Lesson 22: Tone and Mood

Tina knew that the struggles of

today were going to lead to rewards

tomorrow. “Hard work and hardship

can only lead to good things,” she

thought

• Friendly

• Dreamy

• Optimistic

Certainly, some people have to deal

with difficult situations. Who doesn’t

know that? The thing is, those people

need to pull themselves together and

just get over it.

What is the tone of this excerpt?

• Indignant

• Cold

• Tired

Some people seem very interested in

politics. But, honestly, how do the

political decisions that happen in

Washington D.C. even impact real

people? What’s the point of even

voting?

What is the tone of this excerpt?

• Silly

• Apathetic

• Teasing

Mia was among the most

attractive girls in her class. Her sense

of style, her natural beauty, and her

seemingly effortless high achievement

in her classes didn’t seem to have an

adverse effect on her personality,

either. She was friendly to everyone.

What is the tone of this excerpt?

• Choleric

• Critical

• Complimentary

The team had worked hard all year,

practicing every day, and taking

separate training sessions in running,

weight lifting, and endurance. They

had, in all seriousness, done everything

humanly possible to prepare for this

game. Unfortunately, they couldn’t

prepare for the way the game

official would call the game, and

many in the audience would argue

that they lost because of ineffective

refereeing.

What is the tone of this excerpt?

• Disappointed

• Wrathful

• Tired

Another day, another miserable

experience. Since Nam's parents

divorced, he seemed to always be

sad, and had a hard time finding the

good in any experience.

What is the tone of this excerpt?

• Judgmental

• Melancholy

• Nostalgic

Oh my goodness! In just four hours it

will be my birthday. There will be a

party! Gifts! All my friends are

coming! It’s going to be the best

thing that has ever happened!

What is the tone of this excerpt?

• Excited

• Hurtful

• Whimsical

Evelyn wanted to get on with her

life, but she couldn’t let go of what

might be her future if Bob hadn’t

interfered. She could have been a

famous singer and actress, but Vu

garnered all of the attention for

himself and pushed her to the

sidelines where she never got the

attention she deserved. Evelyn

vowed she would never forgive him.

What is the tone of this excerpt?

• Bitter

• Compassionate

• Sympathetic

Amelia’s voice was both part of the

background and in the forefront.

People in the audience seemed to

relax when she sang, sinking back

into soft chairs, in the low lights of

the room, embraced by the scents

of vanilla and lavender.

What is the tone of this excerpt?

• Snooty

• Tired

• Soothing

The family huddled around the

fireplace, trying to raise one another’s

spirits. They had been through a lot,

including the loss of their home and

their mother passing away.

Sometimes, even the strongest people

need some help, and while every

member of the family had their

strengths, even together, they could

not overcome this difficult time.

What is the tone of this excerpt?

• Artificial

• Cheery

• Compassionate