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. It can be inferred from the advertisement that

A. A person staffing this position may work independently and/or as part of a team.
B. Veronica Davis will make the hiring decisions.
C. Caseloads will start out small for new hires.
D. A candidate could work part-time if he or she chooses to.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: It can be inferred from the advertisement that a person staffing this position may work independently and/or as part of a team. The job description mentions the requirement for the ability to work both self-directed and as part of a team, indicating flexibility in working styles. Choice B is incorrect as Veronica Smith is mentioned as the contact for application submission, not the hiring decision-maker. Choice C is incorrect as there is no mention of caseload sizes for new hires. Choice D is incorrect as the advertisement does not specify part-time work as an option.

3. What is the definition of the word 'haunt' in the following passage? 'From that time forward, Mr. Utterson began to haunt the door in the by street of shops.'

A. To levitate
B. To constantly visit
C. To terrorize
D. To daunt

Correct answer: B

Rationale: 'Haunt' in this context means to visit a place frequently or persistently, which aligns with Mr. Utterson's actions of regularly going to the door in the by street of shops. The other choices are incorrect because 'levitate' means to rise or float in the air, 'terrorize' means to cause extreme fear, and 'daunt' means to make someone feel intimidated or apprehensive, none of which accurately reflect the meaning of 'haunt' in this context.

4. What is the significance of the word 'mind' in the following passage?

A. The ability to think
B. A collective vote
C. A definitive decision
D. A mythological question

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the provided passage, 'mind' refers to a definitive decision. The context indicates that the emperor made a conscious decision to entertain the speaker with country shows. Choice A, 'The ability to think,' is too broad and does not capture the specific decision-making aspect implied in the passage. Choice B, 'A collective vote,' and Choice D, 'A mythological question,' are irrelevant and do not align with the context provided.

5. Ernestine has a short research project to complete, and her assigned topic is the history of the Globe Theatre in London. Which of the following sources would be the best starting point for Ernestine's research?

A. Roget's Thesaurus
B. Webster's Dictionary
C. Encyclopedia Britannica
D. University of Oxford Style Guide

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The best starting point for Ernestine's research on the history of the Globe Theatre in London would be the Encyclopedia Britannica. This choice is correct because the Encyclopedia Britannica provides authoritative and comprehensive information on various topics, including historical landmarks like the Globe Theatre. It offers detailed articles and references that would help Ernestine gain a deeper understanding of the theatre's background, construction, significance, and overall history. Choice A, Roget's Thesaurus, is incorrect because it is a thesaurus used for finding synonyms and antonyms of words, not historical information. Choice B, Webster's Dictionary, is also incorrect as it is a dictionary used for word definitions, not historical research. Choice D, University of Oxford Style Guide, is not the best starting point for historical research on the Globe Theatre, as it focuses on style and formatting guidelines rather than providing historical content.