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 title is the best choice for this passage?

A. The Art of Writing Notes
B. Conducting an Interview
C. Recording an Interview
D. Problems with Interviews

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The title 'Recording an Interview' is the most suitable choice for this passage. The passage emphasizes the benefits of using recording devices during interviews, highlighting how it helps capture important details efficiently and without distractions. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the passage focuses on the process of recording interviews, not on writing notes, conducting interviews in general, or discussing problems associated with interviews.

3. Which of the following statements would be LEAST relevant in a formal essay about artist Salvador Dalí?

A. Although his works are famed for their dream-like qualities, Dalí executed them with realism reminiscent of the Renaissance masters.
B. Salvador Dalí’s eccentricity extended beyond his artwork, affecting the strange public persona he created, which can be witnessed in his numerous television appearances.
C. I’ve always found Dalí’s painting The Persistence of Memory to be really disturbing for some reason.
D. Although Salvador Dalí is best known for his paintings, he also was active in cinema and collaborated with such filmmakers as Luis Bunuel and Alfred Hitchcock.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Option C is subjective and personal, making it less suitable for a formal essay about Salvador Dalí. In formal writing, it is important to maintain objectivity and focus on factual information rather than personal opinions. Choices A, B, and D provide relevant information about Dalí, his artwork, and his collaborations, which are more appropriate for inclusion in a formal essay.

4. Which of the answer choices best describes the appropriateness of Mara's data sample?

A. The sample is biased because it only includes teachers who are immersed in the technology field.
B. The sample is biased because the sample size is too small.
C. The sample is biased because the sample size is too large.
D. The sample is not biased and is appropriate for the study.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Mara's data sample is biased because it only includes teachers who are immersed in the technology field, specifically those teaching a computer software course. This limits the perspectives gathered, leading to skewed results. Choice B is incorrect because the issue lies in the sample composition, not its size. Choice C is incorrect as a large sample size does not necessarily indicate bias. Choice D is incorrect as the sample's bias compromises the study's validity.

5. Which of the following supports evaluating a logical argument?

A. Unbiased information
B. Generalizations
C. Emotional statements
D. Anecdotes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Unbiased information is crucial for assessing the validity and soundness of an argument. It helps in making informed judgments based on facts rather than personal opinions or biases. Choice B, generalizations, can oversimplify complex issues and lack specific evidence, making them unreliable for evaluating logical arguments. Emotional statements (Choice C) can cloud judgment and introduce subjective elements that may not be logically relevant. Anecdotes (Choice D) are specific instances that may not represent the overall truth or validity of an argument, making them less reliable for logical evaluation.