such as the brain and heart. On the other hand, the appendicular skeleton consists of bones of the arms, legs, and the bones that attach these limbs to the axial skeleton. Choices B, C, and D (clavicle, scapula, pelvic bone) are part of the appendicular skeleton as they form the bones of the limbs and girdles that connect the limbs to the axial skeleton.

5. Which of the following best describes the type of writing used in the email message sent by the instructor?

A. technical
B. narrative
C. persuasive
D. expository

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The email sent by the instructor after reconsidering his grading plan for the semester is aimed at persuading the students to understand the situation and potentially take certain actions based on his decision. It is not a technical piece that focuses on explaining complex processes, nor is it primarily a narrative recounting events. It also does not strictly provide information or explain a topic (expository writing). Instead, the email's purpose is to influence the students' perspective or behavior, making it a persuasive type of writing.