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 organizational style is used in the following passage?

A. Cause and effect order
B. Compare and contrast order
C. Spatial order
D. Time order

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The passage uses a cause and effect order to explain the reasons for the cafe's lack of success. It presents causes (higher prices and early closure) first, followed by their effects (students unable to afford food and beverages, students going elsewhere). This structure helps readers understand the relationship between the causes and their resulting effects. Choice B, 'Compare and contrast order,' is incorrect as the passage does not focus on comparing different aspects or contrasting ideas. Choice C, 'Spatial order,' is incorrect as it does not describe physical locations or arrangements. Choice D, 'Time order,' is incorrect as the passage does not primarily follow a chronological sequence of events.

3. What would this author's attitude likely be towards a person unable to find employment?

A. Descriptive
B. Conciliatory
C. Ingenuous
D. Incredulous

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The author's likely attitude towards a person unable to find employment would be incredulous. The passage emphasizes the abundance of job opportunities in the United States and suggests that finding employment should not be difficult for those willing to work. The author believes that with the numerous avenues of success and available vocations, anyone who is willing to engage in a respectable occupation should be able to find lucrative employment. Therefore, the author would find it hard to believe or be skeptical towards someone who claims they cannot find a job. Choice A, 'Descriptive,' is incorrect as the author's attitude is more judgmental than just describing a situation. Choice B, 'Conciliatory,' is incorrect as the author does not show any intention to reconcile or make peace with the situation of unemployment. Choice C, 'Ingenuous,' is incorrect as this term means innocent or naive, which does not align with the author's likely attitude of disbelief towards unemployment.

4. Which of the following lists the author’s actions in the correct sequence?

A. The author looked at the house on Forest Road, then at a house with a yard that was too small, then at two houses that were too small, and then finally at a house that was too expensive.
B. The author looked at the house on Forest Road, then at two houses that were too small, then at a house with a yard that was too small, and then finally at a house that was too expensive.
C. The author looked at two homes with yards that were too small, then a house with only one bathroom, then a house that was too expensive, and then finally the house on Forest Road.
D. The author looked at two homes that were too small, then a house with a yard that was too small, then a house that was too expensive, and then finally at the house on Forest Road.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct sequence of the author's actions based on the extract is as follows: the author looked at the house on Forest Road first, then two houses that were too small, followed by a house with a yard that was too small, and finally a house that was too expensive. Therefore, choice B correctly lists the author's actions in the given sequence. Choice A is incorrect as it reverses the order of the second and third houses visited. Choice C is incorrect as it includes a house with only one bathroom, which was not mentioned in the extract. Choice D is incorrect as it places the house on Forest Road last, whereas it was actually the first house visited.

5. Which of the following choices represents the best label for this passage?

A. definition essay
B. cause/effect essay
C. comparison essay
D. persuasive essay

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The passage provides factual information and details about the loss of barrier islands due to erosion and its impact on coastal communities. It focuses on defining and describing the issue rather than analyzing causes and effects, making it best classified as a definition essay. Choice B, cause/effect essay, would require a deeper exploration into the causes and effects of the erosion. Choice C, comparison essay, would involve comparing different aspects or scenarios, which is not the focus here. Choice D, persuasive essay, aims to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint, which is not the purpose of this passage.