why is the importance of being earnest considered one of wildes most enduring works

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS Reading Practice Test

1. Why is The Importance of Being Earnest considered one of Wilde's most enduring works?

A. Because it offers a deep and serious critique of society.
B. Because it humorously exposes the flaws of the upper class.
C. Because it captures the essence of Wilde's witty and satirical style.
D. Because it reflects Wilde's deep personal struggles with society.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The play endures because it perfectly captures Wilde's witty and satirical style, making it a timeless critique of society. 'The Importance of Being Earnest' humorously exposes the flaws of the upper class, rather than offering a deep and serious critique of society (Choice A). While Wilde's personal struggles may have influenced his works, 'The Importance of Being Earnest' is more focused on societal critiques through wit and satire, rather than reflecting his personal struggles (Choice D). Although the play does humorously expose the flaws of the upper class, the main reason for its enduring popularity is its embodiment of Wilde's witty and satirical style (Choice B). Therefore, Choice C is the correct answer.

2. Which of the following statements would be LEAST relevant in a formal essay about artist Salvador Dalí?

A. Although his works are famed for their dream-like qualities, Dalí executed them with realism reminiscent of the Renaissance masters.
B. Salvador Dalí’s eccentricity extended beyond his artwork, affecting the strange public persona he created, which can be witnessed in his numerous television appearances.
C. I’ve always found Dalí’s painting The Persistence of Memory to be really disturbing for some reason.
D. Although Salvador Dalí is best known for his paintings, he also was active in cinema and collaborated with such filmmakers as Luis Bunuel and Alfred Hitchcock.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Option C is subjective and personal, making it less suitable for a formal essay about Salvador Dalí. In formal writing, it is important to maintain objectivity and focus on factual information rather than personal opinions. Choices A, B, and D provide relevant information about Dalí, his artwork, and his collaborations, which are more appropriate for inclusion in a formal essay.

3. Which option best exemplifies an author's use of alliteration and personification?

A. Her mood hung about her like a weary cape, very dull from wear.
B. It shuddered, swayed, shook, and screamed its way into dust under hot flames.
C. The house was a starch sentry, warning visitors away.
D. At its shoreline, visitors swore they heard the siren call of the cliffs above.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Choice B best exemplifies an author's use of alliteration and personification. The sentence 'It shuddered, swayed, shook, and screamed its way into dust under hot flames' personifies an inanimate object (it) by attributing human actions to it, combining alliteration with the repeated 's' sounds. Choices A, C, and D do not contain both alliteration and personification. Choice A mainly focuses on simile and lacks alliteration. Choice C features personification but lacks alliteration. Choice D includes personification but lacks alliteration as well.

4. What is the main idea conveyed in the extract?

A. Shia hears strange noises in the dark hallway
B. Shia is working late at the office
C. Shia is preparing for a presentation
D. Shia encounters a terrifying situation in the CFO's office

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The main idea conveyed in the extract is that Shia encounters a terrifying situation in the CFO's office. The passage describes Shia hearing strange noises, feeling fear, and encountering alarming events like crashes and howls. This builds tension and indicates a dangerous situation unfolding. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not capture the central theme of Shia facing a frightening encounter in the CFO's office.

5. What is the main idea of the second paragraph?

A. One hairy monkey proves the hypothesis 'All monkeys are hairy.'
B. The same piece of evidence can both confirm and disconfirm a hypothesis.
C. Confirming and disconfirming evidence affect hypotheses differently.
D. The scientific method is not a failsafe method for arriving at objective truth.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main idea of the second paragraph is that confirming and disconfirming evidence can affect hypotheses differently, as stated in the passage - 'Single pieces of evidence then, seem to affect a given hypothesis in radically different ways.' Choice A is incorrect because the paragraph discusses how single pieces of evidence affect hypotheses, not that one hairy monkey proves a hypothesis. Choice B is incorrect as the paragraph focuses on the different effects of evidence on hypotheses, rather than its ability to confirm and disconfirm simultaneously. Choice D is incorrect as the paragraph does not primarily discuss the scientific method's failings but rather the impact of evidence on hypotheses.