Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. In Wilde's play, 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' the characters' practice of leading double lives serves to reveal their hypocrisy and superficiality. This aligns with the central theme of the play, which satirizes the absurdities and trivialities of the British aristocracy. By showcasing the characters' dual nature through their double lives, the play effectively critiques the shallow social roles they inhabit. Choice A is incorrect because the concept of leading double lives does not necessarily show the characters' true personalities but rather their deceptive and hypocritical behaviors. Choice C is incorrect as while leading double lives may deepen the complexity of the characters, the primary focus is on exposing their hypocrisy and shallowness. Choice D is also incorrect as the concept of double lives does add layers of deception, but the key message lies in revealing the characters' superficiality and hypocrisy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'The absurdity of the British aristocracy and its social conventions.' The central theme of Wilde's play, as revealed through satire, is the critique of the absurdities and trivialities of the British aristocracy. Wilde uses clever dialogue, puns, and irony to expose the superficiality and hypocrisy of the upper classes. While sincerity and honesty in personal relationships are explored in the play, they are not the central theme. Choice C, the dual nature of social standing and resulting conflicts, is a partial theme but not the central one. Choice D, the challenges of maintaining personal integrity in a hypocritical society, touches on a theme present in the play, but it is not as central as the critique of the British aristocracy's absurdities and social conventions.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: First-hand accounts, like the speech by Charles Dickens, are considered primary sources as they provide direct evidence or original data from the event or time period. Primary sources offer firsthand information, such as diaries, speeches, letters, autobiographies, or original research reports. Secondary sources interpret and analyze primary sources, making them one step removed from the original event or period. Direct and indirect sources are not commonly used terms in the context of primary and secondary sources.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the text describes how Gulliver becomes familiar with the customs and practices of the new society he finds himself in. He interacts with the natives, learns their language, and participates in their shows, indicating his growing understanding and acceptance of the new culture. Choice A is incorrect because the text goes beyond detailing his experiences to focus on his growing familiarity with the society. Choice B is incorrect because Gulliver not only observes but actively engages with the customs. Choice D is incorrect as the focus is on Gulliver's adaptation rather than reflecting on cultural differences.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct setting of the story in the passage is in the city. The passage describes urban elements such as street shops, a nocturnal city with lamps, and scenes of a man walking swiftly and a child being trodden down in the city streets. These details clearly point to an urban setting, making choice A 'In the city' the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because there is no mention or indication of a countryside, jail, or mental health facility setting in the passage.