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. Teddy has been assigned to write a history paper about the United States during the Cold War. What choice of three classes would likely be the most useful?

A. 100, 300, 700
B. 100, 300, 800
C. 100, 400, 900
D. 200, 300, 900

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Based on the Dewey Decimal System, which is a library classification system, the subjects related to Chomsky's work, which touches on philosophy, social sciences, and history, fall under classes 100, 400, and 900. Therefore, these classes would be the most useful for Teddy's history paper about the United States during the Cold War. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not include the specific classes related to the required subjects for Teddy's paper.

3. 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.

4. Which of the following best expresses the meaning of "intelligence (instinct)" in the context of this passage?

A. Instinct is synonymous with intelligence in the passage.
B. Intelligence and instinct are not clearly distinct in the context.
C. Instinct is a natural ability to perform actions without learned behavior.
D. Instinct refers to an animal's natural survival mechanism.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Instinct refers to natural, unlearned behaviors, particularly in survival and reproduction.

5. 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.