TONES

What is Tone

- Tone refers to the author's attitude toward the subject of their writing.
- It is about how the author feels about the subject under discussion.
- It is conveyed through elements like word choice, sentence structure, imagery, and
style.
- Just like tone of voice in conversation, it shapes how readers perceive the message.
- For example, consider these: “Do you have a minute to talk?” and “Got time to chat real
quick?” The first sounds formal and serious, while the second feels casual and relaxed. This
difference in tone affects how the reader interprets the intent.

TONES Question Stem-

• The author’s attitude might best be described as which of the following?

• Which of the following best describes the tone of the passage?

• Based on the statements in lines X-Y-Z, which of the following could be inferred about the
author’s attitude towards XYZ?

How to Recognize Tone in a Passage

In order to crack the tone of the passage, try to look at the:

1. Word Choice (Diction):

o Look at whether the language is positive, negative, formal, informal, or

emotional.

§ Example: Words like “grief,” “sorrow,” and “despair” suggest a sombre

tone, while “joy,” “delight,” and “celebrate” indicate a cheerful tone.

2. Sentence Structure:

o Examine the sentence length and rhythm:

§ Short, sharp sentences often create urgency or anger.

§ Long, flowing sentences might convey description, a reflection or peace.

 3. Imagery and Figurative Language:

o Pay attention to sensory descriptions or comparisons.

§ Example: “The icy wind pierced through the silence” suggests a harsh tone,
while “The warm sun bathed the garden in gold” evokes a calm or nostalgic
tone.

§ Notice how the image of winter or summer adds to the pictorial feel and
thus affects our understanding of the tone.

4. Subject and Context:

o The topic of the passage significantly influences tone.

§ Example: A passage discussing a natural disaster may adopt a mournful

or empathetic tone, while one about a festive event might have a joyful
or celebratory tone.

5. Narrator’s/Writer’s Perspective:

o Consider whether the narrator sounds objective, emotional, sarcastic, or

sympathetic.

§ A sarcastic voice may indicate a critical tone, while an empathetic

narrator might convey compassion or understanding.

Importance of Subject Matter in Understanding Tone

The subject matter sets the foundation for the tone, as it provides the emotional context for
the author’s attitude.

• Example:
A passage about war might have a variety of tones depending on how the subject is
approached:

o If the author emphasizes the tragedy of war, the tone might be somber or
mournful.

o If they focus on the heroism of soldiers, the tone could be reverent or admiring.

o If the passage critiques the futility of war, the tone might be sarcastic or critical.
Understanding the subject helps narrow down the tone, and helps us reach the right tone
which also aligns with the topic.

Mood in Writing

Tone reflects the author’s attitude whereas mood is the emotional atmosphere the writing
creates for the reader.

• Example: A suspenseful story may create a tense or anxious mood, while a romantic
narrative may evoke a warm or dreamy mood.

Tone and mood are interconnected yet distinct:

• Tone is shaped by the author’s intent (e.g., sarcastic, admiring).

• Mood is the emotional experience of the reader (e.g., unsettling, uplifting).

Recognizing the role of subject matter, tone-indicating keywords, and mood allows for
deeper comprehension of a passage and helps in interpreting the author’s message
effectively.
 RC TONES
Read it for tones as well as vocabulary-

