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. What does the following sentence most nearly mean? The preparatory instars of such insects are aquatic; the adult instar is aerial.

A. The volume of water is necessary to prepare the insect for transition rather than the volume of the air.
B. The abdomen of the insect is shaped like a star in the water as well as in the air.
C. The stage of preparation in between molting occurs in the water, while the final stage is in the air.
D. These insects first breathe in the water through gills, but then use the same organs to breathe in the air.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The sentence is describing the life cycle of certain insects where their preparatory instars occur in the water, while the adult instar lives in the air. This means that the stage of preparation between molting or shedding of the exoskeleton happens in the water, but the final stage as adults is in the air. Choice A is incorrect as it misinterprets the meaning of the aquatic and aerial environments for the insect's life stages. Choice B is incorrect as it introduces a concept of the insect's abdomen being shaped like a star, which is not mentioned or relevant to the sentence. Choice D is incorrect as it introduces information about the insects' breathing organs, which is not directly related to the sentence's meaning about their life stages.

3. Which of the following statements is logically based on the information contained in the passage above?

A. George Washington's background as a wealthy landholder led to his belief in liberty.
B. George Washington would have opposed America's involvement in WWII.
C. George Washington would not have been able to write his farewell address without Alexander Hamilton.
D. George Washington would probably not approve of modern political parties.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because Washington's farewell address included warnings against political parties, suggesting he wouldn't approve of modern ones. Choice A is incorrect as Washington's belief in liberty was not solely based on his background as a wealthy landholder but rather his experiences during the American Revolution. Choice B is incorrect as Washington lived in the 18th century and thus could not have been involved in WWII. Choice C is incorrect as although Alexander Hamilton helped draft Washington's farewell address, it doesn't mean Washington would not have been able to write it without him.

4. Which of the following would be a primary source for an article on the Battle of Gettysburg?

A. a letter written by a local farmer who witnessed the battle
B. a documentary about the battle produced by a local TV station
C. a novelization of the battle written by the great-grandson of a Union soldier
D. a history textbook for a college-level course in American history

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A letter written by a local farmer who witnessed the Battle of Gettysburg would be a primary source as it provides direct firsthand accounts and observations from someone who was present during the event. This source would offer valuable insights and perspectives for an article on the Battle of Gettysburg. Choice B, a documentary produced by a local TV station, is a secondary source as it interprets and presents information about the battle rather than providing direct firsthand accounts. Choice C, a novelization of the battle written by the great-grandson of a Union soldier, is also a secondary source as it involves interpretation and creative storytelling rather than direct eyewitness information. Choice D, a history textbook for a college-level course in American history, is a tertiary source that compiles information from various primary and secondary sources rather than presenting original firsthand accounts.

5. 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.