What best describes the plot in fiction?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'The main sequence of events or the storyline.' The plot of a fiction story refers to the series of events that make up the storyline, including the rising action, climax, and resolution. It focuses on what happens in the story rather than the development of characters (choice B), the time and place setting (choice C), or events that are factually true (choice D), which are elements distinct from the plot.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Auspices.' 'Auspices' is closely related to 'patronage' in the sense of support or sponsorship. In the context of the excerpt, it conveys the idea that the working man will not require condescending support or sponsorship but will actively participate and contribute to the Institute. The other choices are incorrect: 'Aberration' means a deviation from the norm, 'Acerbic' means sharp or bitter in tone, and 'Adulation' means excessive admiration or praise, none of which align with the meaning of 'patronage' in this context.

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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The salutation 'My Good Friends' used by Charles Dickens in his speech to the working men and their families in Birmingham shows that he is addressing them as an entertainer, aiming to connect with them before delivering a serious message. This friendly language establishes a personal connection with the audience, setting a tone of camaraderie and warmth. The salutation is not meant to bridge a gap between an employer and employees (Choice A), create irony (Choice C), or grab attention like a politician (Choice D). Instead, it is a genuine and warm address to engage the audience before conveying his earnest hope about the Institute's principles.

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: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The speaker's final comment indicates a determination to keep looking for Hyde, as he expresses his intention to become 'Mr. Seek' if the other person is indeed 'Mr. Hyde.' This shows that the speaker is persistent in his search for Hyde, as he believes that discovering Hyde's identity could potentially unravel the mystery and clarify his friend's strange behavior. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the final comment does not imply a name change, an identity crisis, or a mistaken search but rather a firm decision to continue seeking out Hyde.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Based on the author's tone in the excerpt, one can infer that the author's tone is informative. The author aims to educate the reader about the unique characteristics of insects, their habitats, and their life cycle. The tone is objective and descriptive, focusing on providing factual information rather than persuading or expressing passion or somberness. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because there is no evident attempt to persuade, show excitement, or express anger in the text. Instead, the author's primary focus is on providing detailed information about the topic.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In Wilde's critique of the aristocracy, humor serves the purpose of critiquing without alienating the audience. By infusing humor into his work, Wilde can effectively highlight the flaws and absurdities of the upper classes while keeping the audience engaged and receptive. Option A is incorrect because the humor does not aim to soften the critique but rather to enhance its impact. Option B is incorrect as the humor in Wilde's work is not meant to make the critique more pointed and direct but rather more approachable. Option D is incorrect because while entertaining the audience, the primary function of humor in Wilde's critique is to provide a platform for social commentary without losing the audience's interest.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the life cycle of insects is divided between water and air to demonstrate the evolutionary advantages of this adaptation. Insects have evolved to inhabit both aquatic and aerial environments, allowing them to thrive in diverse conditions. Choice A is incorrect because the division between water and air in the life cycle does not solely highlight adaptability but also evolutionary strategies. Choice B is incorrect because the question focuses on the reason for the specific division in the life cycle, not on environmental challenges. Choice C is incorrect because while metamorphosis is part of the life cycle, it does not directly explain why it is divided between water and air.