Admission Test for Dental Hygiene (ATDH) Practice

What does "tone" signify in writing?

1. The setting of the story

2. The characters' motivations

3. The writer's attitude towards a subject

4. The genre of the narrative

The correct answer is: The writer's attitude towards a subject

The concept of "tone" in writing refers specifically to the writer's attitude toward the subject matter. This attitude can be conveyed through word choice, sentence structure, and stylistic elements, influencing how the reader perceives the narrative and the emotions it evokes. A writer might adopt a formal tone, a humorous tone, a serious tone, or even a sarcastic tone, depending on the message they wish to communicate and the audience they aim to reach. While the setting of the story, characters' motivations, and the genre of the narrative may impact the overall context of the writing, they do not directly define "tone." Instead, these elements contribute to the backdrop against which the tone is expressed. Understanding tone is crucial for interpreting literature and engaging with the text, as it shapes the reader's experience and understanding of the underlying themes and perspectives presented by the author.