Tone and Mood Quiz

What is the tone of the passage: The conditions were just awful for an outdoor party. The guests stood in mud where there had once been a layer of fluffy white snow. Cold winds blew in from the lake, chilling the hot food and adding a layer of frost to the cold drinks. Many guests were sneezing and sniffling as they struggled to eat wearing gloves and scarves.

• Outraged

• Paranoid

• Miserable

• Confused

Answer explanation

The tone of the passage is miserable because it describes an outdoor party with terrible conditions, such as guests standing in mud, cold winds blowing, hot food getting chilled, and cold drinks getting frosty. Additionally, guests are sneezing and sniffling, struggling to eat while wearing gloves and scarves. These details create a miserable atmosphere.

What is the tone of the passage: As soon as we walked in the door, we felt at home. The hostess rushed to the door to greet us and quickly introduced us to several other people who were open and welcoming. By the end of the day we'd made plans to play golf with one couple and to visit another couple later in the week for another party. What a great neighborhood this is!

• Tranquil

• Wistful

• Friendly

• Confident

Answer explanation

The tone of the passage is friendly because it describes a welcoming environment where the narrator feels at home immediately. The hostess is eager to introduce them to others, and they quickly make plans with new acquaintances. The passage emphasizes the warmth and friendliness of the neighborhood.

What is the tone of the passage: Everyone was silent, obviously expecting the worse. Some people sat on the edge of their seats or tapped their feet, almost as though they were eager to learn the verdict and be done with the waiting. No one expected good news, and it was obvious from their drawn faces and wrinkled clothes that they had been waiting a long time to hear what was inevitable.

• Pedantic

• Pessimistic

• Psychotic

• Confused

Answer explanation

The tone of the passage is pessimistic. This is evident from the description of the people's behavior and their expectations. They are silent, sitting on the edge of their seats, tapping their feet, and expecting the worst. Their drawn faces and wrinkled clothes indicate they have been waiting a long time for what they believe is inevitable bad news.

What is the tone of the passage: The team had trained hard, worked hard, and played hard, and now they were earning the attention they deserved. Each player was among the best in the county. These were students who deserved nothing but praise for all of their work, and as their teachers, we spent a few minutes reflecting on all the work they've done.

• Proud

• Reassuring

• Romantic

• Confused

Answer explanation

The tone of the passage is 'Proud'. This is evident from the text where it mentions the team's hard work, their recognition, and their status as the best in the county. The teachers' reflection on their work also indicates a sense of pride. The other options, 'Reassuring', 'Romantic', and 'Confused', do not fit the context of the passage.

What is the tone of the passage: The candles flickered in the twilight and soft violin music snuck into the room. The table was draped in white lace and set with delicate white and blue china as well as fine crystal goblets. At each place setting, a small vase of delicate roses stood guard. When the newlyweds entered the room, a hush fell over everyone, only to be replaced with a quiet 'aww' as they kissed for the first time.

• Romantic

• Blithe

• Confident

• Confused

Answer explanation

The tone of the passage is described as 'Romantic'. This is evident from the description of the setting - the flickering candles, soft violin music, white lace, delicate china, crystal goblets, and roses. The hush and the 'aww' as the newlyweds kiss also contribute to the romantic atmosphere. None of the other options - 'Blithe', 'Confident', or 'Confused' - accurately describe the tone of the passage.

What is the tone of the passage: It was really adorable how hard Amanda tried to host an elegant party. Certainly, she couldn't be blamed for doing so many things wrong. She wasn't raised in an environment in which these types of events were common. She tried her best, but of course, didn't quite succeed.

• Pensive

• Condescending

• Confused

• Confident

Answer explanation

The tone of the passage is condescending. This is evident from the way the narrator talks about Amanda's attempts to host an elegant party. The narrator belittles Amanda's efforts, stating that she tried hard but didn't quite succeed, and even justifies her failure by mentioning her upbringing. This tone is not pensive, confused, or confident, but rather condescending.

What is the tone of the passage: Everyone was silent, waiting for the verdict to come down. A few people tapped their feet, or hovered at the edge of their seats. When a court officer walked into the room, many people stood, but the officer waved his hands. 'Have a seat, folks,' he said. 'There's no verdict yet.'

• Anxious

• Belligerent

• Bossy

• Confused

Answer explanation

The tone of the passage is anxious because it describes a tense situation where everyone is waiting for a verdict. People are tapping their feet and hovering at the edge of their seats, indicating nervousness. The court officer's entrance and subsequent announcement that there is no verdict yet further heightens the anticipation.

What is the tone of the passage: It wasn't clear what was going on in the classroom. Some students were reading novels, others were working on math problems, and still others were tapping on their phones. The teacher smiled, 'We're on track today to meet our learning goals.' It wasn't clear what those goals might be. The students seemed to be of all different ages, and there didn't seem to be a clear, single goal.

• Hostile

• Mocking

• Ambiguous

• Confused

Answer explanation

The tone of the passage is ambiguous because it describes a classroom scene where students are engaged in various activities, and the teacher's statement about meeting learning goals is unclear. The passage does not convey hostility, mockery, or confusion, but rather leaves the reader uncertain about the purpose and goals of the classroom.

What is the tone of the passage: Merle was concerned about his history exam. Even though he'd studied for days, and even though he felt like he knew the answers to most of the questions, he was concerned that he might have missed something. He really had no reason to be concerned, as he did all he could to prepare and it was more than likely that he'd see the results of that preparation.

• Curt

• Ebullient

• Reassuring

• Confused

Answer explanation

The tone of the passage is reassuring because it emphasizes that Merle has no reason to be concerned about his history exam. He has studied for days and is likely to see the results of his preparation. The passage does not convey a curt, ebullient, or confused tone.

What is the tone of the passage: It was obvious that something was going on. There was a cluster of four people who stopped talking instantly when Cameron entered the room. Simone glanced around nervously when Simone approached them. 'What are you doing here?' he asked. 'We weren't expecting you.'

• Violent

• Wry

• Suspicious

• Confused

Answer explanation

The tone of the passage is suspicious because it describes a situation where something secretive seems to be happening. The group of people stops talking when Cameron enters the room, and Simone appears nervous when approached. The question 'What are you doing here?' also adds to the suspicious atmosphere.