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. What does the word 'wise' in this passage most closely mean?

A. Manner
B. Knowledge
C. Shrewd
D. Ignorance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the context of the passage, the word 'wise' refers to the 'manner' in which the sun-fish builds its hatchery. It describes the careful and skillful way in which the mother sun-fish constructs and provides for her offspring. Choice B, 'Knowledge,' is incorrect as the word 'wise' does not specifically imply knowledge in this passage. Choice C, 'Shrewd,' is incorrect as it suggests cleverness or astuteness, which is not the intended meaning here. Choice D, 'Ignorance,' is the opposite of 'wise' and does not align with the context of the passage.

3. What is the significance of the word 'mind' in the following passage?

A. The ability to think
B. A collective vote
C. A definitive decision
D. A mythological question

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the provided passage, 'mind' refers to a definitive decision. The context indicates that the emperor made a conscious decision to entertain the speaker with country shows. Choice A, 'The ability to think,' is too broad and does not capture the specific decision-making aspect implied in the passage. Choice B, 'A collective vote,' and Choice D, 'A mythological question,' are irrelevant and do not align with the context provided.

4. Which of the following is true of hypotheses of the form 'All x are y'?

A. Something that is neither x nor y disproves the hypothesis.
B. Something that is both x and y disproves the hypothesis.
C. Something that is x but not y disproves the hypothesis.
D. Something that is y but not x disproves the hypothesis.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In hypotheses of the form 'All x are y,' the hypothesis is making a claim that all instances of x also fall under y. Therefore, if something is y but not x, it disproves the hypothesis because it contradicts the assertion that all x are y. Choice A is incorrect because something that is neither x nor y doesn't provide evidence against the hypothesis. Choice B is incorrect because if something is both x and y, it actually supports the hypothesis. Choice C is incorrect as something that is x but not y doesn't disprove the hypothesis, as it could still be consistent with the claim that all x are y.

5. 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 use of the word 'Juggernaut' in the passage describes a disturbing and terrifying figure that tramples a child in the narrator's dream, evoking fear and horror. The description of the 'human Juggernaut' treading the child down and passing on regardless of her screams conveys a sense of menace and cruelty associated with the term. This portrayal does not align with choices A, C, or D. Choice A about an apparition appearing at daybreak is not supported by the text; choice C regarding space travel is completely unrelated to the context; and choice D suggesting Mr. Utterson finds it soothing contradicts the fearful and unsettling depiction of the 'Juggernaut' in the passage. Therefore, option B, 'It scares children,' is the most accurate inference based on the author's use of the word in the text.