Nineteenth-Century England
Which line from Act I of The Importance of Being Earnest is a paradox?
"It is awfully hard work doing nothing."
Algernon. In the third place, I know perfectly well whom she will place me next to, to-night. She will place me next Mary Farquhar, who always flirts with her own husband across the dinner-table. That is not very pleasant. Indeed, it is not even decent . . . and that sort of thing is enormously on the increase. The amount of women in London who flirt with their own husbands is perfectly scandalous. It looks so bad. It is simply washing one's clean linen in public. Besides, now that I know you to be a confirmed Bunburyist I naturally want to talk to you about Bunburying. Which part of the excerpt contains a paradox?
"It is simply washing one's clean linen in public."
Which line from Act I of The Importance of Being Earnest is an epigram?
"More than half of modern culture depends on what one shouldn't read."
Which line from The Importance of Being Earnest is an example of a commentary on marriage?
"The very essence of romance is uncertainty. If ever I get married, I'll certainly try to forget the fact."
Oscar Wilde uses humor to critique society and show that there is too much concern about coming from a proper family. Which line from The Importance of Being Earnest best makes this point?
"To be born, or at any rate bred, in a hand-bag, whether it had handles or not, seems to me to display a contempt for the ordinary decencies of family life . . ."
Oscar Wilde's humor points out that many people are not who they appear to be, which is a critique on the emphasis placed on appearance in society. Which line from The Importance of Being Earnest best makes this point?
"Well, my name is Ernest in town and Jack in the country . . ."
The crowded diner was bustling with the lunch rush.The parties assembled in the booths huddled over laminated menus, discussing specials and office gossip. As Manny sipped his coffee, something in the doorway caught his eye. Others noticed, too, and soon the din of conversation ceased. The figure hesitated, backlit by the noon sun, holding the door wide. Some people still did not register his arrival. But soon his towering frame caused every diner's chin to tip up in his appraisal, and a collective gasp resounded. Which descriptive details does the author include to entertain readers? Check all that apply.
"crowded diner was bustling" "backlit by the noon sun" "a collective gasp resounded"
An unidentified object was reported twenty miles west of Phoenix, Arizona. An observer saw the object fall from the sky in what he called "a fiery cloud." It fell to earth at approximately 3:15 p.m. on June 12, 2014. Rumors spread rapidly, and soon nearby residents were speculating about the object's source. Many voiced concerns about aliens. Within a few hours, NASA scientists concluded that the spherical metal object was likely part of a spacecraft that survived reentry. Which factual details does the author include to inform readers? Check all that apply.
"twenty miles west of Phoenix" "3:15 p.m. on June 12, 2014" "spherical metal object"
After Hannah talked to Emma, she decided to run for student council. Which revision corrects the vague pronoun error?
After she talked to Emma, Hannah decided to run for student council.
Jack. [Irritably.] Oh! It always is nearly seven. Algernon. Well, I'm hungry. Jack. I never knew you when you weren't . . . Algernon. What shall we do after dinner? Go to a theatre? Jack. Oh, no! I loathe listening. Algernon. Well, let us go to the Club? Jack. Oh, no! I hate talking. Algernon. Well, we might trot round to the Empire at ten? Jack. Oh, no! I can't bear looking at things. It is so silly. Algernon. Well, what shall we do? Jack. Nothing! Algernon. It is awfully hard work doing nothing. However, I don't mind hard work where there is no definite object of any kind. Which is an example of how Wilde pokes fun at the upper-class lifestyle?
Algernon says it is hard work to live in this leisurely manner.
[Algernon.] [Jack puts out his hand to take a sandwich. Algernon at once interferes.] Please don't touch the cucumber sandwiches. They are ordered specially for Aunt Augusta. [Takes one and eats it.] Jack. Well, you have been eating them all the time. Algernon. That is quite a different matter. She is my aunt. [Takes plate from below.] Have some bread and butter. The bread and butter is for Gwendolen. Gwendolen is devoted to bread and butter. How is humor used to critique the double standard of manners in society?
Algernon scolds Jack for eating sandwiches while eating them himself, satisfying his own needs.
