Question

this excerpt from passage 2.

\legal discrimination between the sexes is, in almost every instance, founded on outmode
views of society and the prescientific beliefs about psychology and physiology. it is time to
sweep away these relics of the past and set future generations free of them.\ (paragraph 5)

what is the impact of the words outmoded, prescientific, and relics on the tone of the excerpt?

○ they contribute to an apathetic, serene tone.
○ they contribute to a confident, educated tone.
○ they contribute to an anxious, panicked tone.
○ they contribute to an optimistic, cheerful tone.

Explanation:

To determine the tone, analyze the words: "outmoded" (old - fashioned), "prescientific" (before scientific understanding), and "relics" (remnants of the past). These words imply the author sees these beliefs as outdated and ready to be discarded, showing confidence in the need for change and an educated perspective on the flaws of past views. An apathetic tone would lack concern (incorrect), anxious/panicked is too emotional (incorrect), and optimistic/cheerful is not the focus here (the tone is more authoritative and informed, not overly cheerful). So the correct option is the one about a confident, educated tone.

Answer:

B. They contribute to a confident, educated tone. (assuming the options are labeled A - D with this as option B; adjust label if needed based on original question's option numbering)