19th Century
Which line from The Importance of Being Earnest shows the difference between city and country living. A.) "Why cucumber sandwiches? Why should reckless extravagance in one so young? Who is coming to tea?" B.) "Yes, that is all very well; but I am afraid Aunt Augusta won't quite approve of being here." C.) "When one is town one amuses oneself. When one is the country one amuses other people. It excessively boring." D.) "If you don't take care, your friend Bunbury will get you into a serious scrape some day."
"When one is in town one amuses oneself. When one is in the country one amuses other people. It is excessively boring."
Which line from The Importance of Being Earnest highlights the divide between social classes in Victorian society? A.) "Really, if the lower orders don't set us a good example, what on earth is the use of them?" B.) "What else should bring one anywhere? Eating as usual, I see Algy!" C.) "I have invented an invaluable permanent invalid called Bunbury, in order that I may be able to go down into the country whenever I choose." D.) "I know. You are absurdly carless about sending out invitations. It is very foolish of you. Nothing annoys people so much as not receiving invitations."
A.) "Really, if the lower orders don't set us a good example, what on earth is the use of them?"
Read the passage from The Importance of Being Earnest. Lady Bracknell: ... [Turn's to Jack.] Apprised, sir, of my daughter's sudden flight by her trusty maid, whose confidence I purchased by means of a small coin, I followed her at once by a luggage train. Her unhappy father is, I am glad to say, under the impression that she is attending a more than usually lengthy lecture by the University Extension Scheme on the influence of a permanent income on Thought. I do not propose to undeceive him Indeed I have never undeceived him on any question. I would consider it wrong. But of course, you will clearly understand that all communication between yourself and my daughter must cease immediately from this moment. How does Wilde poke fun at Victorian society in the passage? Check all that apply. A.) Lady Bracknell says her maid is trustworthy but has to bribe her to get help B.) the names of the college and class seem reasonable to Gwendolen's father C.) Gwendolen's father appears to be an unhappy man D.) Lady Bracknell says it is wrong to be honest with her husband E.) lady Bracknell does not approve of Gwendolen dating Jack
A.) Lady Bracknell says her maid is trustworthy but has to bribe her to get help B.) The names of the college and class seem reasonable to Gwendolen's father D.) Lady Bracknell says it is wrong to be honest with her husband
Miss Prism: "The good ended happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what Fiction means." How does the epigram affect the scene? A.) it suggest the serious idea that tidy endings are uncommon in real life B.) it explains the humorous idea that bad endings are usually happy C.) it introduces the pessimistic idea that happy endings only happen in stories D.) it reveal that optimistic idea that most endings are a good thing
A.) it suggests the serious idea that tidy endings are uncommon in real life
Read the passage from The Importance of Being Earnest. Jack: .... Old Mr. Thomas Cardew, who adopted me when I was a little boy, made me in his will guardian to his grand-daughter, Miss Cecily Cardew. Cecily, who addresses me as her uncle from motives of respect that you could not possibly appreciate, lives at my place in the country under the charge of her admirable governess, Miss Prism. Algernon: Where is that place in the country, by the way? Jack: That is mothing to you, dear boy. You are not going to be invited...... By refusing to let Algernon meet Cecily, what character trait does Jack display? A.) protectiveness B.) mischievousness C.) jealousy D.) compassion
A.) protectiveness
Read the excerpt from Act III of The Importance of Being Earnest 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 were Messrs., Markby, Markby, and Markby. Lady Bracknell: Markby, Marky, 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 e seen at dinner parties. So far I am satisfied. What does this excerpt most clearly convey about Lady Bracknell? A.) She thinks that family background is important B.) she believes in the beauty of true love C.) she desires to change her social status D.) she distrusts people who have reputable names
A.) she thinks that family background is important
Consider the versions of The War of the Worlds. Excerpt 1, from H.G. Wells's novel The War of the Worlds: Then cam the night of the first falling star. It was seen early in the morning, rushing over Winchester eastward, a line of flame high in the atmosphere. Hundreds must have seen it, and taken it for an ordinary falling star. Albin described it as leaving a greenish streak behind it that glowed for some seconds. Denning, our greatest authority, on meteorites, stated that the height of its first appearance was about ninety or one hundred miles. It seemed to him that is fell to earth about one hundred miles east of him. Excerpt 2, from Howard E. Koch's script for Orson Welles's radio adaptation; ANNOUNCER TWO: ladies and gentlemen, we interrupt our program of dance music to bring you a special bulletin from the intercontinental Radio News. At twenty minutes before eight, central time, Professor Farrell of the Mount Jennings Observatory, Chicago, Illinois, reports observing several explosions of incandescent gas, occurring at regular intervals on the planet Mars. The spectroscope indicates the gas to be hydrogen and moving towards the earth with enormous velocity. Which statement best describes the difference between these versions? A.) The radio adaptation's tone is more urgent than the novel's tone B.) The radio adaptation's tone is more academic than the novel's tone C.) the radio adaptations tone is more peaceful than the novel's tone D.) the radio adaptation's tone is more friendly than the novel's tone
A.) the radio adaption's tone is more urgent than the novel's tone
Read the claim. 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? A.) with modern technology, scientists can make advances without involving the one hundred million animals now used each year for animal testing B.) with over one hundred years of successful animal testing, it is obvious that the scientific community must go on using animals to continue to be successful C.) while it is true there have been successes in the past with animal testing, that is not necessarily an indicator of what will happen in the future D.) while animals have been used for testing throughout history, this does not mean that people should just keep doing that because they are used to it
A.) with modern technology, scientists can make advances without involving the one hundred million animals now used each year for animal testing
Read the excerpt from Act 1 of The Importance of Being Earnest. 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 The excerpt best illustrates which features of a comedy of manners? A.) witty wordplay B.) a commentary on marriage C.) a comparison of country and city life concern with appearance over morality D.)
