TEAS Reading Practice Test

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because Wilde uses irony to critique the upper class by exaggerating their trivial concerns and behaviors. Through satirical elements, Wilde exposes the superficiality and insincerity of the upper class, highlighting their obsession with trivial matters while ignoring more significant issues. This irony serves to criticize the upper class's lack of depth and moral values. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not align with Wilde's intention of using irony to satirize the upper class. They present a positive view of the upper class, which contradicts the critical tone of the play.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: The absurdity of the British aristocracy and its social conventions. In "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde, the play satirizes the superficiality and triviality of the British upper class. Wilde uses humor and wit to highlight the ridiculousness of societal norms and the pretentious behavior of the aristocracy. The play's characters engage in trivial pursuits and maintain false personas to fit into the rigid social expectations. This central theme is evident throughout the play, making choice A the most accurate summary. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not capture the overarching focus of the play on mocking the British aristocracy specifically.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because it combines alliteration (repetition of initial consonant sounds) and personification (attributing human characteristics to non-human things). In option B, words like "shuddered," "swayed," "shook," and "screamed" create a strong sense of movement and emotion, personifying the object being described. Additionally, the repeated "s" sound in "shuddered," "swayed," and "screamed" exemplifies alliteration, further enhancing the poetic effect. Choice A does not contain any personification, and while it has alliteration with "hung" and "her," it lacks the vivid imagery and emotional depth present in option B. Choice C also lacks personification and only has a mild example of alliteration with "starch sentry." Choice D includes alliteration with "shoreline" and "siren," but the personification is not as strong or vivid as in option B.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because spiracles are small openings on the insect's body that allow for the exchange of gases. This enables insects to breathe atmospheric air even when submerged underwater. Option B is incorrect as spiracles are not specifically for protecting internal organs from water pressure. Option C is incorrect as spiracles do not filter oxygen from water for underwater breathing; insects do not breathe underwater. Option D is incorrect as spiracles are primarily used for gas exchange and not for expelling carbon dioxide.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The purpose of the subtitle 'A Trivial Comedy for Serious People' in the play is to highlight the trivial nature of the characters' concerns and lives. This is evident as the play explores societal conventions and trivialities of the upper class in a comedic manner. The juxtaposition of "trivial comedy" and "serious people" suggests that the characters are preoccupied with superficial matters despite their serious social standing. This choice is correct as it aligns with the satirical nature of the play in mocking the triviality of the characters' lives. Summary: A: Incorrect. The subtitle does not emphasize the seriousness of the social critique. B: Incorrect. The subtitle does not downplay the seriousness but rather highlights the triviality. D: Incorrect. The subtitle does not focus on the absurdity of taking serious matters lightly, but on the trivial nature of the characters' concerns.