'Examination Day' Mood/Tone Examples

Paragraph 3 - He didn't understand what the sudden tension was about, but he did know that today was his birthday, and he wanted harmony above all.

Which word best describes the tone here?

• disturbance

• excitement

• unity

• imbalance

Answer explanation

To live in "harmony" means to be "united in peace".

Paragraph 5 - "It's just a sort of government intelligence test they give children at the age of twelve. You'll be taking it next week. It's nothing to worry about."

The word that best describes the tone is...

• pessimistic

• nonchalant

• ecstatic

• dreadful

Answer explanation

"nonchalant" is another word for "relaxed"

Paragraph 13 - "Nobody knows," his father snapped, then immediately regretted his abruptness.

The word that best describes this tone is...

• abrasive

• melancholy

• dimwitted

• exuberant

Answer explanation

"abrasive" means "to do very rudely"

Paragraph 14 - His mother beamed as she handed over the gaily-colored packages, and even his father managed a grin and a rumple of the hair.

The word that best describes this tone is...

• sullen

• irrelevant

• bewildered

• chipper

Answer explanation

"Chipper" is a synonym for "cheerful"

Paragraph 18 - Dickie sat at the breakfast table and again saw moisture in his mother's eyes.

The word that best describes this tone is...

• irreversible

• puzzled

• jovial

• livid

Answer explanation

"puzzled" is a synonym for "confused"

Paragraph 26 - Dickie's face showed puzzlement, and a touch of fright.

• bewilderment

• assurance

• tactfulness

• beneficial

Answer explanation

"Bewilderment" is a synonym for the word "confused.

Paragraph 28 - "You're a good boy, Dickie; you'll make it out fine. Then we'll come home and celebrate. All right?

The word that best describes this tone is...

• perplexed

• doubtful

• defiant

• optimistic

Answer explanation

"optimistic" means to be "hopeful"

Paragraph 33 - Dickie saw a boy leave his father's side reluctantly and walk slowly towards the door.

The word that best describes this tone is...

• terrified

• alleged

• hesitant

• undaunted

Answer explanation

"hesitant" means to be "unsure"

Paragraph 44 - "Now just relax, Richard. You'll be asked some questions, and you think them over carefully."

The word that best describes this tone is...

• casual

• succinct

• charitable

• skittish

Answer explanation

"casual" means "easy going"

Paragraph 58 - "You may specify by telephone," the voice droned on, "whether you wish his body interred by the Government, or would you prefer a private burial place?

The word that best describes this tone is...

• sympathetic

• hostile

• insensitive

• bored

Answer explanation

"insensitive" means "to not care about other's feelings/emotions"