Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The subtitle 'A Trivial Comedy for Serious People' in Oscar Wilde's play 'The Importance of Being Earnest' serves to reflect the trivial concerns of the characters and the superficiality of their lives. Wilde uses this subtitle to highlight the irony in portraying seemingly serious people who are preoccupied with trivial matters and appearances. Choice A is incorrect because the subtitle does not aim to emphasize the seriousness of the social critique but rather the triviality of the characters' lives. Choice B is incorrect as the subtitle doesn't downplay the seriousness of the play; instead, it juxtaposes the trivial with the serious. Choice D is incorrect because the subtitle does not aim to highlight the absurdity of taking serious matters lightly, but rather to underscore the triviality of the characters' concerns and behaviors.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The first paragraph introduces the general characteristics of insects and their ability to live both on land and in the air, setting the stage for discussing specific examples in the second paragraph. The second paragraph then delves into examples of insects that transition from living underwater to the aerial phase, establishing a cause-and-effect relationship between the general concept introduced in the first paragraph and the specific examples in the second paragraph. Choice A is correct because the first paragraph gives the cause (insects being creatures of land and air) and the second paragraph provides the effect (specific examples of insects transitioning between water and air). Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the relationship between the two paragraphs as cause and effect.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The repetition in the passage emphasizes Mr. Utterson's mental struggle and persistence as he grapples with his thoughts and questions. It conveys the intensity of his anguish and frustration in trying to identify Hyde's whereabouts, rather than reflecting Mr. Lanyon's or Mr. Utterson's ambivalence. The mention of church bells is not relevant to the passage, making choice B incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is D, as the repetition underscores Mr. Utterson's emotional turmoil and his desperate search for answers.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: When students use inference, they are able to make logical assumptions based on contextual clues found in the text. This involves reading between the lines and drawing conclusions that are not explicitly stated. Choice B is incorrect because it refers to the skill of navigating through different types of text independently, which is not specifically related to inference. Choices C and D are also incorrect as they refer to summarizing and paraphrasing a text's main idea, which are different skills from making inferences.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The spiracles in insects serve the crucial function of allowing them to breathe atmospheric air even when submerged. The passage explains that insects have a system of branching air-tubes that carry atmospheric air with oxygen to all tissues. The air enters these tubes through paired air-holes or spiracles, enabling insects to respire even when they are underwater. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the spiracles do not protect internal organs from water pressure, filter oxygen from water for underwater breathing, or expel carbon dioxide from the body. The primary role of spiracles is to facilitate respiration by allowing insects to access atmospheric air.