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. What does the 'nature of the fairy tale genre' refer to in Passage 2?

A. The representation of basic human experience
B. Good characters being pure good and bad characters being pure evil
C. Different cultures coming up with similar versions of the same story
D. Commoners becoming royalty

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The 'nature of the fairy tale genre' in Passage 2 refers to the representation of basic human experiences. The passage emphasizes that fairy tales embody fundamental human desires and fears, portraying characters as either pure good or pure evil and celebrating themes like romance and transformation. This representation of basic human experiences makes fairy tales relatable and universal, resonating with audiences across various cultures and time periods. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while they may be elements found in fairy tales, they do not capture the essence of the 'nature of the fairy tale genre' as being rooted in the representation of fundamental human experiences.

3. Which of the following statements least supports the argument that the American economy is healthy?

A. The United States' Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased by two percent last year.
B. Unemployment is the lowest it has been in over a decade due to job creation.
C. Average household income just hit a historical high point.
D. The output of the United States' manufacturing sector decreased.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because a decrease in the manufacturing sector is usually considered a negative indicator for the economy, as it may suggest a decline in production or demand for goods. Choices A, B, and C all provide positive signs for a healthy economy: an increase in GDP reflects economic growth, low unemployment rates indicate a strong job market, and rising household income signifies improved financial well-being for families.

4. Which of the following most accurately describes the author's main conclusion?

A. Leif Erikson is a legendary Viking explorer.
B. Leif Erikson deserves more credit for exploring America.
C. Spreading Christianity motivated Leif's expeditions.
D. Leif Erikson contacted the natives nearly five hundred years before Columbus.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Leif Erikson deserves more credit for exploring America.' The author's main conclusion, as supported by the extract, is that Leif Erikson should receive more credit for his contributions in exploring the New World. Choice A is incorrect as it does not capture the essence of the author's conclusion, which is about recognizing Erikson's achievements rather than just labeling him as a legendary explorer. Choice C is incorrect because while Leif Erikson did convert to Christianity, the primary focus of the conclusion is on his exploration rather than his motivations. Choice D is incorrect as it only mentions one aspect of Erikson's achievements (contacting the natives) and does not encompass the broader idea of giving him more credit for his explorations.

5. As used in the passage, what does the word 'depressed' most nearly mean?

A. Very unhappy
B. Decreased appreciably
C. Exhaled hard
D. Pushed down

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this context, 'depressed' means 'pushed down' as it refers to the action of pushing down the plunger to force out the clog in the pipe. The word 'depressed' is used to describe the physical action of pressing down, not to convey emotions like being very unhappy (choice A), to decrease appreciably (choice B), or to exhale hard (choice C), making these choices incorrect.