what is the purpose of the subtitle a trivial comedy for serious people in the context of the play

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS Reading Practice Test

1. What is the purpose of the subtitle 'A Trivial Comedy for Serious People' in the context of the play?

A. To emphasize the seriousness of the social critique in the play.
B. To downplay the seriousness of the play and present it as light-hearted.
C. To reflect the trivial nature of the characters' concerns and lives.
D. To highlight the absurdity of taking serious matters lightly.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The subtitle 'A Trivial Comedy for Serious People' in Oscar Wilde's play 'The Importance of Being Earnest' serves to reflect the trivial concerns of the characters and the superficiality of their lives. Wilde uses this subtitle to highlight the irony in portraying seemingly serious people who are preoccupied with trivial matters and appearances. Choice A is incorrect because the subtitle does not aim to emphasize the seriousness of the social critique but rather the triviality of the characters' lives. Choice B is incorrect as the subtitle doesn't downplay the seriousness of the play; instead, it juxtaposes the trivial with the serious. Choice D is incorrect because the subtitle does not aim to highlight the absurdity of taking serious matters lightly, but rather to underscore the triviality of the characters' concerns and behaviors.

2. First-hand accounts of an event, subject matter, time period, or an individual are referred to as what type of source?

A. Primary sources
B. Secondary sources
C. Direct sources
D. Indirect sources

Correct answer: A

Rationale: First-hand accounts, like the speech by Charles Dickens, are considered primary sources as they provide direct evidence or original data from the event or time period. Primary sources offer firsthand information, such as diaries, speeches, letters, autobiographies, or original research reports. Secondary sources interpret and analyze primary sources, making them one step removed from the original event or period. Direct and indirect sources are not commonly used terms in the context of primary and secondary sources.

3. Why does the author repeat the phrase 'I had a dream' throughout the text?

A. To emphasize the speaker's excitement
B. To persuade the audience
C. To demonstrate the speaker's authority
D. To create a rhythmic effect

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The repetition of 'I had a dream' in the text serves to emphasize the speaker's excitement and vision. By repeating this phrase, the author highlights the importance and impact of the dream, reinforcing the central theme of hope and aspiration. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the primary purpose of the repetition is not persuasion, demonstration of authority, or creating a rhythmic effect, but rather to underscore the speaker's emotions and aspirations.

4. Which of the following statements most closely correlates with the definition of the term working man?

A. A working man is not someone who works for institutions or corporations, but someone who is well-versed in the workings of the soul.
B. A working man is someone who is probably not involved in social activities because the physical demand for work is too high.
C. A working man is someone who works for wages among the middle class.
D. The working man has historically taken to the field, to the factory, and now to the screen.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Option D provides a succinct summary of the historical shifts in the type of work commonly associated with the 'working man.' It references how the working man has transitioned from agricultural fields to factories and eventually to modern society's dependence on technology, represented by the 'screen.' This progression highlights the evolution of labor and the changing landscape of work over time. Choices A, B, and C do not accurately capture the essence of a working man's historical journey through various types of labor and the societal changes that have influenced it.

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.