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Worksheets

Tone Words #2

Total questions: 70

Worksheet time: 23mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

avoidant; tending to avoid commitment or self-revelation, especially by responding only indirectly

a)

belligerent

b)

evasive

c)

disgruntled

d)

gushing

2.

hostile and aggressive

a)

conceited

b)

evasive

c)

gushing

d)

belligerent

3.

excessively proud of oneself; vain.

a)

conceited

b)

diplomatic

c)

pensive

d)

benevolent

4.

enthusiastic, unrestrained, effusive, or an exaggerated praise

a)

gushing

b)

callous

c)

facetious

d)

evasive

5.

Which of the following best describes the emotional tone of the image?

a)

callous

b)

curt

c)

gushing

d)

belligerent

6.

Which of the following best expresses the tone of the image?

a)

evasive

b)

gushing

c)

conceited

d)

belligerent

7.

Which of the following best describes the expression in the image?

a)

belligerent

b)

concilitory

c)

assertive

d)

conceited

8.

Which of the following best expresses the tone of the image?

a)

evasive

b)

callous

c)

conceited

d)

scathing

9.

Since my sister is a _______________ driver who honks her horn constantly, I try to avoid riding anywhere with her

a)

earnest

b)

belligerent

c)

evasive

d)

facetious

10.

Although John knew nothing about the law, he was so ____________ he decided to act as his own attorney.

a)

belligerent

b)

evasive

c)

conceited

d)

disgruntled

11.

The detective felt the suspect was being ____________ when he hesitated with his answers.

a)

evasive

b)

belligerent

c)

disgruntled

d)

effusive

12.

Sarah decided to continue with piano lessons after her teacher's __________ praise of her ability.

a)

curt

b)

conceited

c)

evasive

d)

gushing

13.

believing that people are only motivated by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity; concerned only with one's own interests and typically disregarding accepted or appropriate standards in order to achieve them

a)

frank

b)

cynical

c)

haughty

d)

meditative

14.

open, sincere, or undisguised in manner or appearance; direct in speech or writing, especially when dealing with unpalatable matters

a)

haughty

b)

frank

c)

cynical

d)

meditative

15.

arrogantly superior and disdainful

a)

meditative

b)

frank

c)

haughty

d)

cynical

16.

absorbed in thought; prayerful, contemplative, or reflective

a)

haughty

b)

meditative

c)

cynical

d)

frank

17.

After being dumped by his girlfriend, Jack was __________ about the motives of most women.

a)

cynical

b)

frank

c)

haughty

d)

meditative

18.

The diva’s vain and ___________ attitude toward everyone meant that despite her talent, people avoided her.

a)

frank

b)

cynical

c)

haughty

d)

meditative

19.

Know the difference! Cynical and haughty are both negative in connotation. Which one suggests vanity?

a)

cynical

b)

haughty

20.

Know the difference! Cynical and haughty are both negative in connotation. Which one suggests a jaded nature?

a)

cynical

b)

haughty

21.

Expecting the banker to be ___________ with him, the business owner asked for his exact chances on getting loan approval

a)

haughty

b)

cynical

c)

frank

d)

meditative

22.

The pianist appeared to be feeling _______________ as he ran his fingers over the keys and contemplated his problems.

a)

meditative

b)

frank

c)

haughty

d)

cynical

23.

showing a critical or disrespectful attitude

a)

derogatory

b)

incredulous

c)

nostalgic

d)

sardonic

24.

disbelieving, shocked or surprised, unwilling or unable to believe something,

a)

derogatory

b)

incredulous

c)

nostalgic

d)

sardonic

25.

a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations

a)

nostalgic

b)

sardonic

c)

incredulous

d)

derogatory

26.

grimly mocking or cynical, sarcastic, jaded

a)

nostalgic

b)

incredulous

c)

derogatory

d)

sardonic

27.

She let out a short, derisive laugh when she heard about her ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend. The _______________ tone in her voice was unmistakable to all when she said it wouldn't last.

a)

sardonic

b)

derogatory

c)

incredulous

d)

nostalgic

28.

He couldn’t blame her for her _______________ response after explaining the unlikely tale. He wouldn’t believe it either, and it happened to him.

a)

incredulous

b)

derogatory

c)

nostalgic

d)

sardonic

29.

An old favorite came on the radio; he hadn’t heard it in years. To Sam’s ears, every line suddenly sounded _______________ for a lost past.

a)

incredulous

b)

sardonic

c)

derogatory

d)

nostalgic

30.

Though his voice and words sounded sincere, there was the slightest mocking, _______________ twist to his smile.

a)

incredulous

b)

sardonic

c)

derogatory

d)

nostalgic

31.

Rudely brief, blunt

a)

assertive

b)

disgruntled

c)

effusive

d)

curt

32.

having or showing a confident and forceful personality

a)

disgruntled

b)

assertive

c)

curt

d)

effusive

33.

expressing feelings of gratitude, pleasure, or approval in an unrestrained or heartfelt manner

a)

effusive

b)

curt

c)

assertive

d)

disgruntled

34.

angry or dissatisfied

a)

curt

b)

effusive

c)

assertive

d)

disgruntled

35.

When I read Barbara’s ____________ email, I ignored her short, impolite tone and responded with civility.

a)

curt

b)

assertive

c)

disgruntled

d)

effusive

36.

The manager often judged potential employees by their confidence level. In interviews, he sought an __________ handshake and direct eye contact.

a)

curt

b)

assertive

c)

disgruntled

d)

effusive

37.

