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 is the author's likely purpose in writing this passage about Queen Victoria?

A. To persuade the reader to appreciate the accomplishments of Queen Victoria, especially when placed against the failures of her forebears.
B. To introduce the historical impact of the Victorian Era by introducing the queen who gave that era its name.
C. To explain how small events in history led an unlikely princess to become the queen of England.
D. To indicate the role that King George III's many sons played in changing the history of England.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The author's likely purpose in writing this passage about Queen Victoria is to explain how small events in history led to an unlikely princess becoming the queen of England. The passage details the series of events that changed the course of British succession and highlights Victoria's unexpected path to the throne. It focuses on the historical process that resulted in her becoming queen, rather than persuading the reader to appreciate her accomplishments, introducing the Victorian Era as a whole, or discussing the role of other historical figures like King George III's sons.

3. What can the reader conclude from the passage above?

A. The kingsnake is dangerous to humans.
B. The coral snake and the kingsnake are both hunted by the same predators.
C. It's safe to handle snakes in the woods because you can easily tell whether they're poisonous.
D. The kingsnake changes its markings when hawks or eagles are close by.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The passage explains that the kingsnake mimics the venomous coral snake's markings to deter predators, particularly hawks and eagles, which cannot differentiate between the two species. This implies that both the coral snake and the kingsnake face similar threats from predators in their shared habitat. Choice A is incorrect because the passage clearly states that the kingsnake is nonvenomous, so it is not dangerous to humans. Choice C is incorrect as the passage highlights that not all snakes with flashy markings are venomous, emphasizing the need for caution. Choice D is incorrect as there is no mention of the kingsnake changing its markings in response to the presence of hawks or eagles in the passage.

4. What is the main point of dispute between the politicians?

A. Spending on social welfare programs increases the national debt.
B. Certain classes of people rely on social welfare programs to meet their basic needs.
C. Certain classes of people would be irreparably harmed if the country failed to provide a social welfare program.
D. All of the country's leaders have bootstrapped their way to the top.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main point of dispute between the conservative and liberal politicians is about whether certain classes of people rely on social welfare programs to meet their basic needs. The conservative politician believes that no citizens truly need government assistance and that it only makes things easier, while the liberal politician argues that various groups, such as immigrants, single mothers, and the elderly, require a safety net for basic necessities. Choice A is incorrect as it refers to the impact on national debt, which is not the primary point of dispute. Choice C is incorrect as it discusses the consequences of failing to provide social welfare programs, not the main point of disagreement. Choice D is irrelevant as it talks about the backgrounds of the country's leaders, which is not the focus of the dispute between the politicians.

5. Which of the following sentences contains an opinion on the part of the author?

A. James was recognized as a practicing Catholic, and his commitment to Catholicism would prove to be his downfall.
B. James' son King Charles I proved to be less committed to the Protestant Church of England.
C. The movement was soundly defeated at the Battle of Culloden in 1746, and England and Scotland have remained ostensibly Protestant ever since.
D. Scholars in the 21st century are far too hasty in dismissing the role of religion in political disputes, but religion undoubtedly played a role in the problems that faced England and Scotland.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The sentence in answer choice D expresses the opinion of the author by suggesting that scholars in the 21st century are hasty in dismissing the role of religion in political disputes. This opinion is presented without factual evidence or support within the passage, making it an opinion rather than a statement based on information provided in the text. Choice A simply states facts about James being a practicing Catholic and how it affected him, without expressing any opinion. Choice B also presents a factual statement about King Charles I's commitment to the Protestant Church of England. Choice C provides historical information about the Battle of Culloden and the religious state of England and Scotland, without any opinion from the author.