Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following statements represents the best summary of the claims made in this passage?

• A. Studying a foreign language is important if you want to graduate from high school and get a job.
• B. Studying a foreign language is important for the global economy because of the technological advances that have made international communication easier.
• C. Studying a foreign language is important for the global economy, college acceptance rates, and becoming a sought-after candidate in the job market.
• D. Studying a foreign language is important for college acceptance rates and obtaining a job after college.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Option C best summarizes the claims made in the passage. Studying a foreign language is highlighted as important for the global economy, college acceptance rates, and becoming a sought-after candidate in the job market. The passage emphasizes that as technology advances, communication across borders becomes crucial, making foreign language skills valuable. High school graduates with foreign language credits tend to have higher college acceptance rates. Additionally, mastering more than one language increases desirability in the job market. Option A is too narrow, focusing only on high school graduation and job prospects. Option B, while mentioning the global economy, misses the emphasis on college acceptance rates and job market desirability. Option D is also limited, as it only considers college acceptance rates and job prospects but does not cover the importance of foreign languages for the global economy.

2. 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.

3. What is the main idea of this passage?

• A. Studying a foreign language will help graduating students find jobs after high school.
• B. Studying a foreign language should be a mandatory requirement for high school graduation.
• C. Studying a foreign language helps students gain an understanding of other cultures.
• D. Studying a foreign language is essential if a student hopes to get into college.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main idea of the passage is that studying a foreign language should be a compulsory requirement for high school graduation. This is emphasized due to its increasing importance for the global economy, college acceptance rates, and job market competitiveness. The passage argues for states to amend their requirements to reflect this necessity, highlighting the benefits of studying a foreign language. Choice A is incorrect because while the passage mentions job market competitiveness, the main focus is on the requirement for high school graduation. Choice C is incorrect as while understanding other cultures is a benefit of studying a foreign language, it is not the primary message of the passage. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not solely focus on the necessity of studying a foreign language for college acceptance; rather, it advocates for its inclusion as a high school graduation requirement.

4. Why is The Importance of Being Earnest considered one of Wilde's most enduring works?

• A. Because it offers a deep and serious critique of society.
• B. Because it humorously exposes the flaws of the upper class.
• C. Because it captures the essence of Wilde's witty and satirical style.
• D. Because it reflects Wilde's deep personal struggles with society.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The play endures because it perfectly captures Wilde's witty and satirical style, making it a timeless critique of society. 'The Importance of Being Earnest' humorously exposes the flaws of the upper class, rather than offering a deep and serious critique of society (Choice A). While Wilde's personal struggles may have influenced his works, 'The Importance of Being Earnest' is more focused on societal critiques through wit and satire, rather than reflecting his personal struggles (Choice D). Although the play does humorously expose the flaws of the upper class, the main reason for its enduring popularity is its embodiment of Wilde's witty and satirical style (Choice B). Therefore, Choice C is the correct answer.

5. According to the extract, which of the following statements most closely correlates with the definition of the term 'working man'?

• A. A working man is someone who is well versed in the workings of the soul.
• B. A working man is probably not involved in social activities due to the high physical demand of work.
• C. A working man is someone who earns wages in a traditional sense, often associated with the middle class.
• D. The working man historically transitions from the field to the factory and now to the screen.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: According to the extract, the term 'working man' refers to individuals who are actively employed and earn wages in a traditional sense. Charles Dickens emphasizes the importance of the working man having a share in the management of institutions designed for their benefit. This aligns with choice C, making it the correct answer. Choice A is incorrect as the extract does not mention anything about being well versed in the workings of the soul. Choice B is incorrect because the extract does not suggest that working men are not involved in social activities due to the physical demands of their work. Choice D is also incorrect as the extract does not focus on the historical transitions of the working man.

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