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 word is most closely synonymous with the word patronage as it appears in the following statement? . . . that I am sure he will need no charitable aid or condescending patronage

A. Auspices
B. Aberration
C. Acerbic
D. Adulation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the context provided, the word 'patronage' implies supporting or helping someone in a condescending manner. 'Auspices' is the correct answer as it refers to support or sponsorship, especially from an influential or powerful source, without the negative connotations associated with patronage. 'Aberration' (choice B) means a departure from what is normal or expected and is not a synonym for patronage. 'Acerbic' (choice C) means sharp or bitter in tone, which is not related to patronage. 'Adulation' (choice D) means excessive admiration or praise, which is not synonymous with patronage.

3. Which of the following lists Julia’s actions in the correct sequence?

A. Julia woke up early and found she didn’t have any regular coffee. When she got to work, her boss had a lot for her to do. When the fire alarm went off, she decided to go home.
B. Julia got to work and decided she was too tired to do the work her boss asked for, so she went home to get a cup of coffee.
C. Julia woke up when the fire alarm went off and couldn’t get back to sleep. She then got stuck in traffic and arrived at work thirty minutes late.
D. Julia was woken up early by a lawnmower and then got stuck in traffic on the way to her office. Once there, she found that the office was out of coffee and she had a lot of work to do. When the fire alarm went off, she decided to go home.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Option D provides a sequence of events that align with the extract provided. Julia was woken up early by a lawnmower, couldn't go back to sleep, discovered she was out of regular coffee, got stuck in traffic on the way to work, found the office was out of coffee, had a lot of work to do, and decided to go home when the fire alarm went off. This sequence accurately reflects the chronological order of Julia's actions throughout the day. Choices A, B, and C do not follow a logical sequence of events based on the extract, making them incorrect.

4. Based upon the contextual evidence provided in the passage above, what is the meaning of the term enterprise in the third paragraph?

A. Company
B. Courage
C. Game
D. Cause

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the third paragraph, the term 'enterprise' is used in the context of a group of travelers embarking on a journey together. In this context, 'enterprise' refers to a company or a group of people rather than courage, game, or cause. The word 'enterprise' is commonly used to denote a business organization or company, aligning with the idea of a group traveling together for a common purpose. 'Courage' and 'cause' do not fit the context of the travelers' journey, and 'game' is unrelated to the activities described in the passage.

5. From the extract, what is the author's point of view?

A. First person
B. Third person limited
C. Third person omniscient
D. Objective

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, third person omniscient. The author provides insight into the thoughts of multiple characters, such as Michael and Lana June, indicating knowledge beyond what a single character could perceive. This omniscient viewpoint allows readers to understand the perspectives of different individuals, enhancing the depth and complexity of the narrative. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the extract demonstrates a narrative style that extends beyond a single character's viewpoint, revealing thoughts and feelings of various characters.