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 of the following sources is most likely to provide relevant data on the effects of mobile use on consumers' hearing?

A. A consumer report about surcharges applied to customers' bills by mobile phone companies
B. A professional journal article about the incidence of generic hearing loss
C. A university research paper about decibel limits of headphones and speakers
D. A statistical report of mobile phone usage by a mobile phone company

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most relevant source for data on the effects of mobile use on consumers' hearing would be a university research paper about decibel limits of headphones and speakers. This source would provide specific information on how mobile use could potentially impact hearing due to the sound levels produced by headphones and speakers. Choice A discusses surcharges on bills, which is unrelated to hearing effects. Choice B focuses on the incidence of hearing loss in general, not specifically related to mobile use. Choice D, a statistical report on mobile phone usage, may not directly address the impact on consumers' hearing.

3. What is the author’s likely purpose in writing this passage about Queen Victoria?

A. To persuade the reader to appreciate the accomplishments of Queen Victoria, especially when placed against the failures of her forebears.
B. To introduce the historical impact of the Victorian Era by introducing to readers the queen who gave that era its name.
C. To explain how small events in history placed an unlikely princess in line to become the queen of England.
D. To indicate the role that King George III’s many sons played in changing the history of England.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The author's purpose in writing this passage is to explain how small events in history led to an unlikely princess, Princess Alexandrina Victoria, becoming the queen of England. The passage discusses the family background of Queen Victoria and how a series of events, including the lack of legitimate heirs from King George III's sons, ultimately paved the way for her ascension to the throne. Choice A is incorrect because the passage is more focused on presenting historical events rather than persuading readers to appreciate Queen Victoria's accomplishments. Choice B is also incorrect as the passage does mention the Victorian Era but is primarily centered around Queen Victoria's personal journey to the throne. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does briefly mention King George III's sons, but it does not primarily focus on their role in changing the history of England.

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. Which of the following statements about the passage is true?

A. These cookies should be baked on a baking rack
B. These cookies cannot be cooked in a microwave oven
C. Folding in peanut butter must be done gently
D. Beating egg whites involves stirring them vigorously

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct statement about the passage is that beating egg whites involves stirring them vigorously. In the provided extract, it mentions 'Beat egg white until foamy. Stir in sugar, beat again until stiff peaks form.' This process of beating the egg whites until stiff peaks form requires vigorous stirring. Choice A is incorrect because the passage does not mention using a baking rack for cooking the cookies. Choice B is incorrect as the passage provides instructions for baking the cookies in an oven. Choice C is incorrect as the passage does not emphasize the need for gentle folding when mixing in the peanut butter.