NBT NBT Academic Literacy: Tone, Register and Author's Attitude 3

Question 1

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?

Accepted Answer

Legal/technical formal

Answer

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

Question 2

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?

Accepted Answer

Understatement (litotes)

Answer

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

Question 3

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:

Accepted Answer

Sardonically critical

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 5

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?

Accepted Answer

Technical-educational formal

Answer

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

(NBT) National Benchmark Test Practice Test

(NBT) National Benchmark Test Practice Test

NBT NBT Academic Literacy: Tone, Register and Author's Attitude 3