Which questions should a writer ask when revising an argumentative essay to make sure it is in a formal style? Check all that apply.
Are my ideas logically connected? Are my arguments well organized? Do I avoid a casual style and tone?
Which sentences contain vague pronouns? Check all that apply.
Bernardo reads both fiction and nonfiction, and he likes it a lot. Vivian met Laura at the coffee shop where she works after school. When Mariana and Rahul studied with Lisa and Nico, it helped them.
"Henderson," he called, "you saw that shooting star last night?" "Well?" said Henderson. "It's out on Horsell Common now." "Good Lord!" said Henderson. "Fallen meteorite! That's good." "But it's something more than a meteorite. It's a cylinder—an artificial cylinder, man! And there's something inside." Excerpt 2, from Howard E. Koch's script for Orson Welles's radio adaptation: WILMUTH: I seen a kinda greenish streak and then zingo! Somethin' smacked the ground. Knocked me clear out of my chair! PHILLIPS: Well, were you frightened, Mrs. Wilmuth? MRS. WILMUTH: Well, I—I ain't quite sure. I reckon I—I was kinda riled. PHILLIPS: Thank you, Mr. Wilmuth. Thank you. Which statement best describes the similarity between these versions?
Both versions share the impressions of local residents.
Which sentence uses a reciprocal pronoun correctly?
Giovanna and Saleem peer edit each other's stories.
Jack. Gwendolen, will you marry me? [Goes on his knees.] Gwendolen. Of course I will, darling. How long you have been about it! I am afraid you have had very little experience in how to propose. Jack. My own one, I have never loved any one in the world but you. Gwendolen. Yes, but men often propose for practice. I know my brother Gerald does. All my girl-friends tell me so. How does this dialogue poke fun at a society that takes marriage too lightly?
Gwendolen says that her brother proposes to all her friends.
Lady Bracknell. There are distinct social possibilities in Miss Cardew's profile. Algernon. Cecily is the sweetest, dearest, prettiest girl in the whole world. And I don't care twopence about social possibilities. What does this passage convey about Algernon's values?
He cares more about romance than about social status.
A big greyish rounded bulk, the size, perhaps, of a bear, was rising slowly and painfully out of the cylinder. As it bulged up and caught the light, it glistened like wet leather. Two large dark-coloured eyes were regarding me steadfastly. The mass that framed them, the head of the thing, was rounded, and had, one might say, a face. There was a mouth under the eyes, the lipless brim of which quivered and panted, and dropped saliva. Which statement best describes how Wells conveys his purpose with this excerpt?
He creates powerful visual images.
Jack. [In a pathetic voice.] Miss Prism, more is restored to you than this hand-bag. I was the baby you placed in it. Miss Prism. [Amazed.] You? Jack. [Embracing her.] Yes . . . mother! Miss Prism. [Recoiling in indignant astonishment.] Mr. Worthing! I am unmarried! Jack. Unmarried! I do not deny that is a serious blow. But after all, who has the right to cast a stone against one who has suffered? Cannot repentance wipe out an act of folly? Why should there be one law for men, and another for women? Mother, I forgive you. [Tries to embrace her again.] What is the best conclusion that can be drawn about Jack, based on his words and actions in this excerpt?
He is inclined to show his emotions.
Jack. I fear there can be no possible doubt about the matter. This afternoon during my temporary absence in London on an important question of romance, he obtained admission to my house by means of the false pretence of being my brother. Under an assumed name he drank, I've just been informed by my butler, an entire pint bottle of my Perrier-Jouet, Brut, '89; wine I was specially reserving for myself. Continuing his disgraceful deception, he succeeded in the course of the afternoon in alienating the affections of my only ward. What is the most accurate conclusion that can be drawn about Algernon based on Jack's words?
He is mischievous to suit his purposes.
