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. Based on the information provided within the passage, which of the following can be inferred about King James II's son?

A. Considering his resemblance to King James II, the young James was likely the legitimate child of the king and the queen.
B. Given the queen's previous inability to produce a healthy child, there were suspicions about the prince's legitimacy by the English and the Lowland Scots.
C. James 'the Pretender' was not as popular among the Highland clans as his son Bonnie Prince Charlie.
D. James was unable to acquire the resources needed to build the army and plan the invasion that his son succeeded in doing.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The passage describes that the young James bore a strong resemblance to King James II, suggesting that he was likely the legitimate child of the king and the queen. This resemblance supports the inference that the young James was indeed their offspring. Choice B is incorrect because although there were suspicions about the prince's legitimacy, the passage does not mention these suspicions being based on the queen's previous inability to produce a healthy child. Choice C is incorrect as the passage does not compare the popularity of James 'the Pretender' among the Highland clans to his son Bonnie Prince Charlie. Choice D is also incorrect as the passage does not mention James's inability to acquire resources for building an army or planning an invasion.

3. What can one infer about the meaning of the word 'Juggernaut' from the author's use of it in the passage?

A. It is an apparition that appears at daybreak.
B. It scares children.
C. It is associated with space travel.
D. Mr. Utterson finds it soothing.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Juggernaut is used to describe something that is powerful and overwhelming, instilling fear. In the passage, Mr. Utterson's mind is toiling and besieged by questions, engaging his imagination and leaving him restless in the darkness of the night. This conveys a sense of fear and being overwhelmed, aligning with the meaning of 'Juggernaut.' Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not relate to the context provided in the passage. The passage does not mention any apparition appearing at daybreak, association with space travel, or Mr. Utterson finding it soothing.

4. What is the main point of dispute between the politicians?

A. Spending on social welfare programs increases the national debt.
B. Certain classes of people rely on social welfare programs to meet their basic needs.
C. Certain classes of people would be irreparably harmed if the country failed to provide a social welfare program.
D. All of the country's leaders have bootstrapped their way to the top.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main point of dispute between the conservative and liberal politicians is about whether certain classes of people rely on social welfare programs to meet their basic needs. The conservative politician believes that no citizens truly need government assistance and that it only makes things easier, while the liberal politician argues that various groups, such as immigrants, single mothers, and the elderly, require a safety net for basic necessities. Choice A is incorrect as it refers to the impact on national debt, which is not the primary point of dispute. Choice C is incorrect as it discusses the consequences of failing to provide social welfare programs, not the main point of disagreement. Choice D is irrelevant as it talks about the backgrounds of the country's leaders, which is not the focus of the dispute between the politicians.

5. Based on the passage, which conclusion can be drawn about the author?

A. They are overly emotional and...
B. They would rather be at a concert
C. They go to the theater as often as possible
D. They enjoy the decor of most theaters

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The passage does not mention anything about the author's emotional state or preference for concerts. However, it does discuss cicadas and their emergence, life cycle, and behavior. Therefore, the reader can conclude that the author is likely interested in cicadas and their natural history, indicating that they go to the theater as often as possible. Choice A is incorrect because there is no evidence regarding the author being overly emotional. Choice B is incorrect as there is no mention of the author's preference for concerts. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not provide any information about the author enjoying theater decor.