NBT Academic Literacy: Tone, Register and Author's Attitude Flashcards

A legal document states: 'The party of the first part hereby agrees to indemnify the party of the second part against any and all claims arising from the said agreement.' What register is this?

Answer: Legal/technical formal

Technical legal terminology ('hereby', 'indemnify', 'the party of the first part') defines legal/technical formal register.

An author writes: 'One could scarcely argue that the administration's handling of the crisis has been anything but catastrophic.' What literary device is being used to convey the author's attitude?

Answer: Understatement (litotes)

The negative construction 'scarcely argue … anything but catastrophic' is a form of litotes — understatement that paradoxically emphasises the criticism.

Read: 'The conference was, to put it charitably, poorly organised. Delegates wandered aimlessly, schedules went unobserved, and the catering was a feat of sustained disappointment.' The tone is:

Answer: Sardonically critical

'To put it charitably' and 'feat of sustained disappointment' combine irony with sharp criticism, creating a sardonic tone.

Which sentence best indicates that an author is sympathetic toward the subject being discussed?

Answer: Despite facing immense obstacles, these young people have demonstrated remarkable courage and determination.

Words like 'immense obstacles', 'remarkable courage', and 'determination' express empathy and admiration — markers of sympathy.

A science textbook states: 'Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.' What is the dominant register?

Answer: Technical-educational formal

Scientific terminology delivered in clear, objective prose characterises technical-educational formal register.

An opinion piece reads: 'Advocates of the new curriculum claim it promotes critical thinking. One wonders whether they have actually spoken to any teachers.' The author's attitude toward these advocates is:

Answer: Sceptical and dismissive

'One wonders whether they have actually spoken to any teachers' is an ironic rhetorical question implying the advocates are out of touch — sceptical and dismissive.

Which of the following extracts most clearly uses a passionate, persuasive tone?

Answer: We must act now — every day of inaction costs lives and steals futures from generations who deserve better.

Imperative mood ('We must'), emotional stakes ('costs lives', 'steals futures'), and urgency combine to create a passionate, persuasive tone.