what is the purpose of the subtitle a trivial comedy for serious people in the context of the play

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS Reading Practice Test

1. What is the purpose of the subtitle 'A Trivial Comedy for Serious People' in the context of the play?

A. To emphasize the seriousness of the social critique in the play.
B. To downplay the seriousness of the play and present it as light-hearted.
C. To reflect the trivial nature of the characters' concerns and lives.
D. To highlight the absurdity of taking serious matters lightly.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The subtitle 'A Trivial Comedy for Serious People' in Oscar Wilde's play 'The Importance of Being Earnest' serves to reflect the trivial concerns of the characters and the superficiality of their lives. Wilde uses this subtitle to highlight the irony in portraying seemingly serious people who are preoccupied with trivial matters and appearances. Choice A is incorrect because the subtitle does not aim to emphasize the seriousness of the social critique but rather the triviality of the characters' lives. Choice B is incorrect as the subtitle doesn't downplay the seriousness of the play; instead, it juxtaposes the trivial with the serious. Choice D is incorrect because the subtitle does not aim to highlight the absurdity of taking serious matters lightly, but rather to underscore the triviality of the characters' concerns and behaviors.

2. Which best describes the meaning of the word decay as used in this passage?

A. To decompose
B. To shrink
C. To wither
D. To deteriorate

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the context provided, 'decay' implies a gradual deterioration or breaking down over time. It does not specifically refer to decomposing, shrinking, or withering. Therefore, the correct answer is 'To deteriorate.' 'To decompose' is incorrect as it refers to the breakdown of organic matter, 'To shrink' is incorrect as it means to become smaller, and 'To wither' is incorrect as it means to dry up or wilt, none of which fully capture the meaning of decay in this context.

3. Which of the following statements most closely correlates with the definition of the term working man?

A. A working man is not someone who works for institutions or corporations, but someone who is well-versed in the workings of the soul.
B. A working man is someone who is probably not involved in social activities because the physical demand for work is too high.
C. A working man is someone who works for wages among the middle class.
D. The working man has historically taken to the field, to the factory, and now to the screen.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Option D provides a succinct summary of the historical shifts in the type of work commonly associated with the 'working man.' It references how the working man has transitioned from agricultural fields to factories and eventually to modern society's dependence on technology, represented by the 'screen.' This progression highlights the evolution of labor and the changing landscape of work over time. Choices A, B, and C do not accurately capture the essence of a working man's historical journey through various types of labor and the societal changes that have influenced it.

4. Given this new information, which cinema is the best option for Thomas and his sister?

A. Twin Theatres
B. Reveler Cinema
C. Big Screen 14
D. Best Seat in The House

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The best cinema option for Thomas and his sister after the unexpected rearrangement of their schedules is Best Seat in The House. This is because the only showing available after 10:30 p.m. is at 11:25 p.m. at Best Seat in The House. None of the other cinemas have showings available after 10:30 p.m., making Best Seat in The House the optimal choice for them to catch the film. Twin Theatres, Reveler Cinema, and Big Screen 14 do not have showings after 10:30 p.m., so they are not suitable options for Thomas and his sister given their schedule constraints.

5. What is the setting of the story in this passage?

A. In the city
B. In the countryside
C. In a jail
D. In a mental health facility

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct setting of the story in the passage is in the city. The passage describes urban elements such as street shops, a nocturnal city with lamps, and scenes of a man walking swiftly and a child being trodden down in the city streets. These details clearly point to an urban setting, making choice A 'In the city' the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because there is no mention or indication of a countryside, jail, or mental health facility setting in the passage.