Tone & Mood — Drills · Grade 8 English
Chapter: Close Reading & Literary AnalysisWhat these drills covers
By the end of Tone & Mood you should be able to:
- I can identify the tone an author takes toward a subject and the mood a passage creates for the reader.
- I can point to specific word choices that create a particular tone or mood.
2 questions, written answer, each with a worked explanation.
Vocabulary used: tone, mood, connotation.
Problem 1
Answer and explanation
Tone is the attitude conveyed by a speaker or writer; mood is an atmosphere experienced by readers. Neither is simply the subject of a passage. Show an actual application before considering the method recalled.
Use the criteria to compare your reasoning, not to copy the model’s wording. A supported alternative interpretation may earn full credit.
Response criteria
- Make an accurate, focused claim or revision.
- Use a relevant detail or a clearly explained language choice.
- Explain the relationship and recognize a relevant limit.
Problem 2
Answer and explanation
Sarcasm usually describes a voice’s tone. Describe the atmosphere separately and support both labels with language instead of guessing the author’s feelings.
Use the criteria to compare your reasoning, not to copy the model’s wording. A supported alternative interpretation may earn full credit.
Response criteria
- Make an accurate, focused claim or revision.
- Use a relevant detail or a clearly explained language choice.
- Explain the relationship and recognize a relevant limit.