which option best defines a fable

ATI TEAS 7

Reading TEAS Practice Test

1. Which option best defines a fable?

A. A melancholic poem lamenting the subject's death
B. An oral tradition influenced by culture
C. A story with events that occur in threes and sevens
D. A short story with animals, fantastic creatures, or other forces within nature

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A fable is a short story that typically features animals, fantastic creatures, or other forces within nature as characters. These characters often possess human-like qualities and behavior, and the story is intended to convey a moral lesson or message to the reader. The use of animals or other natural elements is a common characteristic of fables, distinguishing them from other types of stories or literary works. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the defining characteristics of a fable.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. What is the primary purpose of the passage?

A. Analyze an interesting feature of American cinema.
B. Refute the Western paradigm.
C. Suggest a way to improve war movies.
D. Suggest that viewers think critically about underlying assumptions in the movies we watch.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The primary purpose of the passage is to suggest that viewers think critically about the underlying assumptions in the movies they watch. It discusses how American war movies often conform to a Western paradigm and urges readers to analyze these portrayals and question the messages being conveyed. Choice A is incorrect because the passage does not focus on analyzing an interesting feature of American cinema but rather on prompting critical thinking. Choice B is incorrect as the passage does not aim to refute the Western paradigm but rather to highlight its influence on American war movies. Choice C is incorrect as the passage does not suggest a way to improve war movies but rather encourages viewers to be more mindful and aware of the underlying assumptions in the movies they consume.

5. What is the main argument presented in the passage?

A. The custom of tipping should be abolished in favor of paying servers a living wage
B. Tipping enhances service quality in restaurants
C. Servers' pay should be determined by their performance
D. Customers derive pleasure from the custom of tipping

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'The custom of tipping should be abolished in favor of paying servers a living wage.' The rationale is that the passage argues for eliminating tipping and ensuring servers receive a fair wage. This is supported by the idea that servers should be paid adequately rather than relying on tips. Choice B is incorrect because the passage does not support the idea that tipping enhances service quality; it argues for a living wage instead. Choice C is incorrect as there is no mention of paying servers based on performance in the passage. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not focus on customers' enjoyment of tipping but rather on the need to abolish the practice for fairer wages.