How to Determine Tone in a Text
What is the tone of the following excerpt?
Occasionally a line of gray cars crawls along an invisible track, gives out a ghastly creak, and comes to rest, and immediately the ash-gray men swarm up with leaden spades and stir up an impenetrable cloud, which screens their obscure operations from your sight.
A. Informal
B. Angry
C. Gloomy
D. Grammatical
Answer:
The correct answer is A. Informal.
When determining the tone of a text, it is important to consider the choice of words, the imagery used, and the overall mood conveyed by the author. In the given excerpt, the language used is more casual and conversational, which indicates an informal tone.
The mention of "ash-gray men" and "leaden spades" creates a bleak and dreary atmosphere, contributing to the gloomy tone of the passage. Additionally, the description of the men stirring up an "impenetrable cloud" suggests an air of mystery and obscurity.
Overall, the combination of informal language and somber imagery points towards a tone that is best characterized as informal yet gloomy. By analyzing these elements, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the tone of a text and discern the author's intended emotional effect.