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 summarizes the central theme of Wilde's play?

A. The absurdity of the British aristocracy and its social conventions.
B. The importance of being sincere and honest in personal relationships.
C. The dual nature of social standing and the conflicts it creates.
D. The challenges of maintaining personal integrity in a hypocritical society.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'The absurdity of the British aristocracy and its social conventions.' The central theme of Wilde's play, as revealed through satire, is the critique of the absurdities and trivialities of the British aristocracy. Wilde uses clever dialogue, puns, and irony to expose the superficiality and hypocrisy of the upper classes. While sincerity and honesty in personal relationships are explored in the play, they are not the central theme. Choice C, the dual nature of social standing and resulting conflicts, is a partial theme but not the central one. Choice D, the challenges of maintaining personal integrity in a hypocritical society, touches on a theme present in the play, but it is not as central as the critique of the British aristocracy's absurdities and social conventions.

3. What is the meaning of testament as used in the sentence provided?

A. story
B. surprise
C. artifact
D. evidence

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the context provided, the word 'testament' most likely refers to evidence. A testament can be something that serves as proof or confirmation of a fact or situation. In this case, it is used in a non-religious sense to indicate evidence or proof. The other choices are incorrect as 'story' does not fit the context, 'surprise' is not related to the owners' skills mentioned, and 'artifact' does not align with the discussion of the restaurant's success.

4. Why do cicadas make a buzzing sound?

A. To orient via echolocation
B. To attract a mate
C. To locate a food source
D. To ward off predators

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cicadas make a buzzing sound primarily to attract a mate. This sound is a mating call produced by the males to attract females for reproduction. While echolocation is used by some animals like bats for navigation, cicadas do not use buzzing for orientation. Buzzing is not related to locating a food source or warding off predators in the case of cicadas.

5. In a volleyball game, who can score a point?

A. the receiving team
B. the serving team
C. any team
D. neither team

Correct answer: B

Rationale: According to the passage, only the serving team can score in a volleyball game. After the ball is served, the serving team earns points by winning a rally. The receiving team aims to stop the serving team and win the rally to gain the serve. Therefore, the correct answer is the serving team. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as the receiving team does not score points, both teams do not score, and there is indeed scoring in volleyball.