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. A synonym for disconfirmed would be:

A. proven
B. dissipated
C. distilled
D. disproven

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The word 'disconfirmed' can be understood by breaking down 'disconfirm,' where 'dis' indicates 'not' and 'confirm' means 'to prove.' Therefore, 'disconfirmed' means 'not proven,' which aligns with the meaning of 'disproven.' In the given passage, it is mentioned that evidence can disprove a hypothesis, not necessarily prove it. This supports the synonymity between 'disconfirmed' and 'disproven.' Choice A ('proven') is incorrect because 'proven' is the opposite of 'disconfirmed.' Choice B ('dissipated') is incorrect as it means to disappear or scatter, not related to disproving a hypothesis. Choice C ('distilled') is incorrect as it means to purify a liquid through heating and cooling, not related to proving or disproving hypotheses.

3. Which of the following, if true, would most seriously undermine the explanation proposed by the author in Passage I, third paragraph?

A. An instance of lethal force in self-defense is not absolutely absolved from blame. The law takes into account the necessary use of force at the time it is committed.
B. An individual who uses necessary defense under lethal force is in direct compliance with the law under most circumstances.
C. Lethal force in self-defense should not be forgiven in all cases for the peace of mind of the primary victim.
D. The use of lethal force is not evaluated based on the intent of the user, but rather the severity of the primary attack that warranted self-defense.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the author in Passage I discusses the concept of lethal force in self-defense being justified and absolved from blame when used as a last resort to prevent severe harm or death. Choice A undermines this by stating that an instance of lethal force in self-defense is not absolutely absolved from blame and highlights that the law considers the necessary use of force at the time it is committed. This challenges the absolute justification of such actions and would seriously undermine the author's argument. Choice B is incorrect because compliance with the law does not necessarily address the justification and absolution of lethal force. Choice C is incorrect as forgiving lethal force in all cases is not the focus of the author's argument. Choice D is incorrect because the intent of the user is a crucial factor in evaluating the use of lethal force, contrary to what is stated.

4. Which of the following is true of hypotheses of the form 'All x are y'?

A. Something that is neither x nor y disproves the hypothesis.
B. Something that is both x and y disproves the hypothesis.
C. Something that is x but not y disproves the hypothesis.
D. Something that is y but not x disproves the hypothesis.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In hypotheses of the form 'All x are y,' the hypothesis is making a claim that all instances of x also fall under y. Therefore, if something is y but not x, it disproves the hypothesis because it contradicts the assertion that all x are y. Choice A is incorrect because something that is neither x nor y doesn't provide evidence against the hypothesis. Choice B is incorrect because if something is both x and y, it actually supports the hypothesis. Choice C is incorrect as something that is x but not y doesn't disprove the hypothesis, as it could still be consistent with the claim that all x are y.

5. Given the style of writing for the passage, which of the following magazines would be the best fit for this article?

A. Scientific Spelunking
B. Family Fun Days
C. Adventures for Men
D. Mud Magazine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The article's style is light-hearted and aimed at families looking for outdoor adventures. It suggests activities suitable for families with children, making Family Fun Days the best fit among the given magazine options. 'Scientific Spelunking' may focus more on the scientific aspects rather than family-friendly fun. 'Adventures for Men' may cater to a male audience rather than families. 'Mud Magazine' seems more focused on mud-related content, which doesn't align with the family-friendly, outdoor adventure theme of the article.