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 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 passage is written from a third person omniscient perspective, where the narrator knows the thoughts of multiple characters. This is evident as the narrator describes the thoughts and actions of various characters, such as the emperor, the treasurer, and the principal secretary. The narrator's knowledge extends beyond the main character, Gulliver, providing insights into the perspectives of others. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A, 'First person,' would imply that the narrator is a character within the story, which is not the case here. Choice B, 'Third person limited,' would restrict the narrator's knowledge to only one character's thoughts and feelings, which is not the situation in this passage. Choice D, 'Objective,' would indicate a neutral and unbiased narration without delving into characters' thoughts, which is not the perspective used in this excerpt.

3. What was one of Hedy Lamarr's notable inventions?

A. Improved traffic light
B. Carbonated drink
C. Radio-controlled torpedoes
D. Frequency-hopping system

Correct answer: D

Rationale: One of Hedy Lamarr's notable inventions was the frequency-hopping system, which she developed during World War II to secure radio-controlled torpedoes. This system changed frequencies to prevent jamming by enemies. Lamarr's frequency-hopping technology laid the groundwork for modern technologies like cell phones, Bluetooth, and WiFi. Choices A and B are mentioned as some of Lamarr's failed inventions in the passage. Choice C refers to the military technology that inspired Lamarr's invention, not her invention itself.

4. Which of the following sentences uses the word 'smart' with a negative connotation, rather than a positive connotation or simply the word's denotation?

A. Eliot's teacher said he was not quite gifted, but too smart for a general class.
B. Eliot was smart to have studied the day before the test; he got a good grade.
C. Eliot was identified by his teacher as one of the smart students in her classes.
D. Eliot got into trouble when he gave a smart answer to his teacher's question.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In sentence D, the word 'smart' is used with a negative connotation as it describes Eliot getting into trouble for giving a smart answer to his teacher's question. This implies that being smart in this context led to a negative consequence. Choices A, B, and C use 'smart' in a positive or neutral light, highlighting intelligence or wise decisions without any negative implications.

5. What do you predict occurred after Mother Jones's publication about child labor in cotton mills?

A. More children signed up to work in the factories
B. Cotton factories in the South closed
C. Laws were passed to prevent child labor
D. The pay scale for these children was increased

Correct answer: C

Rationale: After Mother Jones's publication detailing the harsh conditions of child labor in cotton mills, it is likely that public awareness increased, leading to public outcry. This heightened awareness and outrage often result in legislative actions being taken. Therefore, it is reasonable to predict that laws were passed to prevent child labor, as the excerpt vividly describes the unsafe and exploitative working conditions faced by children. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the publication would not have encouraged more children to work in such harsh conditions, led to the closure of cotton factories, or increased the pay scale for child laborers; instead, it would have prompted societal action to protect children from such exploitation.