Tone and Mood Review

Which passage below has the most critical tone?

• On the train, the man slowly clipped his fingernails. He focused on the task, beginning with his pinky finger and finishing with his thumb.

• On the train, the tired, old man began clipping his fingernails. He was trying to distract himself from his loneliness by focusing on this one small task, moving from pinky to thumb.

• The man—right in the middle of the crowded train—began to clip his long, yellow fingernails. He did it slowly, as if he didn't even care that a dozen other people could see and hear him.

• The man on the train clipped his fingernails. It took him 2 minutes and 8 seconds. He started on his pinky and finished with his thumb. When he was finished, he put the clippers back into his jacket pocket.

What word best describes the mood of this passage...

The Christmas tree glittered with glass decorations and sparkling lights. The house smelled of gingerbread and vanilla and the sound of laughter came from the kitchen

• Depressing

• Festive

• Tragic

• Uncertain

What is the tone of the following passage? The alarm buzzed. Jordan smashed her fist down on it--hard. It flew off the nightstand and bounced off her cat, Armstrong. The cat yowled indignantly and rocketed out the room.

• eerie

• sarcastic

• humorous

• passionate

The monster produced a terrifying noise, and we tried hard not to scream and give away our hiding place. What is the "mood" set in this passage?

• serious

• scared

• angry

• happy

What is the "mood" in this passage? The man—right in the middle of the crowded train—began to clip his long, yellow fingernails flicking them onto the floor. He did it slowly, as if he didn't even care that a dozen other people could see and hear him.

• cringe

• funny

• bored

• happy

Dear Alex, 
     Don't forget that our science project is due tomorrw.  I will revise and edit the report.  You will finish doing the poster.  Make sure to use neat handwriting.  I want a good grade, don't be a slacker.
-Brecken
Which word best describes the tone of this note?

• bossy

• friendly

• helpful

• confused

Dear Grandma, 
     Thank you for the new outfit and shoes.  Now I am excited about the first day of school.  I can't wait to wear my new outfit.  I really wanted that shirt, but I didn't have enough money for it.  Thanks again!  I love you!
-Mollie
Which word best describes the tone of this note?

• embarrased

• calm

• light

• appreciative

Dear Jordan,

I was thinking of you the other day. I remembered the time that we were paddleboating in the lake, and you fell out when you tried to "pet" a fish! I told the story to my family during dinner, and we all had a good laugh!

-Dan

Which word best describes the tone of this note?

• loving

• annoyed

• funny

• hopeful

Dear Karen,
I wanted to tell you the great news!  The doctors think that they were successful at removing all of the cancer cells.  I have to return for tests once a year, but I believe that the cancer is gone from my body!
-Amy
Which word best describes the tone of this note?

• optimistic

• pessimistic

• fearful

• expectant

Dear Dad, 
     Congratulations on completing your first marathon!  I know that you have had this goal for a long time now, and you worked really hard to achieve your goal.  You have shown me that if I work hard, I can achieve my goals, too!
-Kaleb

• happy

• somber

• compassionate

• proud