1. Absurd – Ridiculous or illogical, often in a humorous way.

2. Acerbic – Sharp or biting, particularly in speech or writing.
3. Adulatory – Excessively flattering or praising.
4. Ambivalent – Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something.
5. Amused – Finding something funny or entertaining.
6. Anachronistic – Suggests something that feels out of place in time
7. Analytical – Logical and systematic in thinking, breaking down complex information.
8. Annoyed – Irritated or disturbed.
9. Antipathy – A deep-seated feeling of dislike or aversion.
10. Apathetic – Showing a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
11. Apprehensive – Anxious or fearful about the future, feeling uneasy or worried.
12. Assertive – Confident and direct in expressing opinions or desires;
exudes confidence and authority. It can also be straightforward.
13. Bantering – Light, playful conversation.
14. Bellicose/ Belligerent – Demonstrating a readiness to fight or be aggressive, or
aggressively hostile or combative.
15. Biting/Caustic – Sharply critical or hurtful in tone or bitterly sarcastic or critical
16. Brash – Bold and tactless, often in an abrasive way.
17. Burlesque – An exaggerated, often comical, imitation of something.
18. Cautious – Showing careful consideration or attention to potential risks.
19. Chauvinistic – Displaying excessive or prejudiced support for one’s own gender,
country, or group.
20. Compassionate – Showing concern for others' suffering or misfortune.
21. Compromising – Willing to make concessions or find middle ground.
22. Conceited – Excessively proud of oneself; vain.
23. Concerned – Showing worry or care about something.
24. Condescending – Showing a patronizing attitude toward others, as if one is superior.
25. Contemplate – To think deeply or reflect on something.
26. Contemptuous – Showing disdain or a lack of respect.
27. Creepy – Eliciting fear or discomfort, often in a strange or unsettling way.
28. Critical – Expressing judgment or disapproval, often highlighting flaws.
29. Cutting – Harsh or sharp, often with an intention to wound emotionally.
30. Cynical – Believing that people are motivated purely by self-interest; distrustful of
others' motives. Distrustful of human sincerity or integrity.
31. Defensive - Vigorously attempting to justify or defend against criticism.
32. Deferential – Showing respect or yielding to the authority or opinions of others.
33. Depressed – Feeling sad, hopeless, or disheartened.
34. Depressing – Making one feel sad or dispirited.
35. Derisive – Expressing contempt or ridicule.
36. Descriptive – Providing detailed information or also help the reader visualize the
person, place, thing, or situation being described.
37. Despairing/Desperate – Feeling hopeless or without any possibility of improvement;
a sense of urgency or hopelessness.
38. Detached – Showing a lack of emotional involvement or interest; not influenced by
emotions or personal interests.
39. Didactic – Intended to teach, often with a moral lesson, sometimes in a patronizing
way.
40. Disdain– Showing contempt or lack of respect.
41. Disparaging – Expressing a low opinion of something or someone; derogatory.
42. Distressed – In a state of anxiety, pain, or suffering.
43. Dogmatic – Asserting opinions in an arrogant or rigid way, without consideration of
others.
44. Dry – Subtly witty or ironic, often in a restrained manner.
45. Earnest – Showing sincere intent or seriousness.
46. Effusive – Expressing feelings of gratitude or pleasure in an unrestrained way.
47. Elated – Filled with joy or pride.
48. Elegiac – Expressing sorrow or lamentation, especially for something past.
49. Eloquent – Fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing.
50. Euphemistic– Polished or softened, often used to make something harsh, unpleasant,
or offensive sound more acceptable or palatable.
51. Euphoric - Characterized by or feeling intense excitement and happiness.
52. Evocative – Bringing strong memories or feelings to mind.
53. Exuberant – Filled with energy, enthusiasm, or excitement.
54. Explanatory - Aims to explain or clarify information or ideas.
55. Facetious – Treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor.
56. Fanciful – Imaginative, not based on reality.
57. Fastidious – Very attentive to detail and hard to please.
58. Formal – Following established conventions or etiquette.
59. Gloomy – Dark or melancholic in tone or attitude.
60. Grandiose – Impressive or ambitious, but often in a way that is excessive or unrealistic.
61. Grim – Depressing or unrelenting in tone.
62. Harsh – Severe or cruel in tone or manner.
63. Haughty – Arrogantly superior or disdainful.
64. Hesitant – Unsure or indecisive, showing reluctance or uncertainty.
65. Humanistic – A humanistic tone of writing is most suitable to issues related to welfare,
philanthropy, or human affairs or human values like self-respect, ambition, etc.
66. Humor/Humorous/Comical – Something funny, light-hearted, uplifting.
67. Hypocritical – Pretending to have moral standards or beliefs that one does not actually
possess.
68. Hypothetical – Based on assumptions or imagined scenarios.
69. Impassioned – Fervent, deeply felt, expressing strong emotion or conviction
70. Imperious – Commands authority or superiority, often sounding dominating,
arrogant, or dismissive of others' views.
71. Incendiary – Likely to provoke strong emotions or conflict.
72. Incisive – Clear, direct, and sharply focused, often with a critical edge.
73. Incitive – Designed to provoke or encourage action or feelings.
74. Indignant – Showing anger or frustration due to perceived unfair treatment.
75. Inflammatory – Intended to provoke strong emotions, especially anger.
76. Informative – Provides factual information on a topic
77. Inspirational/Motivational – Intended to motivate or encourage others.
78. Instructional – Providing direction or teaching.
79. Intense – Strong or extreme in degree.
80. Intimate – Personal, private, and close in nature.
