Tips to identify the tone of a passage: Reading comprehension

25/04/2024
Posted by: Yashita
Category: CAT Preparation

Every author adopts a certain attitude towards the issue he is talking about. Some wish to highlight the facts about a matter (thereby adopting a ‘factual’ tone); some wish to explore the pros and cons of a decision (thereby adopting a ‘critical’ tone); some wish to explore each and every facet, cause, effect and so on with regards to a certain topic (thereby adopting an ‘analytical’ tone); some wish to narrate an instance from their life (thereby adopting a ‘sentimental/narrative’ tone); some wish to express their emotions, happy or sad (thereby adopting ‘emotional/happy/grief-stricken’ tones).

These different reasons/methods of expressing themselves actually become the tone of the author. Now that you have a basic understanding of tones, the next step is: how do you identify the author’s tone.

What is the Tone of the Passage

The tone of the chapter reflects how the author feels or feels about the topic under discussion. It is, in other words, tone defines the main feeling the author expresses about the subject. You probably respond to different people in the same or different tone in a variety of ways. Depending on the situation and the listeners, you could use a harsh, polite, or sarcastic tone when speaking the same words. Similar variations can be found in Reading Comprehension tones depending on the subject matter and the context.

Things to consider while identifying tone of the author

1. Identify the nature of the passage:

The first classification for the passage is that you understand whether the passage is highlighting facts or does it reflect the opinions of the author. This is an important classification. Classify all tones that you know of into these two categories. For example, the objective tone is a factual one, and criticizing someone is only possible with the help of opinions.

2. Identify passage sentiment:

The second thing that you need to do is understand the sentiment of the passage i.e. whether the passage can be classified as:

Positive: the author is appreciating something
Negative: the author is criticizing something
Neutral: the passage does not fall into any of the above categories

3. Make a list of all relevant adjectives you discover: make your own ‘tone’ list

It is easy to find a list of common RC tones but you are advised to make your own list of tones, and put in all the relevant adjectives that you discover in tests, mocks and so on. Having your own list will gel with your vocabulary levels and ensure that all bases are covered for you.

How do we reach at the final answer?

Identify the nature of the passage (facts or opinion), and eliminate the options that do not match with your analysis.
Identify the passage sentiment and again eliminate options that do not match with your analysis.
Identify the main idea of the passage, and co-relate it with the tone of the passage (there should be synergy between the two).
Keep 3 and 4 in mind while marking your answer.
Also, you should try to label the tone of the passage in your own words, and see which one co-relates with the author of the passage.
Eliminate options. Do not select an answer, always eliminate options and be sure why you are rejecting a particular option.

Types of tone of the passage of reading comprehension usually asked in exams

Narrative and Descriptive Tone

In narrative reading comprehension, the author takes on the role of the character in order to describe a narrative or an event. The question “Then what happened?” is typically addressed. An argument, conflict, problem, and solution, as well as motivational occurrences, are frequent topics in a narrative RC. The main goal is to pique the reader’s interest and keep them reading. discussions about things like your first day of school, a life-changing event, etc.

The goal of descriptive reading comprehension is to fully depict a person, location, or event. The author wants you to picture everything he hears, feels, sees, smells, and tastes.

Jovial and Jocular/Humorous Tone

When an author uses humour, they work to make the passage’s context humorous and entertaining. He or she is joyful, upbeat, and amiable when being jolly.

Sarcastic Tone

It delivers the exact opposite meaning of what is intended. Sarcasm is occasionally mistaken for humour, however it is frequently employed to address issues that the author finds objectionable. Try to comprehend the passage’s context and determine whether the use of a sarcastic tone is justified.

Critical and Cynical Tone

A fault-finding attitude of the author is frequently describes a critical tone, hence in a negative meaning. It may also mean that a problem is thoroughly going through examination from every angle.
The cynical tone denotes the author expresses skepticism. He has a negative outlook on whether anything will occur or whether it will be worthwhile. These two reading comprehension questions are frequently asked in tests.

Nostalgic Tone

A nostalgic tone reflects a desire for the past. It could be a happy or a sad memory.

Biased Tone

When we prefer one product, person, or group over another, we frequently speak in a biased manner to express our preference. Similar to this, the chapter contains biased language and arguments in support of a specific idea or belief. You can determine the answers to the necessary questions once you know where the author stands.

Motivating Tone

A motivating tone of writing, which is another intriguing style, tries to uplift and motivate you through the use of inspirational phrases and real-world experiences. These passages might use well-known people and events from their lives as examples.