NBT NBT Academic Literacy: Tone, Register and Author's Attitude 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the passage: 'Despite decades of investment in public transport infrastructure, commuters continue to endure unacceptable delays. The authorities have, yet again, failed to deliver on their promises.' What is the author's tone?
- Critical (Correct answer)
- Neutral
- Optimistic
- Humorous
Correct answer: Critical
Words like 'unacceptable', 'failed', and 'yet again' signal strong disapproval, making the tone critical.
Question 2: Consider this sentence from a scientific report: 'The results indicate a statistically significant correlation between sedentary behaviour and cardiovascular risk.' What register is this written in?
- Formal academic (Correct answer)
- Informal conversational
- Emotive persuasive
- Literary narrative
Correct answer: Formal academic
Specialist terminology and objective sentence structure are markers of formal academic register.
Question 3: A journalist writes: 'It seems the minister has conveniently forgotten his election promises — again.' What does the word 'conveniently' suggest about the author's attitude?
- Sarcasm and scepticism (Correct answer)
- Admiration and praise
- Indifference
- Confusion
Correct answer: Sarcasm and scepticism
'Conveniently' is used ironically to suggest deliberate dishonesty, indicating a sarcastic and sceptical attitude.
Question 4: A text begins: 'Yo, so I was totally freaking out about my prelims and my mate said I should just chill.' What register does this represent?
- Informal/colloquial (Correct answer)
- Formal academic
- Technical professional
- Literary
Correct answer: Informal/colloquial
Contractions, slang ('Yo', 'mate', 'freaking out', 'chill') and casual syntax characterise informal/colloquial register.
Question 5: An author writes: 'One cannot help but marvel at the resilience of communities that rebuild after disaster, a testament to the enduring human spirit.' What is the dominant tone?
- Admiring and uplifting (Correct answer)
- Sorrowful and pessimistic
- Detached and clinical
- Ironic
Correct answer: Admiring and uplifting
'Marvel', 'resilience', 'testament', and 'enduring human spirit' all convey admiration and an uplifting tone.
Question 6: A newspaper editorial states: 'The government's hasty decision to privatise water services is nothing short of reckless.' The author's attitude toward the decision is best described as:
- Strongly opposed (Correct answer)
- Cautiously supportive
- Ambivalent
- Enthusiastically in favour
Correct answer: Strongly opposed
'Hasty' and 'nothing short of reckless' express strong opposition and condemnation of the policy.
Question 7: Which sentence best illustrates a neutral, objective tone appropriate for academic writing?
- Studies have shown that regular exercise is associated with improved cognitive function. (Correct answer)
- Exercise is absolutely fantastic for your brain — everyone should do it!
- They say exercise helps you think better, but who really knows?
- Exercising is a total game-changer for your mental health, honestly.
Correct answer: Studies have shown that regular exercise is associated with improved cognitive function.
The first option uses measured, objective language without emotional bias, typical of academic writing.
NBT NBT Academic Literacy: Tone, Register and Author's Attitude 1
Read the passage: 'Despite decades of investment in public transport infrastructure, commuters continue to endure unacceptable delays.
The authorities have, yet again, failed to deliver on their promises.' What is the author's tone?