Nursing Elites

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 literary device is most prominent in Wilde's play?

• A. Irony
• B. Symbolism
• C. Metaphor
• D. Allusion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Irony.' Irony is the most prominent literary device in Wilde's play, 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' as it pervades his critique of the upper class. Throughout the play, Wilde uses irony to highlight the absurdities and trivialities of the British aristocracy. The characters engage in witty and humorous dialogue filled with situational irony, verbal irony, and dramatic irony, exposing the superficiality and hypocrisy of the upper classes. Symbolism, metaphor, and allusion are present in the play but to a lesser extent compared to irony. While symbolism and metaphor are used to enhance the themes and characterizations, allusion is sparingly employed. However, it is the pervasive use of irony that sets the tone and drives Wilde's satire of the societal norms and values of the time.

3. A synonym for disconfirmed would be:

• A. proven
• B. dissipated
• C. distilled
• D. disproven

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The word 'disconfirmed' can be understood by breaking down 'disconfirm,' where 'dis' indicates 'not' and 'confirm' means 'to prove.' Therefore, 'disconfirmed' means 'not proven,' which aligns with the meaning of 'disproven.' In the given passage, it is mentioned that evidence can disprove a hypothesis, not necessarily prove it. This supports the synonymity between 'disconfirmed' and 'disproven.' Choice A ('proven') is incorrect because 'proven' is the opposite of 'disconfirmed.' Choice B ('dissipated') is incorrect as it means to disappear or scatter, not related to disproving a hypothesis. Choice C ('distilled') is incorrect as it means to purify a liquid through heating and cooling, not related to proving or disproving hypotheses.

4. According to the guide, in which of the following seasons would ginger be harvested?

• A. spring
• B. summer
• C. fall
• D. winter

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Ginger is typically harvested in the fall season because ginger roots mature in about 8-10 months after planting. This makes the fall season optimal for harvesting when the roots have reached their full potential. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because ginger is not harvested in spring, summer, or winter according to the guide provided.

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.

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