how does wilde use irony to critique the upper class in the play

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS Reading Practice Test

1. How does Wilde use irony to critique the upper class in the play?

A. By portraying the upper class as sincere and honorable.
B. By showing that the upper class is deeply concerned with morality.
C. By exaggerating the trivial concerns and behaviors of the upper class.
D. By highlighting the noble and upright nature of the upper class.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Wilde uses irony by exaggerating the trivial concerns and behaviors of the upper class, revealing their lack of genuine depth and morality. In 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' Wilde satirizes the British aristocracy by highlighting their absurdities and trivialities. The play's characters, like Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, lead double lives, symbolizing the dual nature of their social status. Through witty dialogue, puns, and irony, Wilde exposes the superficiality and hypocrisy of the upper classes. The term 'Bunburying' coined by Wilde exemplifies the characters' deceitful actions to avoid social responsibilities. Additionally, the play ridicules the concept of marriage, portraying it as a societal transaction rather than a romantic bond. For instance, Lady Bracknell's interrogation of Jack about his eligibility as a suitor for Gwendolen underscores the materialistic view of marriage prevalent in the society Wilde critiques. Wilde's humorous yet critical portrayal of the aristocracy in 'The Importance of Being Earnest' makes it a timeless and cherished work.

2. Which of the following words, as used in the timeline, indicates the chronology of events in Barton's life?

A. Front
B. First
C. After
D. Through

Correct answer: C

Rationale: 'After' is used to indicate that one event happened following another in time. In the context of a timeline, 'After' signifies the sequence of events, showing what occurred subsequent to a particular point in time. In the provided extract, events unfold in a specific order, with each event happening 'after' the previous one. Choices A, B, and D do not inherently convey the idea of chronological order and are not suitable for indicating the sequence of events in a timeline.

3. Which of the following shows the correct chronological order of events from the passage?

A. Princess Charlotte Augusta died, Princess Alexandrina Victoria was born, King George IV married Maria Fitzherbert, King George IV married Caroline of Brunswick
B. Princess Alexandrina Victoria was born, King George IV married Maria Fitzherbert, King George IV married Caroline of Brunswick, Princess Charlotte Augusta died
C. King George IV married Maria Fitzherbert, King George IV married Caroline of Brunswick, Princess Charlotte Augusta died, Princess Alexandrina Victoria was born
D. King George IV married Caroline of Brunswick, Princess Charlotte Augusta died, King George IV married Maria Fitzherbert, Princess Alexandrina Victoria was born

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The passage provides a timeline of events related to King George IV, Princess Charlotte Augusta, and Princess Alexandrina Victoria. King George IV secretly married Maria Fitzherbert in 1783 and later married Caroline of Brunswick in 1795. Princess Charlotte Augusta, the daughter of King George IV and Caroline, died in 1817. Princess Alexandrina Victoria, who later became Queen Victoria, was born in 1819. Therefore, the correct chronological order of events is: King George IV married Maria Fitzherbert, King George IV married Caroline of Brunswick, Princess Charlotte Augusta died, and Princess Alexandrina Victoria was born (Choice C). Choices A, B, and D do not follow the correct chronological order as depicted in the passage.

4. Why does the author say it is important to buy locally grown food?

A. Buying locally grown food supports people in your community.
B. Locally grown food travels the least distance to reach you and therefore uses fewer resources.
C. Locally grown food uses less packaging.
D. Locally grown food is healthier for you because it has been exposed to fewer pesticides.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The author stresses the significance of buying locally grown food due to its minimal travel distance, which results in reduced resource utilization. This aligns with the passage's primary environmental theme of conserving resources for the future. Choice A is incorrect because although buying locally grown food can support the community, the main focus in the passage is on resource conservation. Choice C is incorrect as the passage emphasizes the importance of packaging but does not specifically mention that locally grown food uses less packaging. Choice D is incorrect as the health aspect related to fewer pesticides is not discussed in the passage regarding the importance of buying locally grown food.

5. What is the main point of the passage?

A. The narrator is gaining favor with the emperor and his court and experiencing cultural entertainment.
B. The emperor is hosting a dance competition to determine high-ranking officials.
C. The candidates for high offices are trained in rope-dancing to display their skills.
D. The emperor's court engages in various entertainments to showcase their talents.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The main point of the passage is that the narrator, through his gentleness and good behavior, is gaining favor with the emperor and his court. He describes how he interacts with the natives and experiences the country's shows, such as the rope-dancers. The passage focuses on the narrator's progress in understanding the language and his experiences with the cultural entertainment of the emperor's court. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they focus on specific details mentioned in the passage rather than the overall main point.