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. Sarah is hosting a brunch for a baby shower and knows that several of the guests are strict vegans. She wants to make sure she prepares certain foods correctly to ensure all her guests have something to eat. In particular, she is looking for recipes for banana bread and blueberry muffins. Which chapter of the cookbook should she consult?

A. Chapter I
B. Chapter II
C. Chapter IV
D. Chapter V

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Chapter II typically focuses on baking and sweet treats, which would likely include recipes for banana bread and blueberry muffins. Sarah should consult this chapter for vegan-friendly versions of these recipes that will cater to her strict vegan guests. Choice A, Chapter I, primarily covers yeast breads, not the specific recipes Sarah is looking for. Choice C, Chapter IV, focuses on elegant, easy entrees, which are not relevant to the sweet treats Sarah wants. Choice D, Chapter V, covers delicious desserts and drinks, but it does not specifically mention the items Sarah is interested in, making it less likely to contain the recipes she needs.

3. Which best describes the meaning of the word decay as used in this passage?

A. To decompose
B. To shrink
C. To wither
D. To deteriorate

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the context provided, 'decay' implies a gradual deterioration or breaking down over time. It does not specifically refer to decomposing, shrinking, or withering. Therefore, the correct answer is 'To deteriorate.' 'To decompose' is incorrect as it refers to the breakdown of organic matter, 'To shrink' is incorrect as it means to become smaller, and 'To wither' is incorrect as it means to dry up or wilt, none of which fully capture the meaning of decay in this context.

4. Given this new information, which cinema is the best option for Thomas and his sister?

A. Twin Theatres
B. Reveler Cinema
C. Big Screen 14
D. Best Seat in The House

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The best cinema option for Thomas and his sister after the unexpected rearrangement of their schedules is Best Seat in The House. This is because the only showing available after 10:30 p.m. is at 11:25 p.m. at Best Seat in The House. None of the other cinemas have showings available after 10:30 p.m., making Best Seat in The House the optimal choice for them to catch the film. Twin Theatres, Reveler Cinema, and Big Screen 14 do not have showings after 10:30 p.m., so they are not suitable options for Thomas and his sister given their schedule constraints.

5. Which definition best fits the word zymosis?

A. Discontent
B. An infectious disease
C. Poverty
D. Bad luck

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this passage, the word 'zymosis' is described as a malady that the narrator has been suffering from since boyhood. This aligns with the definition of zymosis as an infectious disease, making option B the correct choice. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the passage clearly indicates that zymosis is a medical condition, not related to feelings of discontent, poverty, or bad luck.