what role does humor play in wildes critique of the aristocracy

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS Reading Practice Test

1. What role does humor play in Wilde's critique of the aristocracy?

A. To soften the harshness of the critique and make it more palatable.
B. To make the critique more pointed and direct.
C. To critique the aristocracy without alienating the audience.
D. To entertain the audience with humor, while delivering a serious message.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In Wilde's critique of the aristocracy, humor serves the purpose of critiquing without alienating the audience. By infusing humor into his work, Wilde can effectively highlight the flaws and absurdities of the upper classes while keeping the audience engaged and receptive. Option A is incorrect because the humor does not aim to soften the critique but rather to enhance its impact. Option B is incorrect as the humor in Wilde's work is not meant to make the critique more pointed and direct but rather more approachable. Option D is incorrect because while entertaining the audience, the primary function of humor in Wilde's critique is to provide a platform for social commentary without losing the audience's interest.

2. The style of this passage is most like that found in a(n)

A. tourist guidebook
B. health textbook
C. encyclopedia
D. friendly letter

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The style of the given passage is most similar to that found in a health textbook. The author presents facts and details in a structured bulleted list format, focusing on providing tips and information about eating calcium-rich foods. This style is commonly used in educational materials related to health and nutrition, making choice B the most appropriate among the options provided. Choice A, a tourist guidebook, is incorrect as the passage does not aim to guide or provide information about touristic locations. Choice C, an encyclopedia, is also incorrect as an encyclopedia typically provides comprehensive and in-depth information on various topics, which is not reflected in the passage. Choice D, a friendly letter, is incorrect as the passage does not contain personal or conversational elements that are characteristic of a friendly letter.

3. 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.

4. Which of the following could be considered a theme of the passage?

A. Anyone can become royalty.
B. People should only marry for advantage.
C. Queen Victoria was a fair, but unlikely, queen.
D. Even the most unlikely events can happen.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The theme of the passage revolves around the idea that even the most unlikely events can happen. The passage describes the improbable events leading to Queen Victoria becoming the queen, emphasizing how unpredictable and unexpected her rise to the throne was. Choice A is not supported as Victoria was born into royalty, so not just anyone can become royalty as implied. While there are mentions of marriages for advantage in the passage, it is not the central theme but rather a detail in the historical context, making choice B incorrect. Although the passage discusses Queen Victoria being an unlikely queen, this statement is too specific to be a theme; a theme should be broader and universally applicable, making choice C incorrect.

5. What conclusion can be drawn from Hedy Lamar's acting career based on the extract?

A. Hedy Lamarr was the first European actress of the 1990s
B. Hedy Lamarr sought more speaking roles in her acting career
C. Hedy Lamarr was content with her contribution to the film industry
D. Hedy Lamarr worked in American films with various directors

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The extract provided does not mention Hedy Lamarr or her acting career. Therefore, we cannot draw any conclusions about her from this text. Choice B is the correct answer as it remains the most plausible conclusion based on general knowledge about Hedy Lamarr's career. The other choices are incorrect as there is no information in the extract to support them. Choice A is inaccurate as it refers to the 1990s, which is not the era when Hedy Lamarr was active. Choice C is not supported by the extract, and choice D is too vague and lacks specificity.