A.) witty wordplay
Read the sentences. Rahul and Ori sorted through all the video game that were theirs. After count it, Ori realized that between them, they had all the games in the series. Which revision corrects the pronoun error in the sentence? A.) Rahul and Ori sorted through all the video games that were their. After counting it, Ori realized that between them, they had all the games in the series. B.) Rahul and Ori sorted through all the video games that were theirs. After counting them, Ori realized that between them, they had all the games in the series C.) Rahul and Ori sorted through all the video games that were theirs. After counting it, Ori realized that between they, they had all the games in the series D.) Rahul and Ori sorted through all the video games that were theirs. After count it, Ori realized that between them, them. had all the games in the series.
B.) Rahul and Ori sorted through all the video game that were theirs. After counting them, Ori realized that between them, they had all the games in the series
Which o these are rhetorical devices that a writer can use to make an argumentative essay more persuasive? Check all that apply. A.) appeals based on beliefs B.) appeals based on credibility C.) appeals based on emotion D.) appeals based on logic E.) appeals based on opinion
B.) appeals based on credibility C.) appeals based on emotion D.) appeals based on logic
Read the sentence from The Importance of Being Earnest Algernon: ... But there is nothing romantic about a definite proposal. The most precise description of the sentence is that it is a(n) ______________ because it makes a short, witty statement that offers a surprising, satirical perspective. A.) device B.) epigram C.) joke D.) pun
B.) epigram
Read the passage from The Importance of Being Earnest. Gwendolen: [To Jack.]: darling! Algernon. [To Cecily.] Darling! [They fall into each other's arms.] [Enter Merriman. When he enters he coughs loudly, seeing the situation.] Merriman: Ahem! Ahem! Lady Bracknell. Jack: Good heavens! [Enter Lady Bracknell. The couples separate in alarm. Exit Merriman.] Lady Bracknell: Gwendolen! What does this mean? In contrast to reading the scene, seeing the staged version of the scene would improve its aesthetic impact by allowing the audience to A.) see a single narrator, thereby adding to the drama B.) watch the actors' reactions, thereby adding to the humor C.) witness different characters, thereby adding more tension D.) view it being told in the past tense, thereby adding excitement
B.) watch the actors' adding to the humor
Read the passage. (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. Which phrase in sentence 2 should be revised to maintain a formal style? A.) "pre-digital age" B.) "technology-based society" C.) "get with the program" D.) "modern approach"
C.) "get with the program"
Read the excerpt from Act I of The Importance of Being earnest. [Algernon.] [jack puts out his had 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 eat 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? A.) Jack attempts to take a sandwich B.) Jack makes Algernon angry by eating bread and butter C.) Algernon scolds. Jack for eating sandwiches while eating them himself, satisfying his own needs. D.) Algernon offers Jack, Gwendolen's bread and butter because he knows that Jack loves Gwendolen.
C.) Algernon scolds Jack for eating sandwiches while eating them himself, satisfying his own needs.
