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. Even without Franz Ferdinand's assassination ... Which of the following most logically completes the passage?

A. A war between the world powers was extremely likely.
B. World War I never would have happened.
C. England, France, and Russia would have started the war.
D. Austria would have started the war.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Given the alliances and tensions at the time, the assassination was simply the trigger in an already volatile situation, making war highly likely. Choice B is incorrect because the alliances and existing tensions would likely have led to a conflict even without the assassination. Choice C is incorrect as it wrongly implies that only these three countries were involved in the conflict. Choice D is incorrect as Austria alone starting the war doesn't consider the broader context of alliances and power dynamics among the world powers.

3. Which of the following best describes the instructor's purpose in writing this email to his students?

A. to berate students for the poor scores they received on the recent essay exam
B. to encourage students to continue working hard despite failure
C. to give students the opportunity to make up the bad score and avoid failing the course
D. to admit that the essay exam was likely too difficult for most students

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The instructor's primary purpose in writing the email is to offer students the chance to make up the bad score they received on the recent essay exam, which was worth 70% of their final course score. The email does not berate students for their poor performance, nor does it admit that the exam was too difficult. While the instructor does offer encouragement to students who choose to complete an extra credit project, the main focus is on providing an opportunity to improve their scores and avoid failing the course.

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. Julie Walker-Mayfield plans to register for fall classes at Chatham College. She works during the day and doesn't get off work until 5:30 PM. She also has no internet access at work and will have to register for classes once she gets home. Taking into account her personal schedule and the registration schedule provided by the college, when will she be able to go online to enter the registration system and select her classes?

A. Monday, 10 AM-12 PM
B. Monday, 5-7 PM
C. Tuesday, 5-7 PM
D. Tuesday, 8-10 PM

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Julie Walker-Mayfield doesn't get off work until 5:30 PM, so she won't be able to register for classes until she gets home. Considering she needs time to unwind after work and settle in, the earliest and most suitable time for her to enter the registration system and select her classes is Tuesday, 5-7 PM. Choice A is incorrect as it falls on Monday, and she gets off work at 5:30 PM. Choices B and D are also incorrect as she needs time to settle in after work before going online to register.