Jack. [In a clear, cold voice.] Miss Cardew is the grand-daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Cardew of 149 Belgrave Square, S.W.; Gervase Park, Dorking, Surrey; and the Sporran, Fifeshire, N.B. Lady Bracknell. That sounds not unsatisfactory. Three addresses always inspire confidence, even in tradesmen. But what proof have I of their authenticity? Jack. I have carefully preserved the Court Guides of the period. They are open to your inspection, Lady Bracknell. Lady Bracknell. [Grimly.] I have known strange errors in that publication. Jack. Miss Cardew's family solicitors are Messrs. Markby, Markby, and Markby. Lady Bracknell. Markby, Markby, and Markby? A firm of the very highest position in their profession. Indeed I am told that one of the Mr. Markby's is occasionally to be seen at dinner parties. So far I am satisfied. Jack. [Very irritably.] How extremely kind of you, Lady Bracknell! I have also in my possession, you will be pleased to hear, certificates of Miss Cardew's birth, baptism, whooping cough, registration, vaccination, confirmation, and the measles; both the German and the English variety. Which are the most accurate conclusions that can be drawn about Jack, given this dialogue and his reactions to Lady Bracknell? Check all that apply.
He is thorough and organized. He is offended by Lady Bracknell. He takes great pride in his ward.
The peculiar V-shaped mouth with its pointed upper lip, the absence of brow ridges, the absence of a chin beneath the wedgelike lower lip, the incessant quivering of this mouth, the Gorgon groups of tentacles, the tumultuous breathing of the lungs in a strange atmosphere, the evident heaviness and painfulness of movement due to the greater gravitational energy of the earth—above all, the extraordinary intensity of the immense eyes—were at once vital, intense, inhuman, crippled and monstrous. There was something fungoid in the oily brown skin, something in the clumsy deliberation of the tedious movements unspeakably nasty. Which statement best describes how Wells conveys his purpose with this excerpt?
He uses detailed physical description.
Which sentence contains a pronoun shift error?
If a singer wants to join the chorus, they have to audition.
Jack. I have lost both my parents. Lady Bracknell. To lose one parent, Mr. Worthing, may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness. What effect does the pun have on this scene?
It makes the scene more humorous.
Lady Bracknell. [With a shiver, crossing to the sofa and sitting down.] I do not know whether there is anything peculiarly exciting in the air of this particular part of Hertfordshire, but the number of engagements that go on seems to me considerably above the proper average that statistics have laid down for our guidance. I think some preliminary inquiry on my part would not be out of place. Mr. Worthing, is Miss Cardew at all connected with any of the larger railway stations in London? I merely desire information. Until yesterday I had no idea that there were any families or persons whose origin was a Terminus. [Jack looks perfectly furious, but restrains himself.] How can Lady Bracknell asking Miss Cardew (Cecily) if she is "at all connected with any of the larger railway stations in London" be seen as a reflection of Victorian social codes?
Knowing that Jack was found as a baby in a railway station, she is concerned that Algernon wants to marry someone who may be of a lower social ranking.
Nikita would like to know which car belongs to Yosef and Taiga. Which sentence revision correctly uses a possessive pronoun?
Nikita would like to know which car is theirs.
(1) Universal health care should be adopted by every country around the world. (2) Over 100 million people become poor every year because of healthcare bills. (3) Imagine how it feels to be afraid to go to the doctor for fear of plunging into debt. (4) That is a really terrible thing, and governments need to act. (5) The World Health Organization (WHO) says that universal health care is achievable, even in poor countries. (6) The WHO recommends spreading the costs of health care across the population, so no one is overly burdened. (7) If a responsible organization like the WHO says it is possible, then worldwide governments should implement universal healthcare immediately. Which revision is the best way to strengthen the argument?
Sentence 4 should be revised to incorporate strong supporting evidence.
Lady Bracknell. I'm sorry if we are a little late, Algernon, but I was obliged to call on dear Lady Harbury. I hadn't been there since her poor husband's death. I never saw a woman so altered; she looks quite twenty years younger. And now I'll have a cup of tea, and one of those nice cucumber sandwiches you promised me. Algernon. Certainly, Aunt Augusta. [Goes over to tea-table.] Lady Bracknell. Won't you come and sit here, Gwendolen? What does Lady Bracknell say that makes light of marriage in this excerpt?
She says that Lady Harbury looks younger since her husband's death.