Read the statement from a paper on The Purpose of Being Earnest. The Importance of Being Earnest contain the features of a comedy of manners. Which except from the play supports the statement? A.) Merriman: Mr. Ernest Worthing has just driven over from the station B.) Algernon: It is much pleasanter being here with you C.) Miss Prism: No married man is ever attractive D.) Chasuble: Mr. Worthing, I offer you my sincere condolence
C.) Miss Prism. No married man is ever attractive except to his wife
Read the passage from an essay on The Importance of Being Earnest. Chasuble: ..... Your bother was, I believe, unmarried, was he not? Jack: Oh yes Miss Prism: [Bitterly.] People who live entirely for pleasure usually are. How is the passage an example of Wilde achieving his overall purpose in writing the play? A.) Wilde uses realism to instruct the audience so they approve of the marriage B.) Wilde uses sarcasm to shame the audience into embracing the social code C.) Wilde uses humor to entertain the audience while he comments on marriage D.) Wilde uses criticism to instruct the audience about the importance of moraility
C.) Wilde uses humor to entertain the audience while he comments on marriage
Which statement best explains the aesthetic elements of a literary work? A.) aesthetic element establish background B.) aesthetic element distinguish characters C.) aesthetic elements impact an artistic quality D.) aesthetic elements offer a thematic message
C.) aesthetic elements impart an artistic quality
Read the passage. [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 step" of learning with]tablets and pointed out hw textbooks are often out of date. [4] Opponents argue that tablet 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 the switching to tablets is important for the future of education. How should the winter revise sentence 4? A.) by replacing the word "argue" with the word "fight" B.) by deleing the entire sentence from the paragraph C.) by changing "aren't" to "are not" and "they're" to "they are" D.) by moving the sentence to the end of the paragraph
C.) by changing "aren't" to "are not" and "they're" to "they are"
Read the passage from The Importance of being Earnest Gwendolen: let us preserve a dignified silence Cecily: certainly. It's the only thing to do now [Enter Jack followed by Algernon. they whistle some dreadful popular air from a British Opera.] Gwendolen: This dignified silence seems to produce an unpleasant effect. Cecily: A most distasteful one. Gwendolen: But we will not be the first to speak. ' Cecily: Certainly not. Gwendolen: Mr. Worthing, I have something very particular to ask you. Much depends on your reply. Wilde use the exchange between Gwendolen and Cecily to A.) praise the strict social codes of Victorian society B.) show the superiority of women in Victorian society C.) mock the formal courtship rules of Victorian society D.) explain the importance of romance in Victorian society
C.) mock the formal courtship rules of Victorian society
Read the beginning of The Importance of Being Earnest Title: The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde The Persons in the play: John Worthington, J.P. Algernon Moncrieff, Rev. Canon Chasuable, D.D. Merriman, Butler Lane, Manservant, Lady Brackell Hon, Gwendolen Fairfax, Cecily Cardew, Miss. Prism, Governess First Act: Scence Morning-room in Algernon's flat in Half-Moon Street. The room is luxuriously and artistically furnished. The sound of a piano is heard in the adjoining room. [Lane is arranging afternoon tea on the table, and after the music has ceased, Algernon enters.] Algernon: Did you hear wat I playing, Lane? Lane: I didn't think it polite to listen, sir. Which analysis of the beginning of The Importance of Being Earnest is the most accurate? A.) the setting of the opening of the play makes a comment on the benefits of being married B.) the names of the characters in the play help Widele illustrate the differences between social classes C.) the title is helpful in establishing the play as a comedy of manners because it makes use of witty wordplay D.) the first line of dialogue in the play helps Wilde emphasize a contratst between city and country life
C.) the title is helpful in establishing the play as a comedy of manners because it makes use of witty wordplay
Read the passage from The Importance of Being Earnest Cecily: [Coming over very slowly.] But I don't like German. It isn't at all a becoming language. I know perfectly well that I look quite plain after my German lesson. Miss Prism: Child, you know how anxious your guardian is that you should improve yourself in every way. He laid particular stress on your German, as he was leaving for town yesterday. Indeed, he always lays stress on your German when he is leaving for town. Cecily: Dear Uncle Jack is so very serious! Sometimes he is so serious that I think he cannot be quite well. From the passage, the reader can conclude that Cecily A.) plans on traveling abroad B.) wishes she were smarter C.) values looks over knowledge D.) wants to be more responsible
C.) values looks over knowledge
Read this sentence from a report on Oscar Wilde. 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? A.) "From little Cecily, with her fondest love to her dear Uncle Jack." B.) "There is no objection, I admit, it to an aunt being a small aunt......" C.) "You are the most earnest-looking person I ever saw in my life." D.) "Well, my name is Ernest in town and Jack in the country...."
D.) "Well, my name is Ernest in town and Jack in the country....."
Read the passage from The Importance of Being Earnest. Lady Bracknell: .... 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 large 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. Which excerpt from the passage contains a paradox and a pun? A.) "my part would not be out of place" B.) "larger railway stations in London" C.) "I merely desire information" D.) "whose origin was a Terminus"
D.) "whose origin was a Terminus"
Read the passage from The Importance of Being Earnest Algernon: I really don't see anything romantic in proposing. It is very romantic to be in love. But there is nothing romantic about a definite proposal. Why, one may be accepted. One usually is, I believe. Then the excitement is all over. The very essence of romance is uncertainty. If ever I get married, I'll certainly try to forget the fact. In the passage, Wilde uses ___________ to achieve an aesthetic impact. A.) anxious characters B.) descriptive details C.) Factual information D.) witty language
D.) witty language