When __________ fans ran onto the field after their team lost, officials were afraid that a full-fledged riot was brewing.

a)

effusive

b)

disgruntled

c)

curt

d)

assertive

38.

Because Uncle Mark is not a very _________ person, he often suppresses feelings and has a hard time explaining his complex emotions.

a)

disgruntled

b)

effusive

c)

curt

d)

assertive

39.

focused on examination or observation of one's own mental and emotional processes; tending to inward-looking thinking

a)

introspection

b)

patronizing

c)

pragmatic

d)

self-deprecating

40.

having a superior attitude towards others; marked by condescension and disdain

a)

patronizing

b)

introspective

c)

pragmatic

d)

self-deprecating

41.

an attitude which prioritizes rational thinking in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical or emotional considerations

a)

introspective

b)

patronizing

c)

pragmatic

d)

self-deprecating

42.

modest about or critical of oneself, especially humorously so

a)

pragmatic

b)

introspective

c)

patronizing

d)

self-deprecating

43.

Rob spoke in a _____________ manner to poke a little fun at himself, recognizing that too much bravado is not necessarily a good thing.

a)

insolent

b)

self-deprecating

c)

pragmatic

d)

introspective

44.

She eyed Todd after his dismissive remark, not sure if his ______________ tone was deliberate or inadvertent.

a)

patronizing

b)

self-deprecating

c)

introspective

d)

pragmatic

45.

Mr. Coller explained in a ___________ tone that the business's core service is utilizing accountancy and business expertise to provide technical data.

a)

self-deprecating

b)

patronizing

c)

introspective

d)

pragmatic

46.

After her bad breakup, every text from Elise was a soul-searching, _____________ message wondering what had gone wrong.

a)

introspective

b)

pragmatic

c)

self-deprecating

d)

patronizing

47.

not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily

a)

derisive

b)

imploring

c)

melancholic

d)

reticent

48.

making an earnest or desperate appeal

a)

melancholic

b)

reticent

c)

imploring

d)

derisive

49.

feeling or expressing pensive sadness

a)

imploring

b)

melancholic

c)

reticent

d)

derisive

50.

expressing contempt or ridicule

a)

melancholic

b)

imploring

c)

reticent

d)

derisive

51.

Don't get stuck using the same words over and over. Vocabulary flexibility matters. Previous tone words include pensive and meditative. Which of the following new tone words is nearly synonymous (but also adds a sadness to the reflective thought)?

a)

derisive

b)

imploring

c)

melancholic

d)

reticent

52.

Don't get stuck using the same words over and over. Vocabulary flexibility matters. One of your tone words in unit 2 was disparaging. Which of the following new tone words is synonymous?

a)

derisive

b)

imploring

c)

melancholic

d)

reticent

53.

Tone words can work together! For example, someone diplomatic might also be _______________. Choose the answer that makes the most sense.

a)

melancholic, because they are sad and thoughtful

b)

reticent, because being sensitive means being private and discreet

c)

imploring, because diplomats are always asking lots of questions

d)

derisive, because they are in a high-level position looking down on others

54.

Diction is fun! To implore implies asking or appealing for something. Which of the following connotations best fits with having an imploring tone?

a)

Demanding answers sternly

b)

Begging tearfully

c)

Interrogating a criminal

d)

Ask questions in class

55.

showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect

a)

obstinate

b)

insolent

c)

witty

d)

tactful

56.

showing or characterized by quick and inventive verbal humor

a)

tactful

b)

obstinate

c)

witty

d)

insolent

57.

stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion, thoughts, or actions

a)

tactful

b)

witty

c)

insolent

d)

obstinate

58.

sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issues

a)

tactful

b)

witty

c)

insolent

d)

obstinate

59.

The doctor strove to take a ____________ tone when delivering his patient's difficult diagnosis.

a)

tactful

b)

witty

c)

obstinate

d)

insolent

60.

Tommy's ______________ tone revealed his unyielding refusal to compromise on the issue.

a)

tactful

b)

witty

c)

obstinate

d)

insolent

61.

Because William spoke with ___________ first to his teacher and then again to the principal, he got suspended from school for three days

a)

tactfulness

b)

wittiness

c)

obstinacy

d)

insolence

62.

Robert’s attempt at a _________ comeback fell flat, unfortunately failing to evoke the laughter he expected.

a)

tactful

b)

insolent

c)

obstinate

d)

witty

63.

the attitude that a person or a thing is beneath consideration, worthless, or deserving scorn

a)

contemptuous

b)

fatalistic

c)

stilted

d)

dismayed

64.

the belief that disaster is inevitable; a submissive, dire, or helpless outlook

a)

stilted

b)

fatalistic

c)

dismayed

d)

facetious

65.

stiff and self-conscious or unnatural

a)

fatalistic

b)

stilted

c)

dismayed

d)

contemptuous

66.

to feel consternation and distress; losing courage or resolution

a)

stilted

b)

fatalistic

c)

contemptuous

d)

dismayed

67.

Portuguese rule had been oppressive in its ______________ treatment of the natives in its colonies.

a)

contemptuous

b)

dismayed

c)

stilted

d)

fatalistic

68.

The children felt ___________ to discover there was not enough snow in the yard to build a snowman.

a)

stilted

b)

contemptuous

c)

fatalistic

d)

dismayed

69.

It was obvious Jeff’s parents forced him to deliver the apology from the stiffness in his ____________ tone.

a)

stilted

b)

dismayed

c)

contemptuous

d)

fatalistic

70.

Hamlet often speaks in a ____________ tone, expecting the worst of his actions.

a)

stilted

b)

fatalistic

c)

contemptuous

d)

dismayed