Jack. [In a clear, cold voice.] Miss Cardew is the grand-daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Cardew of 149 Belgrave Square, S.W.; Gervase Park, Dorking, Surrey; and the Sporran, Fifeshire, N.B. Lady Bracknell. That sounds not unsatisfactory. Three addresses always inspire confidence, even in tradesmen. But what proof have I of their authenticity? Jack. I have carefully preserved the Court Guides of the period. They are open to your inspection, Lady Bracknell. Lady Bracknell. [Grimly.] I have known strange errors in that publication. Jack. Miss Cardew's family solicitors are Messrs. Markby, Markby, and Markby. Lady Bracknell. Markby, Markby, and Markby? A firm of the very highest position in their profession. Indeed I am told that one of the Mr. Markby's is occasionally to be seen at dinner parties. So far I am satisfied. What does this excerpt most clearly convey about Lady Bracknell?
She thinks that family background is important.
Cecily. Gwendolen, your common sense is invaluable. Mr. Moncrieff, kindly answer me the following question. Why did you pretend to be my guardian's brother? Algernon. In order that I might have an opportunity of meeting you. Cecily. [To Gwendolen.] That certainly seems a satisfactory explanation, does it not? Gwendolen. Yes, dear, if you can believe him. Cecily. I don't. But that does not affect the wonderful beauty of his answer. What does this excerpt most clearly convey about Cecily?
She values romance over truth.
The government should raise the minimum wage. Read the counterclaim. According to a study by the American Enterprise Institute, raising the minimum wage will result in employers cutting their employees' hours and cutting some jobs altogether. What is the most effective way to address the counterclaim?
The Economic Policy Institute shows that raising the minimum wage will grow the economy so that actually there will be one hundred thousand new jobs.
Which statement best describes the difference between these versions?
The radio adaptation is more frenzied than the novel.
Which statement best describes the difference between the aesthetic appeal of the two versions of The War of the Worlds?
The written text relies on vivid description; the radio adaptation uses frenzied dialogue and sound effects.
Animal testing is unnecessary in this century and should be banned. Read the counterclaim. Animal testing has led to important medical breakthroughs. Which is the best rebuttal to address the counterclaim?
With modern technology, scientists can make advances without involving the one hundred million animals now used each year for animal testing.
(1) I think that schools should switch from using paper textbooks to using computer tablets. (2) Textbooks were effective in the pre-digital age, but now we live in a technology-based society, so schools need to get with the program and adopt a modern approach to learning. (3) In fact, the chair of the Federal Communications Commission said that "it's time for the next stage" of learning with tablets and pointed out how textbooks are often out of date. (4) Opponents argue that tablets aren't a good choice because initially they're very expensive. (5) The secretary of education pointed out that tablets can be updated regularly, which saves money in the long run. (6) Not to mention the pluses of having the latest and greatest info! (7) Many experts agree that switching to tablets is important for the future of education. To improve the logic and flow of the essay, the writer should revise sentence 5 by
adding the transition "however" at the beginning to connect the ideas better.
In an argumentative essay, where should the writer present the counterclaim?
after the supporting evidence for a reason
Algernon. [Languidly.] I don't know that I am much interested in your family life, Lane. Lane. No, sir; it is not a very interesting subject. I never think of it myself. Algernon. Very natural, I am sure. That will do, Lane, thank you. Lane. Thank you, sir. [Lane goes out.] This excerpt best illustrates which feature of a comedy of manners?
an example of class differences
Lady Bracknell. [Sitting down again.] A moment, Mr. Worthing. A hundred and thirty thousand pounds! And in the Funds! Miss Cardew seems to me a most attractive young lady, now that I look at her. Few girls of the present day have any really solid qualities, any of the qualities that last, and improve with time. We live, I regret to say, in an age of surfaces. [To Cecily.] Come over here, dear. [Cecily goes across.] Pretty child! your dress is sadly simple, and your hair seems almost as Nature might have left it. But we can soon alter all that. A thoroughly experienced French maid produces a really marvellous result in a very brief space of time. I remember recommending one to young Lady Lancing, and after three months her own husband did not know her. Based on this passage, Lady Bracknell most clearly places value on the importance of
appearances.
