Question

for many weeks we had been accustomed to see property abandoned and animals dead or dying. but those scenes were here doubled and trebled. horses, mules, and oxen, suffering from heat, thirst, and starvation, staggered along until they fell and died on every rod of the way. both sides of the road for miles were lined with dead animals and abandoned wagons.
what is the mood of this excerpt?

a. factual

b. depressing

c. formal

d. emotionless

Explanation:

The excerpt describes scenes of abandoned property, dead/dying animals, and suffering due to heat, thirst, and starvation. These descriptions of death, suffering, and desolation create a sad, gloomy, and downcast feeling, which aligns with a depressing mood. Option A (Factual) focuses on just stating facts without the emotional tone here. Option C (Formal) relates to tone of language structure, not mood. Option D (Emotionless) is incorrect as the vivid descriptions of suffering imply an emotional impact (sadness/depression).

Answer:

B. Depressing