81. Introspective – Examining one’s own thoughts and feelings.
82. Inveigle – To persuade someone to do something by means of flattery or deceit.
83. Irony/Ironical – The expression of meaning by using language that signifies the
opposite, often for humorous effect; or the contrast between what might be expected
and what occurs.
84. Irreverent – Showing lack of respect for things usually taken seriously.
85. Joyous – Full of happiness or delight.
86. Jubilant Tone- conveys extreme joy, happiness, or triumph. It is typically
enthusiastic, celebratory, and full of energy.
87. Judgmental – Criticizing or forming an opinion about others in a harsh manner.
88. Lamenting – An expression of grief or sorrow or regret.
89. Laudatory/Acclamation/Appreciative – Expressing appreciation, praise or approval.
90. Longing – Intense desire or yearning for something.
91. Loving – Showing affection, care, or kindness.
92. Lyrical - Expressing the writer's emotions in an imaginative and beautiful way.
93. Malicious – Having the desire to harm or hurt others.
94. Melancholic – Deeply sad or sorrowful.
95. Mocking – The act of making fun of someone or something in a cruel or derisive
manner; as in to belittle them or to make them feel low.
96. Musing – Reflective, often with a contemplative tone.
97. Narcissistic – Excessive self-love or self-centeredness.
98. Narrative – Telling a story or describing events.
99. Nonchalant - conveys casual indifference or a lack of concern. It often feels cool,
calm, and unbothered, even in situations where others might react more intensely
100. Nostalgic – Longing for the past, often with a sense of sentimentality.
101. Objective – Impartial and based on observable facts rather than personal feelings.
102. Obsequious/Fawning – Excessively eager to please or serve others, often in a way that
is insincere.
103. Ominous – Foreboding, suggesting that something bad is about to happen.
104. Oppressive – Weighing heavily on someone, emotionally or physically.
105. Outraged – Feeling anger or indignation in response to something offensive or wrong.
106. Paradoxical – Appearing contradictory but possibly true.
107. Paranoid – Unreasonably distrustful or fearful.
108. Partisan – Strongly supporting one side or group, often to the detriment of others.
109. Patronizing – Treating others with an apparent kindness that betrays a sense of
superiority.
110. Pedantic – Overly concerned with small details or formal rules.
111. Pedestrian – Lacking in imagination or excitement; dull.
112. Pejorative – Expressing disapproval or derogatory opinions.
113. Pensive – Deep in thought, often with a melancholic tone.
114. Persuasive/Coaxing – Intended to convince or influence others; convinces the reader
to agree with the author's point of view
115. Pessimistic – Expecting the worst possible outcome; seeing the negative side.
116. Playful – Light-hearted and fun; not serious.
117. Populist – Representing or appealing to ordinary people, often in opposition to elites.
118. Pragmatic – Dealing with things realistically and practically.
119. Prejudiced – Having preconceived opinions or biases, often negative and unfounded.
120. Provocative – Tending to provoke a reaction, especially by causing anger or
annoyance.
121. Questioning – Showing curiosity or doubt
122. Quizzical- Odd or eccentric; unusual or strange.
123. Reflective – Contemplative, thinking deeply about something; analyzing a situation
or considering their own feelings and thoughts; exploring personal thoughts, feelings,
or experiences.
124. Regretful – Feeling or expressing sorrow or remorse.
125. Reminiscent – Stirring memories of the past.
126. Repentant – Feeling sincere remorse or regret for past actions.
127. Repressive – Restricting freedom or/of expression.
128. Resigned – Accepting something undesirable but unavoidable.
129. Reticent – Not revealing one’s thoughts or feelings easily.
130. Revealing – Making something known or clear, often emotionally or personally.
131. Reverent – Showing deep respect or admiration.
132. Rhetorical – Relating to the art of persuasive speech or writing.
133. Ridicule – The act of mocking or making fun of someone or something in a dismissive
manner.
134. Righteous – Morally right or justifiable.
135. Romantic – Characterized by idealized or sentimental notions.
136. Sanctimonious – Making a show of being morally superior.
137. Sanguine/Buoyant/Optimistic – Optimistic or cheerful or hopeful, in a difficult
situation, hoping for the best
138. Sarcasm – A sharp, often cutting remark meant to mock or convey contempt.
139. Sardonic – Grimly mocking or cynical, often with a scornful tone.
140. Satire/Satirical – Using humour, irony, or ridicule to criticize or mock someone or
human and societal flaws.
141. Scathing – Very severe and critical in speech or writing.
142. Scornful – Showing open disrespect or disdain.
143. Searing – Extremely intense and emotionally charged.
144. Self-pitying – Indulging in feelings of sorrow or self-indulgence.
145. Serene – Calm, peaceful, and untroubled.
146. Serious/Solemn/Earnest – Solemn or earnest in nature or tone.
147. Sermonize – To preach or deliver a long, tedious moral discourse.
148. Skeptical – Doubtful or questioning of truth or validity.
149. Sombre - Gloomy, serious, or grave in character.
150. Soothing – Calming or comforting.
151. Speculative – Involving guesswork or conjecture.
152. Straightforward – Direct and clear without evasion.
153. Superficially – Concerned only with appearances or surface-level aspects.
154. Sympathetic/Commiseration – Showing compassion and understanding for someone
else’s situation.
155. Technical – Focused on specialized knowledge or processes.
156. Vexed – Feeling irritated, frustrated, or distressed.
157. Vitriolic – Filled with cruel and bitter criticism.
158. Vituperative – Full of or characterized by bitter, abusive language.
159. Wistful - Having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing.
160. Wry – A twisted or ironic sense of humour.