Question

read this excerpt from part 5 of zeitoun.
progress is being made. its so slow sometimes, so terribly so sometimes, but progress is being made. we have removed the rot, we are strengthening the foundations. there is much work to do, and we all know what needs to be done. we can only do the work, he tells kathy, and his children, and his crew, his friends, anyone he sees. so let us get up early and stay late, and, brick by brick and block by block, let us get that work done.
which word best describes the tone of this excerpt?
○ sentimental
○ optimistic
○ supportive
○ demanding

Explanation:

The excerpt emphasizes that progress is being made (despite slowness) and encourages taking action ("let us get that work done") with a focus on working hard. "Optimistic" fits as it conveys a positive, determined outlook about making progress through effort. "Sentimental" is about emotion/nostalgia, "supportive" focuses on helping others (not the tone here), and "demanding" is overly forceful (this is more encouraging/determined).

Answer:

B. optimistic (assuming the second option is "optimistic" as per typical multiple - choice formatting for this question)