Jack. I fear there can be no possible doubt about the matter. This afternoon during my temporary absence in London on an important question of romance, he obtained admission to my house by means of the false pretence of being my brother. Under an assumed name he drank, I've just been informed by my butler, an entire pint bottle of my Perrier-Jouet, Brut, '89; wine I was specially reserving for myself. Continuing his disgraceful deception, he succeeded in the course of the afternoon in alienating the affections of my only ward. He subsequently stayed to tea, and devoured every single muffin. And what makes his conduct all the more heartless is, that he was perfectly well aware from the first that I have no brother, that I never had a brother, and that I don't intend to have a brother, not even of any kind. I distinctly told him so myself yesterday afternoon. Based on this excerpt, what behavior does Jack most clearly disapprove of?
being deceptive
Read the claim. Schools should stop doing standardized testing. Read the counterclaim. The Department of Education says that teaching students to do well on standardized tests helps to motivate students and keep them focused on important subjects. Read the rebuttal. On the contrary, being forced to focus on testing stresses students and limits the amount of knowledge they can gain. How can the writer revise the rebuttal to make it stronger?
by adding a statistic or a quotation
The purpose of adding transitional phrases during the revision phase of writing is mainly to
connect ideas better.
One reason a strong argumentative essay includes a counterclaim is that
considering the opposing view makes the writer's argument stronger.
[Lady Bracknell.] I have always been of opinion that a man who desires to get married should know either everything or nothing. Which do you know? Jack. [After some hesitation.] I know nothing, Lady Bracknell. Lady Bracknell. I am pleased to hear it. I do not approve of anything that tampers with natural ignorance. Ignorance is like a delicate exotic fruit; touch it and the bloom is gone. The whole theory of modern education is radically unsound. Fortunately in England, at any rate, education produces no effect whatsoever. What does Wilde's use of humor critique in this excerpt?
education
An intensive pronoun
emphasizes the noun it references.
Cecily. It is always painful to part from people whom one has known for a very brief space of time. The literary device used in this line is a(n)
epigram.
An effective argumentative essay must contain a claim that is supported by
evidence.
Which pronouns act as the object in a sentence? Check all that apply.
her me us
Jack. Of course it's mine. [Moving to him.] You have seen me with it a hundred times, and you have no right whatsoever to read what is written inside. It is a very ungentlemanly thing to read a private cigarette case. Algernon. Oh! it is absurd to have a hard and fast rule about what one should read and what one shouldn't. More than half of modern culture depends on what one shouldn't read. The epigram that Algernon uses in his last line provides a critique about
how the rules of Victorian society dictated many things, even what was proper to read.
The tone of Oscar Wilde's critique in The Importance of Being Earnest is
humorous
A comedy of manners is a type of dramatic comedy that ________ the rules and behaviors of a society.
humorously critiques
Jack. Pray excuse me, Lady Bracknell, for interrupting you again, but it is only fair to tell you that according to the terms of her grandfather's will Miss Cardew does not come legally of age till she is thirty-five. The best conclusion that can be drawn from Jack's words is that he is
mannerly
They asked about the bike, and I told them it was mine. Which pronoun did the writer use to show possession?
mine
To maintain a formal tone and style in an argumentative essay, a writer should replace
overly charged language.
A statement that seems to be contradictory but proves to be true in some sense is a(n)
paradox.
A writer should use a(n) ______________ pronoun to show ownership.
possessive
A type of wordplay that relies on two words that sound the same or a single word that has two distinct meanings is called a(n)
pun
What literary device does Oscar Wilde use in the title of his play The Importance of Being Earnest?
pun
Algernon. [Raising his hat.] You are my little cousin Cecily, I'm sure. Cecily. You are under some strange mistake. I am not little. In fact, I believe I am more than usually tall for my age. Which two definitions of the word little does the pun in this excerpt rely on?
small young
Jack. Miss Cardew's family solicitors are Messrs. Markby, Markby, and Markby. Lady Bracknell. Markby, Markby, and Markby? A firm of the very highest position in their profession. Indeed I am told that one of the Mr. Markby's is occasionally to be seen at dinner parties. So far I am satisfied. Based on this excerpt, which Victorian social code was important to the upper class?
