Question

unit review: literature - the writing proces
\call me ishmael. some years ago—never mind how long precisely—having little or no money in my purse, and nothing particular to interest me on shore, i thought i would sail about a little and see the watery part of the world. it is a way i have of driving off the spleen, and regulating the circulation.\
how do the highlighted words shape the excerpt’s tone?
the tone is urgent, implying a pressing need to speak.
the tone is casual, suggesting a conversational attitude.
the tone is formal, indicating a serious introduction.

Explanation:

The highlighted phrases like "never mind how long precisely" and "sail about a little" have an informal, conversational style. Phrases like "never mind" and the relaxed wording of "sail about a little" create a casual tone, unlike urgent (no sense of rush) or formal (not stiff/official language) tones.

Answer:

B. The tone is casual, suggesting a conversational attitude.