How can you determine the tone of a passage?

Determining the tone of a passage involves examining the author's word choice and the overall mood the text conveys. The tone reflects the author's attitude towards the subject matter and can result from specific word choices that evoke particular feelings or responses in the reader. For instance, the use of strong, emotive language can create a passionate tone, while more straightforward, factual language might suggest a neutral or formal tone.

In addition, the overall mood of the passage—how it makes the reader feel—contributes significantly to understanding the tone. This can be inferred from the themes, imagery, and context presented in the text. By analyzing these elements together, one can gain a clearer picture of the author's intended tone, making this choice the most effective for understanding the passage's emotional and intellectual nuance.