New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) Early Childhood Practice Test

Which form of writing uses exaggeration and humor to create a critique of society?

1. Satire

2. Realism

3. Mythology

4. Romanticism

The correct answer is: Satire

The correct choice is satire, which is a literary approach that employs humor, exaggeration, and irony to critique societal norms, behaviors, or institutions. Its primary purpose is to provoke thought and encourage change by highlighting the flaws and absurdities within society. Satire often uses wit to expose and criticize the vices and shortcomings of individuals, groups, or politics, making it an effective tool for social commentary. In contrast, realism focuses on depicting everyday life and the mundane aspects of society without embellishment or exaggeration. Mythology conveys traditional stories that typically involve gods, demigods, and supernatural events, aiming to explain natural phenomena or human behaviors rather than critique society. Romanticism emphasizes emotion and individualism, often celebrating nature and the human spirit, rather than utilizing humor or exaggeration for societal critique.