why is the importance of being earnest considered one of wildes most enduring works

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS Reading Practice Test

1. 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.

2. The author's purpose, major ideas, supporting details, visual aids, and vocabulary are the five key elements of what type of text?

A. Fictional texts
B. Narratives
C. Persuasive texts
D. Informational texts

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The author's purpose, major ideas, supporting details, visual aids, and vocabulary are key elements typically found in informational texts. Informational texts aim to inform and educate readers about a specific topic, which is why these elements are crucial for effectively conveying information in a clear and organized manner. Fictional texts focus more on storytelling and creativity rather than presenting facts and information, so they do not always include these specific elements. Narratives primarily focus on telling a story or recounting events, while persuasive texts aim to convince or sway the audience's opinion, so they may not always encompass all the elements mentioned in the question.

3. What can the reader conclude from the passage above?

A. The kingsnake is dangerous to humans.
B. The coral snake and the kingsnake are both hunted by the same predators.
C. It's safe to handle snakes in the woods because you can easily tell whether they're poisonous.
D. The kingsnake changes its markings when hawks or eagles are close by.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The passage explains that the kingsnake mimics the venomous coral snake's markings to deter predators, particularly hawks and eagles, which cannot differentiate between the two species. This implies that both the coral snake and the kingsnake face similar threats from predators in their shared habitat. Choice A is incorrect because the passage clearly states that the kingsnake is nonvenomous, so it is not dangerous to humans. Choice C is incorrect as the passage highlights that not all snakes with flashy markings are venomous, emphasizing the need for caution. Choice D is incorrect as there is no mention of the kingsnake changing its markings in response to the presence of hawks or eagles in the passage.

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 words, as used in the timeline, indicates the chronology of events in Barton's life?

A. Front
B. First
C. After
D. Through

Correct answer: C

Rationale: 'After' is used to indicate that one event happened following another in time. In the context of a timeline, 'After' signifies the sequence of events, showing what occurred subsequent to a particular point in time. In the provided extract, events unfold in a specific order, with each event happening 'after' the previous one. Choices A, B, and D do not inherently convey the idea of chronological order and are not suitable for indicating the sequence of events in a timeline.