social ranking
Leonie jogged through the cool morning mist. What type of pronoun should the writer replace Leonie with?
subjective
Jack. [In a pathetic voice.] Miss Prism, more is restored to you than this hand-bag. I was the baby you placed in it. Miss Prism. [Amazed.] You? Jack. [Embracing her.] Yes . . . mother! Miss Prism. [Recoiling in indignant astonishment.] Mr. Worthing! I am unmarried! Which Victorian social code is reflected in Miss Prism's words and actions?
the importance of social rules
Algernon. Oh! there is no use speculating on that subject. Divorces are made in Heaven. Part of the excerpt would be considered an epigram because
the short, witty statement "Divorces are made in Heaven" offers a surprising take on divorces.
Algernon. [Raising his hat.] You are my little cousin Cecily, I'm sure. Cecily. You are under some strange mistake. I am not little. In fact, I believe I am more than usually tall for my age. The pun used in the excerpt causes the reader to
think that Cecily is a quick-witted person.
But, looking, I presently saw something stirring within the shadow: greyish billowy movements, one above another, and then two luminous disks—like eyes. Then something resembling a little grey snake, about the thickness of a walking stick, coiled up out of the writhing middle, and wriggled in the air towards me—and then another. How does the author create an aesthetic impact in the excerpt?
through colorful description
There were raised voices, and some sort of struggle appeared to be going on about the pit. Strange imaginings passed through my mind. As I drew nearer I heard Stent's voice: "Keep back! Keep back!" A boy came running towards me. "It's a-movin'," he said to me as he passed; "a-screwin' and a-screwin' out. I don't like it. I'm a-goin' 'ome, I am." I went on to the crowd. There were really, I should think, two or three hundred people elbowing and jostling one another, the one or two ladies there being by no means the least active. How does the author use tone to create an aesthetic impact in the excerpt?
through tense dialogue
How do authors impart aesthetic elements? Check all that apply.
through their word choice through their tone through the story's mood
H. G. Wells was a scientist and a writer. He used his knowledge of science to create realistic works of fiction that fascinated readers. His novel The War of the Worlds gained fame when it was adapted for radio. What is the purpose of this passage?
to inform readers about H. G. Wells's writing
UFOs, or unidentified flying objects, are often the topic of science fiction novels. In reality, UFOs are often aircraft, kites, clouds, or meteors that observers are unable to recognize at first glance. A UFO near Roswell, New Mexico, made headlines in the mid-twentieth century and remains a pop-culture phenomenon. In more modern history, satellite launches have caused rocket debris that is often observed and reported as a UFO. What is the purpose of this passage?
to inform readers about the term "UFO"
No science fiction anthology is complete without an excerpt from The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells. It has every element of great science fiction: suspense, intrigue, and Martians. The story is a timeless classic. It captivated readers nearly one hundred years ago, and it is still relevant and spellbinding. What is the purpose of this passage?
to persuade readers of the literary merit of The War of the Worlds
A writer should use a reciprocal pronoun when
two or more subjects of the sentence are also objects.
What literary device is being used when a writer intentionally describes something as being less than it actually is?
understatement
A(n) _____________ pronoun does not clearly refer to a specific antecedent.
vague
Cecily. [Rather shy and confidingly.] Dearest Gwendolen, there is no reason why I should make a secret of it to you. Our little county newspaper is sure to chronicle the fact next week. Mr. Ernest Worthing and I are engaged to be married. Gwendolen. [Quite politely, rising.] My darling Cecily, I think there must be some slight error. Mr. Ernest Worthing is engaged to me. The announcement will appear in the Morning Post on Saturday at the latest. Part of this excerpt would be considered an understatement because
when Gwendolen says, "I think there must be some slight error," she is actually referring to the large error of Cecily saying she is engaged to Ernest.
Jack. My dear Algy, you talk exactly as if you were a dentist. It is very vulgar to talk like a dentist when one isn't a dentist. It produces a false impression. This excerpt best illustrates which feature of a comedy of manners?
witty wordplay
Which of these are features of a comedy of manners? Check all that apply.
witty wordplay concern with appearances differences between social classes differences between country and city life
