Nursing Elites

1. Which literary device is most prominent in Wilde's play?

• A. Irony
• B. Symbolism
• C. Metaphor
• D. Allusion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Irony.' Irony is the most prominent literary device in Wilde's play, 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' as it pervades his critique of the upper class. Throughout the play, Wilde uses irony to highlight the absurdities and trivialities of the British aristocracy. The characters engage in witty and humorous dialogue filled with situational irony, verbal irony, and dramatic irony, exposing the superficiality and hypocrisy of the upper classes. Symbolism, metaphor, and allusion are present in the play but to a lesser extent compared to irony. While symbolism and metaphor are used to enhance the themes and characterizations, allusion is sparingly employed. However, it is the pervasive use of irony that sets the tone and drives Wilde's satire of the societal norms and values of the time.

2. Which of the following should the writer consult for more detailed information about the Bermuda Triangle?

• A. An encyclopedia entry about the Bermuda Triangle
• B. Travel journal entries from a ship captain who sailed the area frequently
• C. A brochure for a resort located in the Bermuda Triangle
• D. A biography of someone who disappeared in the Bermuda Triangle

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An encyclopedia would provide detailed and reliable information on the Bermuda Triangle, including its history and theories. This source is preferred over the other choices because it is likely to offer a comprehensive overview of the subject, covering various aspects such as geographical features, historical incidents, scientific explanations, and debunking myths. Travel journal entries may offer personal experiences but lack the breadth and depth of information provided in an encyclopedia entry. A brochure for a resort located in the Bermuda Triangle would focus on promoting the resort rather than providing factual information about the area. A biography of someone who disappeared in the Bermuda Triangle would be specific to that individual's story and not offer a general overview of the Bermuda Triangle.

3. Which of the following best describes the type of writing used in the email message sent by the instructor?

• A. technical
• B. narrative
• C. persuasive
• D. expository

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The email sent by the instructor after reconsidering his grading plan for the semester is aimed at persuading the students to understand the situation and potentially take certain actions based on his decision. It is not a technical piece that focuses on explaining complex processes, nor is it primarily a narrative recounting events. It also does not strictly provide information or explain a topic (expository writing). Instead, the email's purpose is to influence the students' perspective or behavior, making it a persuasive type of writing.

4. Which option best defines a fable?

• A. A melancholic poem lamenting the subject's death
• B. An oral tradition influenced by culture
• C. A story with events that occur in threes and sevens
• D. A short story with animals, fantastic creatures, or other forces within nature

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A fable is a short story that typically features animals, fantastic creatures, or other forces within nature as characters. These characters often possess human-like qualities and behavior, and the story is intended to convey a moral lesson or message to the reader. The use of animals or other natural elements is a common characteristic of fables, distinguishing them from other types of stories or literary works. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the defining characteristics of a fable.

5. Which of the following stories' messages is significantly distorted through the use of an irrelevant detail?

• A. A soft profile about a local politician's part-time rock band that mentions his political differences with his bandmates
• B. A feature story of a local business owner running for political office in which she admits to having employed illegal laborers
• C. A profile of several local Jewish and Arab business leaders that mentions ongoing hostilities in the Middle East
• D. A news report about a local citizen protesting property tax rates that includes details about an immigration violation he committed twenty years previously

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. In the news report about a local citizen protesting property tax rates that includes details about an immigration violation he committed twenty years previously, the irrelevant detail about the immigration violation distracts from the main message of the protest against property tax rates. The inclusion of this detail shifts the focus away from the citizen's current concerns and the reasons for his protest, thus distorting the story's message. Choices A, B, and C do not include irrelevant details that significantly distort the main messages of the stories. Choice A mentions political differences with bandmates but still focuses on the politician's part-time rock band. Choice B discusses the employment of illegal laborers but remains centered on the business owner's political aspirations. Choice C talks about ongoing hostilities in the Middle East but does not veer away from the main focus on the local Jewish and Arab business leaders.

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