Question Types: What is the authors intention/purpose is stating this? What is the authors tone?

What is the authors attitude on the issue? Task: Discern the authors attitude (stand/position) on a given issue and his tone (how he conveys his attitude) Note: While the authors tone and attitude may be congruent, they do not necessarily have to be. Authors tone may be humourous, but attitude towards the issue may actually be scornful. Author may disagree with the belief that green consumerism will solve environmental problems but his tone could be either skeptical, doubtful, disbelieving, incredulous, subversive, or even mocking Common types of tone: Sarcastic, critical, cynical, humorous, condescending, contemptuous etc. Examples: Why does the writer use the analogy, We are burning the floorboards of our house to keep warm? (AJC Prelim 2007) Ans. The writer wants to criticise/indict/warn/ intends to show how foolish/ illogical/ short-sighted/unrealistic mankind is. OR The writer is trying to show that mankind is suicidal/ self-destructive.

ii. Words Associated with Tone POSITIVE admiring/ laudatory amused approving brusque compassionate callous joyful world-weary judicious condescending modest/ unassuming/ humble optimistic thoughtful philosophical/ reflective respectful earnest sincere factual frank/ honest/ candid forgiving humorous informative impartial supportive tolerant witty/ humorous/ ironic didactic confused/ befuddled disbelieving critical dispassionate disparaging ironic cynical joking skeptical nostalgic pessimistic pensive disapproving remorseful disdainful evasive disheartened grudging dejected indifferent sarcastic impassioned lamenting/ sorrowful indignant malicious sentimental mocking serious/ grave/ grim nave shocked detached defensive concerned/ worried NEGATIVE arrogant bitter/ angry/ resentful/ hostile NEUTRAL aloof ambivalent cautionary

nasty/ abusive pessimistic resentful sarcastic satirical flippant hypocritical insulting intolerant irrelevant scorning/ biting/caustic self-pitying whining/ aggrieved/ complaining

solemn/ dignified sympathetic unemotional urgent whimsical