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 best describes the author’s purpose?

A. The author wants to tell customers about the cars available at Carl’s Car Depot.
B. The author wants to encourage other car dealerships to lower their prices.
C. The author wants to provide new and used cars at affordable prices.
D. The author wants to attract customers to Carl’s Car Depot.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The author's purpose is to attract customers to Carl's Car Depot. The text from the extract clearly emphasizes the one-day-only summer sale event at Carl’s Car Depot, highlighting the wide range of cars available at discounted prices with special financing options. The author aims to draw in potential customers by presenting compelling offers and creating a sense of urgency. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the primary focus is on attracting customers to Carl’s Car Depot by showcasing the available cars and the limited-time sale, not solely informing customers about the cars, urging other dealerships to lower prices, or generally providing affordable cars.

3. According to the extract, which of the following statements most closely correlates with the definition of the term 'working man'?

A. A working man is someone who is well versed in the workings of the soul.
B. A working man is probably not involved in social activities due to the high physical demand of work.
C. A working man is someone who earns wages in a traditional sense, often associated with the middle class.
D. The working man historically transitions from the field to the factory and now to the screen.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: According to the extract, the term 'working man' refers to individuals who are actively employed and earn wages in a traditional sense. Charles Dickens emphasizes the importance of the working man having a share in the management of institutions designed for their benefit. This aligns with choice C, making it the correct answer. Choice A is incorrect as the extract does not mention anything about being well versed in the workings of the soul. Choice B is incorrect because the extract does not suggest that working men are not involved in social activities due to the physical demands of their work. Choice D is also incorrect as the extract does not focus on the historical transitions of the working man.

4. To which section of the library should Jorgen go to find one of the early maps created by Eratosthenes?

A. 100
B. 300
C. 600
D. 900

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Jorgen should go to the 900 section of the library: History, geography, and biography to find one of the early maps created by Eratosthenes. Eratosthenes, an Ancient Greek mathematician and poet, is known for his contributions to geography and is considered the first person to calculate the circumference of the earth. Therefore, his works on early maps would be categorized under history and geography. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they correspond to Philosophy and psychology, Social sciences, and Technical and applied science respectively, which are not relevant to finding maps created by Eratosthenes.

5. Which of the following is true about calcium-rich foods? I. Canned salmon with bones contains calcium. II. Cheese is a lactose-free food. III. Condensed soup made with water is a calcium-rich food.

A. I only
B. I and II only
C. II and III only
D. III only

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'I only.' Canned salmon with bones contains calcium as the bones are a good source of calcium, making statement I true. However, statement II is false as cheese is not a lactose-free food. Statement III is also incorrect as condensed soup made with water is not necessarily a calcium-rich food. Other calcium-rich options include dairy products like milk, yogurt, and specific non-dairy products like calcium-fortified juices, canned fish with bones, soybeans, and leafy greens.