how does wilde portray the institution of marriage in the importance of being earnest

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS Reading Practice Test

1. How does Wilde portray the institution of marriage in The Importance of Being Earnest?

A. As a romantic union between two individuals.
B. As a social contract designed for economic and social gain.
C. As a trivial and superficial agreement.
D. As a necessary evil in a structured society.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In The Importance of Being Earnest, Wilde portrays marriage as a social contract rather than a romantic union. The play satirizes the transactional nature of marriage in the society Wilde critiques. Characters like Lady Bracknell's interrogation of Jack highlight how marriage is viewed as a means for economic and social gain rather than genuine affection, emphasizing the societal norms of the time. Choice A is incorrect because Wilde's portrayal goes beyond a simple romantic view of marriage. Choice C is incorrect as it oversimplifies Wilde's critique of marriage and societal norms. Choice D is incorrect as it doesn't capture the nuanced satire Wilde employs in dissecting the institution of marriage.

2. Which of the following would weaken the author's argument?

A. a report revealing that the cited study was funded by a company that provides discounted tutoring through schools
B. a study demonstrating differences in standardized test scores among students at schools in various neighborhoods
C. a statement signed by local teachers affirming that they do not give preferential treatment in the classroom or during grading
D. a study indicating that GPA has a weak correlation with success in college

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Choice A weakens the author's argument by highlighting a potential conflict of interest. If the cited study was funded by a company offering discounted tutoring, it could introduce bias and question the credibility of the study's findings. This revelation could cast doubt on the objectivity and reliability of the research, ultimately undermining the argument based on the cited study. Choices B, C, and D do not directly impact the credibility or objectivity of the cited study, so they would not significantly weaken the author's argument.

3. What event marked the start of Rosa Parks' central role in the Civil Rights Movement?

A. Her arrest for not giving up her seat.
B. Her involvement in protests.
C. She became an advocate for voting rights.
D. She became a central figure in the Civil Rights Movement.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rosa Parks' arrest for not giving up her seat on the bus was the event that marked the start of her central role in the Civil Rights Movement. This act of civil disobedience sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott and brought national attention to the issue of racial segregation. Choice B is incorrect as her arrest, not just her involvement in protests, was the turning point. Choice C is also incorrect as her advocacy for voting rights came later in her civil rights activism. Choice D is incorrect as the event of her arrest was the beginning of her prominent role, not a consequence of already being a central figure.

4. Which statement best details the central idea in this passage?

A. It discusses insects that transition from water to air during their life cycle.
B. It explores the field of entomology, particularly focusing on gills.
C. It explains the mechanism of insects' respiration.
D. It encourages readers to contribute to insect conservation efforts.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the passage primarily discusses certain insects that spend time in water during their early stages and then transition to an aerial life when they reach adulthood. It highlights how these insects, such as Stoneflies, May-flies, and Dragon-flies, live in water initially and then in the air during their adult stage. This central idea is best captured by choice A. <br> Choice B is incorrect because while the passage mentions gills as a part of the respiratory system of aquatic insects, it does not delve into entomology as a field. Choice C is incorrect as it does not solely focus on defining insect respiration but rather on the transition of certain insects between aquatic and aerial environments. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not explicitly invite readers to participate in insect preservation efforts; it mainly focuses on describing the life cycle of specific insects.

5. Which of the following statements about the passage is true?

A. These cookies should be baked on a baking rack
B. These cookies cannot be cooked in a microwave oven
C. Folding in peanut butter must be done gently
D. Beating egg whites involves stirring them vigorously

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct statement about the passage is that beating egg whites involves stirring them vigorously. In the provided extract, it mentions 'Beat egg white until foamy. Stir in sugar, beat again until stiff peaks form.' This process of beating the egg whites until stiff peaks form requires vigorous stirring. Choice A is incorrect because the passage does not mention using a baking rack for cooking the cookies. Choice B is incorrect as the passage provides instructions for baking the cookies in an oven. Choice C is incorrect as the passage does not emphasize the need for gentle folding when mixing in the peanut butter.