Question

lesson 9 analyze style and tone
use with student book pp. 18 - 19
raymond jones
reading assessment targets: r.3.a, r.4.1a - 4.1, r.4.2.a, r.4.3a - a3,
r.4.5a - r.4.5b
1 review the skill
an author writes in a specific style that best fits the topic, audience, and purpose. an authors style is made
up of the words and structures of sentences and paragraphs within the text. for example, a style may be
formal, informal, direct, poetic, comic, earnest, or a combination of these and other ways of expression.
an authors tone is directly related to the authors style. tone shows the reader how the author thinks
or feels about the topic. try to determine the authors tone by analyzing the words chosen for the piece.
determine whether the words have emotion or feeling behind them and whether they have positive or negative
connotations, or meanings that go beyond the literal ones.
2 refine the skill
by refining the skill of analyzing style and tone, you will improve your study and test - taking abilities
especially as they relate to the ged* reasoning through language arts test. read the passage below.
then answer the questions that follow.
public servants must set an example
a nation is formed by the willingness of each of us to share in
the responsibility for upholding the common good. a government
is invigorated when each one of us is willing to participate in
shaping the future of that nation. in this election year, we must
define the \common good\ and begin again to shape a common
future. let each person do his or her part. if one citizen is unwilling
to participate, all of us are going to suffer. for the american idea,
though it is shared by all of us, is realized in each one of us.
and now, what are those of us who are elected public officials
supposed to do? we call ourselves \public servants\ but ill tell
you this: we as public servants must set an example for the rest of
the nation. it is hypocritical for the public official to admonish and
exhort the people to uphold the common good if we are derelict in
upholding the common good.... we must hold ourselves strictly
accountable. we must provide the people with a vision of the future.
from the democratic national convention keynote address by barbara jordan,
© 1976
test - taking tips
remember that a writers
tone often is connected
closely to the style. if a
question asks you to identify
the authors purpose, or
reason for writing, you can
look at the style and tone
for clues.

1. by using the term public servants instead of politicians, the

author makes \public servants\ seem
a. more interested in winning elections than in serving the public.
b. less concerned with the present than with a vision of the future.
c. more dedicated to the public than to politics.
d. less interested in accountability than in politics.

1. which word best describes the tone of this passage?

a. passionate
b. uncaring
c. upbeat
d. sarcastic

Explanation:

For question 1:

• The passage emphasizes that public servants must set an example, be dedicated to upholding the common good, and be accountable. The term “public servants” in this context is linked to a sense of duty and responsibility rather than typical political connotations.
• Option A: The text focuses on serving the public (common good) rather than winning elections.
• Option B: The passage talks about providing a vision of the future (related to the present in terms of action for the future) and upholding the common good (present - day responsibility), so this option is incorrect.
• Option C: The author’s use of “public servants” is tied to being dedicated to upholding the common good (a form of dedication) and being accountable, which aligns with this option.
• Option D: The text shows that public servants should be interested in upholding the common good (related to accountability), so this option is wrong.

For question 2:

• The author uses strong language like “We as public servants must set an example... We must hold ourselves strictly accountable. We must provide the people with a vision of the future.” This shows a strong - willed and intense expression of ideas.
• Option A: “Passionate” fits as the author shows strong feelings and a firm stance on the role of public servants.
• Option B: The author clearly cares about the role of public servants and the common good, so “uncaring” is incorrect.
• Option C: “Upbeat” implies a more cheerful and positive - in - a - lighthearted - way tone, but the tone here is more serious and intense.
• Option D: There is no sarcasm in the passage; the author is making a serious argument.

Answer:

1. C. more dedicated to the accountability than to politics.
2. A. passionate