what role does humor play in wildes critique of the aristocracy

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS Reading Practice Test

1. What role does humor play in Wilde's critique of the aristocracy?

A. To soften the harshness of the critique and make it more palatable.
B. To make the critique more pointed and direct.
C. To critique the aristocracy without alienating the audience.
D. To entertain the audience with humor, while delivering a serious message.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In Wilde's critique of the aristocracy, humor serves the purpose of critiquing without alienating the audience. By infusing humor into his work, Wilde can effectively highlight the flaws and absurdities of the upper classes while keeping the audience engaged and receptive. Option A is incorrect because the humor does not aim to soften the critique but rather to enhance its impact. Option B is incorrect as the humor in Wilde's work is not meant to make the critique more pointed and direct but rather more approachable. Option D is incorrect because while entertaining the audience, the primary function of humor in Wilde's critique is to provide a platform for social commentary without losing the audience's interest.

2. The author would be most likely to agree with which of the following statements?

A. Smokers should only quit cold turkey.
B. Other substances are more addictive than tobacco.
C. Smokers should quit for any reason that makes them stop.
D. People who want to smoke should advocate for reduced taxes.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The author would likely agree that any reason to quit smoking is valid, based on their anti-smoking stance. The provided extract extensively discusses the harmful effects of smoking, the addictive nature of nicotine, and the negative consequences associated with tobacco products. The author emphasizes the health risks, financial burden, and social implications of smoking, promoting the idea that smokers should quit for any reason that helps them stop. Choice A, suggesting that smokers should only quit cold turkey, is too restrictive and doesn't consider individual differences in quitting methods. Choice B, stating that other substances are more addictive than tobacco, is not directly supported by the extract, which highlights the extreme addictiveness of nicotine. Choice D, proposing that people who want to smoke should advocate for reduced taxes, goes against the anti-smoking stance presented in the extract, which highlights the negative impact of smoking and high tobacco prices.

3. Which of the following labels best describes the previous passage?

A. comparison essay
B. definition essay
C. cause and effect essay
D. persuasive essay

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The passage delves into the relationship between magnesium intake and health outcomes, highlighting how deficiencies in magnesium can lead to various health issues. It discusses how different factors, such as gastrointestinal disorders or dietary habits, can cause magnesium depletion and its subsequent effects on the body. This focus on exploring the cause-and-effect connections between magnesium levels and health conditions aligns with the characteristics of a cause and effect essay, making choice C the most appropriate. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the passage does not focus on comparing different concepts, providing definitions, or persuading the reader of a particular viewpoint.

4. The final sentence of the passage states that Julia set a course for home. Which of the following is the most accurate interpretation of this sentence?

A. Julia cannot go directly home.
B. Julia is planning to go home.
C. Julia wants to go home but will return to work.
D. Julia is worried the fire at her office will spread to her home.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The final sentence of the passage mentioning that Julia set a course for home indicates that Julia is making a deliberate decision to head towards her residence. This implies that she is planning to go home, suggesting that option B is the most accurate interpretation. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the context provided. Option A is incorrect as there is no indication that Julia cannot go directly home. Option C is incorrect as there is no mention of Julia returning to work. Option D is incorrect as there is no evidence in the passage to suggest that Julia is worried about the fire at her office spreading to her home.

5. What is the instructor's main purpose in writing this email to his students?

A. To criticize students for their poor performance on the recent essay exam
B. To motivate students to persevere despite setbacks
C. To offer students a chance to improve their scores and avoid failing the course
D. To acknowledge the difficulty of the essay exam for most students

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The instructor's main purpose in writing the email is to provide students with opportunities to improve their scores and avoid failing the course. The email outlines different options for extra credit projects that can help students make up for the low scores they received on the essay exam. This shows that the instructor is focused on helping students succeed rather than criticizing them (choice A), motivating them (choice B), or acknowledging the difficulty of the exam (choice D).