Tone, Purpose, and Effect

  • 12th Grade
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| By Thames
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Thames
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Quizzes Created: 8157 | Total Attempts: 9,567,281
| Questions: 13 | Updated: Jan 6, 2026
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Question 1 / 14
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1. Which tone is often created by litotes?

Explanation

Litotes usually create a restrained, calm, or ironic tone rather than strong emotion.

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About This Quiz
Tone, Purpose, And Effect - Quiz

Why choose understatement instead of strong, direct language? In this advanced quiz, you’ll analyze the purpose and effect of litotes in writing and speech. You’ll examine how litotes can sound diplomatic, academic, respectful, or ironic, depending on context. By evaluating tone and intention, you’ll learn how understatement shapes meaning and... see morewhy writers use litotes to add nuance, restraint, and subtle emphasis.
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2. “It wasn’t my best day” implies:

Explanation

This phrase downplays a negative experience in a modest way.

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3. Litotes can express modesty or politeness.

Explanation

Litotes often soften statements to sound polite or modest.

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4. “The singer’s voice was not unpleasant.” shows:

Explanation

Denying a negative is a subtle way of offering praise.

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5. “You’re not exactly wrong.” means:

Explanation

This litotes suggests partial agreement without full endorsement.

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6. “He’s no fool” creates what impression?

Explanation

Denying foolishness suggests intelligence.

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7. “That’s not a bad idea at all.” means:

Explanation

This litotes offers understated approval.

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8. Litotes can make writing sound academic or diplomatic.

Explanation

Litotes are often used in academic or diplomatic writing for careful phrasing.

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9. “Her kindness didn’t go unnoticed.” has a tone of:

Explanation

The phrase suggests recognition and gratitude.

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10. “He’s not without ambition.” means:

Explanation

Denying lack of ambition implies drive and motivation.

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11. “It’s no easy choice.” means:

Explanation

This litotes emphasizes difficulty through understatement.

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12. “You’re not wrong” in a conversation usually means:

Explanation

This phrase indirectly signals agreement.

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13. The primary effect of litotes is to:

Explanation

Litotes add subtlety, nuance, and sometimes irony to statements.

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Which tone is often created by litotes?
“It wasn’t my best day” implies:
Litotes can express modesty or politeness.
“The singer’s voice was not unpleasant.” shows:
“You’re not exactly wrong.” means:
“He’s no fool” creates what impression?
“That’s not a bad idea at all.” means:
Litotes can make writing sound academic or diplomatic.
“Her kindness didn’t go unnoticed.” has a tone of:
“He’s not without ambition.” means:
“It’s no easy choice.” means:
“You’re not wrong” in a conversation usually means:
The primary effect of litotes is to:
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