Tone and Attitude Quiz

The leaders of our country line their pockets with public coffers but shamelessly fail to provide their people with basic services. [Writer's tone]

• Accusatory

• Critical

• Threatening

• Pessimistic

Answer explanation

The words, 'shamelessly' and 'fail' to suggest that the writer was critical of the leaders. Other accepted answers include scathing and condemnatory.

Most commuters were repelled by the man's grimy and ragged clothes, but his heart and stomach were warmed when a lady came forward with an offering of bread and coins. [Attitude of the lady]

• Apathetic

• Empathetic

• Sympathetic

• Encouraging

It is unfortunate that many festivals have become tragically commercialized. The religious meaning of Easter and Christmas seems to have become obscured in a flurry of sales events, parties and weekend vacations. [Writer's tone]

• Incredulous

• Pensive

• Regretful

• Unhappy

Answer explanation

The words, 'unfortunate' and 'tragically' show the writer's regret that this has to happen. Note that we don't only show regret for what we have done wrong but also when we are sad something has to happen.

"Don't give up, mate," the man said. "You look like someone who might make the world a better place someday." [Man's tone]

Answer explanation

"Don't give up" suggests that the man was encouraging the listener to go on. Hopeful/ optimistic are not accurate answers as he did not say he sees a bright future DESPITE setbacks.

After three hours of negotiation at Piccadilly station (a testament to the modern efficiency of the UK's privatized rail system), I managed to book a place for Roz and myself on a train to Exeter the following day. [Tone of the parenthesized text)

Answer explanation

There is a contrast between 'three hours of negotiation' and 'efficiency of UK's rail system'. If they were so efficient, the writer wouldn't have had to wait for 3 hours. Hence, he was being sarcastic when he said this showed how efficient the rail system was. Another accepted answers is 'mocking'

The good news is that while their numbers have fallen, the orangutans are not yet extinct and there is still a chance we can save them. [Writer's tone]

Answer explanation

The expressions, 'not yet', and 'still has a chance' all show that DESPITE the problem (of falling numbers), there is still HOPE to save the orangutans. Hence, the tone, 'optimistic'.

Good heavens! Why are you accusing me? Can you believe that I, a mother of four children to care for, had the time to read all 156 posts on your blog and invent snide remarks for each of them? Or that I should even wish to do so, given that I harbour towards you neither vengeance nor ill-will? [Writer's tone]

• Accusatory

• Doubtful

• Incredulous

• Indignant

Answer explanation

The writer's choice of words shows her shock that she is being accused of something. This indicates that her tone was indignant/ incredulous.

Well, I'm not too sure what to feel about retiring. On the one hand, I absolutely look forward to spending more time with my grandkids, but on the other, I dread having nothing to do and think I would miss my work very much. [Speaker's attitude towards retirement]

• Ambivalent

• Doubtful

• Hopeful

• Worried

Answer explanation

'I'm not too sure what to feel' is a strong indicator that he is unsure of his feelings. 'Doubtful' is inaccurate as he is not suspicious or unsure if something is right.

When the iPhone was first unveiled in 2007, many did not buy it. At a time when manufacturers such as Nokia and Blackberry dominated the industry, and flip phones with physical keyboards were the norm, the iPhone's unconventional design and seemingly absurd pricing made pundits predict failure. [People's initial attitude towards the iPhone]

Answer explanation

The fact that many people did not buy the iPhone when it was first unveiled, and 'pundits predict failure' shows that people's attitude was skeptical/ doubtful/ pessimistic.

If given a chance, would the program help more terminally-ill patients experience greater fulfilment and less suffering? In my opinion, the answer is a resounding yes. [Speaker's tone (final line)]

• Aggressive

• Belligerent

• Confident

• Urgent