Tone Words - Set 1
This practice quiz goes along with the lesson on Tone Words (Set 1) for AP Literature and Composition.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Read the following passage carefully. Select the option that best describes the tone of this excerpt. That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain't I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain't I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man -- when I could get it -- and bear the lash as well! And ain't I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen them most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain't I a woman? -- from "Ain't I a Woman" by Sojourner Truth (1851)
- A.
Accusatory
- B.
Dispassionate
- C.
Nostalgic
- D.
Objective
- E.
Witty
Correct Answer
A. AccusatoryExplanation
The tone of this excerpt is accusatory because the speaker is expressing frustration and anger towards the unfair treatment of women compared to men. The speaker uses rhetorical questions and emphasizes her own accomplishments and struggles to highlight the inequality and demand recognition.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which of the following options is synonymous with "impartial"?
- A.
Indecisive
- B.
Mocking
- C.
Nostalgic
- D.
Objective
- E.
Pessimistic
Correct Answer
D. ObjectiveExplanation
The word "impartial" means to be unbiased and fair, not favoring any particular side or party. The option that is synonymous with this meaning is "objective". Being objective means to approach a situation or judgment without personal feelings or prejudices, considering only the facts and evidence at hand. Therefore, "objective" is the correct answer in this case.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Read the following passage carefully. Select the option that best identifies the tone of this passage. But I am not tragically colored. There is no great sorrow dammed up in my soul, nor lurking behind my eyes. I do not mind at all. I do not belong to the sobbing school of Negrohood who hold that nature somehow has given them a lowdown dirty deal and whose feelings are all hurt about it. Even in the helter-skelter skirmish that is my life, I have seen that the world is to the strong regardless of a little pigmentation more or less. No, I do not weep at the world -- I am too busy sharpening my oyster knife. --from "How It Feels to Be Colored Me" by Zora Neale Hurston
- A.
Accusatory
- B.
Ironic
- C.
Nostalgic
- D.
Optimistic
- E.
Pessimistic
Correct Answer
D. OptimisticExplanation
The passage conveys an optimistic tone as the speaker expresses a positive outlook on life and their own identity. They assert that they are not saddened or affected by their race, believing that the world favors the strong regardless of skin color. The speaker's focus on sharpening their oyster knife suggests a determination to succeed and thrive in the face of any challenges.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which of the following is a synonym of "indecisive"?
- A.
Candid
- B.
Conclusive
- C.
Frank
- D.
Impartial
- E.
Vacillating
Correct Answer
E. VacillatingExplanation
The word "indecisive" refers to someone who has difficulty making decisions or is hesitant in doing so. A synonym for this word would be "vacillating," which means to waver or hesitate between different options. Therefore, "vacillating" is the correct answer as it closely relates to the meaning of "indecisive."Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of the following is best defined as calmly objective or not influenced by emotion or personal feelings?
- A.
Accusatory
- B.
Candid
- C.
Caustic
- D.
Dispassionate
- E.
Evasive
Correct Answer
D. DispassionateExplanation
Dispassionate is the best defined as calmly objective or not influenced by emotion or personal feelings. This means that when someone is dispassionate, they are able to approach a situation or make a decision without being swayed by their own emotions or biases. They are able to remain calm and rational, considering the facts and evidence objectively.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following options is best defined as open, honest, and sometimes forceful in expressing true feelings and opinions? [Type the word as it appears below.]Options: accusatory, candid, caustic, dispassionate, evasive, frank
Correct Answer
frankExplanation
Frank is the best defined option as open, honest, and sometimes forceful in expressing true feelings and opinions. Being frank means being straightforward and sincere in communication, without holding back or sugarcoating one's thoughts or emotions. It implies a willingness to speak openly and honestly, even if it may be uncomfortable or controversial.Rate this question:
- 7.
Which of the following options best defines candid?
- A.
Calmly objective; not influenced by emotion of personal feelings
- B.
Honest or direct in a way that people find either refreshing or distasteful
- C.
Not giving a direct answer to a direct question--usually in order to conceal the truth
- D.
Very sarcastic and intended to mock, offend, or belittle somebody
- E.
None of the above.
Correct Answer
B. Honest or direct in a way that people find either refreshing or distastefulExplanation
The word "candid" is defined as being honest or direct in a way that people find either refreshing or distasteful. This means that someone who is candid speaks their mind openly and honestly, without sugarcoating their words. They may say things that others may find uncomfortable or offensive, but they are not afraid to express their true thoughts and opinions.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which of the following options is best defined as treating somebody as if he or she is less intelligent or knowledgeable than oneself?
- A.
Ironic
- B.
Objective
- C.
Patronizing
- D.
Sardonic
- E.
Witty
Correct Answer
C. PatronizingExplanation
Patronizing is the best-defined option as treating somebody as if he or she is less intelligent or knowledgeable than oneself. This term refers to a condescending attitude or behavior where someone talks down to or belittles another person, assuming they are inferior in intellect or understanding. It involves a sense of superiority and often comes across as disrespectful or demeaning.Rate this question:
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- 9.
True / FalseA satirical tone is characterized by the use of wit to criticize faults.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
A satirical tone is indeed characterized by the use of wit to criticize faults. Satire is a form of writing or speech that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to expose and criticize human vices, shortcomings, or societal issues. It often employs sarcasm, ridicule, or mockery to make a point and provoke a reaction. By using wit, satire aims to entertain and provoke thought while highlighting and critiquing flaws or absurdities in individuals, institutions, or society as a whole. Therefore, the statement "A satirical tone is characterized by the use of wit to criticize faults" is true.Rate this question:
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- 10.
True / FalseSomebody who refuses to provide a direct answer to a direct question might be considered sardonic.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Somebody who refuses to provide a direct answer to a direct question is usually considered "evasive" (at least in terms of your vocabulary list).Rate this question:
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- 11.
Select each of the following options that relate to "mocking."
- A.
Caustic
- B.
Ironic
- C.
Negative
- D.
Sardonic
- E.
Witty
Correct Answer(s)
A. Caustic
D. SardonicExplanation
"Mocking" refers to making fun of or ridiculing someone or something. Both "caustic" and "sardonic" are adjectives that can describe mocking behavior or remarks. "Caustic" refers to remarks that are harsh, critical, and sarcastic, while "sardonic" refers to mocking remarks that are bitter, cynical, and mocking in a disdainful or scornful way. Therefore, both "caustic" and "sardonic" relate to mocking. The other options, "ironic," "negative," and "witty," do not specifically relate to mocking.Rate this question:
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