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 best summary of this passage?

A. Humans can use coloration and markings on snakes to determine whether they’re venomous.
B. Animals use coloration to hide from predators.
C. The scarlet kingsnake and the coral snake have nearly identical markings.
D. Venomous snakes often have bright markings, although nonvenomous snakes can also mimic those colors.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best summary of the passage is that humans can use coloration and markings on snakes to determine whether they're venomous. The passage discusses how snake markings serve the purpose of warning predators and helping humans identify venomous snakes by their bright coloration. Choice B is incorrect because the passage focuses on how coloration helps snakes evade predators rather than hide from them. Choice C is incorrect as it only mentions two specific snakes with similar markings, which is a minor detail compared to the main point of identifying venomous snakes. Choice D is incorrect because it only partially reflects the passage, focusing solely on the relationship between markings and venom in snakes, missing the crucial aspect of human ability to discern venomous snakes based on their coloration.

3. What does the 'nature of the fairy tale genre' refer to in Passage 2?

A. The representation of basic human experience
B. Good characters being pure good and bad characters being pure evil
C. Different cultures coming up with similar versions of the same story
D. Commoners becoming royalty

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The 'nature of the fairy tale genre' in Passage 2 refers to how fairy tales capture basic, fundamental human desires and fears, representing the most essential form of fictionalized human experience. This includes the portrayal of characters as purely good or purely evil, the celebration of themes such as romance and commoners becoming royalty, which all contribute to portraying basic human experiences in a symbolic and imaginative manner. The other choices are incorrect because while they may be elements present in fairy tales, they do not encompass the overarching concept of capturing basic human experiences as referred to in Passage 2.

4. What is the significance of the term 'Bunburying' in the context of the play?

A. It highlights the characters' desire to lead a double life and escape social obligations.
B. It reflects the characters' indifference to social conventions.
C. It demonstrates the characters' willingness to deceive themselves and others.
D. It serves as a metaphor for the characters' struggle to conform to societal expectations.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: 'Bunburying' is significant in the play because it emphasizes the characters' desire to lead double lives and avoid the strict societal expectations placed upon them. The term highlights their need to escape the confines of social obligations through deception and subterfuge. By maintaining a fictional persona like Bunbury, the characters can freely navigate between different social spheres, allowing them to explore personal freedom and evade the constraints of their social status. This escapade showcases their yearning for independence and autonomy, contrasting with the societal norms they are expected to conform to. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because 'Bunburying' in the context of the play is more about evading social duties through a dual identity, rather than reflecting indifference, willingness to deceive, or struggling to meet societal expectations.

5. Which of the following additional pieces of information supports the claim that napping during the workday will help employees 'be happier, healthier, and more productive'?

A. In 1999, National Napping Day was founded in response to Daylight Saving Time
B. Rested people have better impulse control, so they are more likely to choose nutritious food over junk food
C. Multiple companies have designed special seats or pods specifically for getting the optimal workplace nap
D. A study showing that the best time of the day for a nap is between 2 and 3 p.m.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The statement that rested people have better impulse control supports the claim that napping during the workday can lead to employees being happier, healthier, and more productive. Improved impulse control can result in better decision-making, including choosing nutritious food over junk food, which contributes to overall well-being and productivity. Choices A, C, and D do not directly address the relationship between napping and improved well-being or productivity, making them less relevant to supporting the claim.