TEAS Reading Practice Test

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Irony. In Wilde's play, irony is the most prominent literary device used to create humor, satire, and social commentary. Irony is evident in the characters' actions, dialogue, and situations, such as the reversal of expectations and the discrepancy between appearance and reality. Symbolism (B) is not as prevalent in this play as irony. Metaphor (C) is used but not as prominently as irony. Allusion (D) may be present, but it is not the most dominant literary device compared to irony in Wilde's play.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it directly addresses the central purpose of the text, which is Gulliver becoming acquainted with the people and practices of his new surroundings. Throughout the story, Gulliver's interactions and experiences with the inhabitants of various lands shape his understanding of different societies. This central theme of cultural exploration and learning is best captured in choice C. Explanation of other choices: A: This choice focuses solely on Gulliver's experiences and interactions with the natives, missing the broader theme of cultural exploration. B: While Gulliver does observe unique customs and traditions, this is not the central purpose of the text, as it does not encompass the full scope of his experiences. D: Reflecting on cultural differences is a part of Gulliver's journey, but it is not the central purpose. The text is more about his immersion in and understanding of the new society.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because in the passage, the speaker expresses a desire for the working man to have a say in the management of the institution designed for his benefit. This is evident from the speaker's emphasis on empowering the working class. Choice A is incorrect because there is no mention of reading a Christmas story in the passage. Choice C is incorrect as the desire is not simply to stand in the audience's presence but to advocate for their involvement. Choice D is incorrect as the main focus is on giving the working man a voice, not on the institution's significance to the audience.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because 'Bunburying' in the play refers to the practice of creating a fictional persona to escape social responsibilities. This is evident through the characters' creation of an alter ego to avoid their mundane lives and obligations. Choice B is incorrect because 'Bunburying' is not about indifference but about actively avoiding social obligations. Choice C is incorrect because 'Bunburying' involves deception for personal gain, not self-deception. Choice D is incorrect because 'Bunburying' is more about evading societal expectations rather than struggling to conform to them.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Literary analysis of fictional texts. When students study character development, setting, and plot, they are engaging in analyzing elements of literature to understand the deeper meaning and themes of the text. This involves examining how characters evolve, the environment in which the story takes place, and the sequence of events that drive the narrative forward. Word analysis (A) focuses on vocabulary and language structure, points of view (B) refer to the perspective from which the story is told, and fluency (D) pertains to reading smoothly and accurately. These options are not directly related to the in-depth examination of literary elements present in fictional texts.