GRE General TestVerbal ReasoningEasy
Reading Comprehension: Tone: While some critics laud the latest legislative reforms as a triumph of democratic process, others decry them as a cynical power grab, arguing that the changes merely consolidate influence among the ruling elite. The reforms, ostensibly designed to streamline governance, have instead fueled a contentious debate about the very nature of political representation.
- ASkeptical and critical
- BIndifferent and detached
- CEnthusiastic and supportive
- DObjective and impartial
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Skeptical and critical
The passage highlights a contentious debate and presents arguments against the reforms, using words like 'decry,' 'cynical power grab,' and 'merely consolidate influence,' indicating a skeptical and critical tone.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. The passage describes a 'contentious debate,' showing active engagement with the topic, not indifference.
- C. The passage explicitly states that 'some critics laud' but immediately counters with 'others decry,' showing it is not enthusiastic or supportive overall.
- D. The passage presents conflicting views and critical language, making it far from objective or impartial.
Author's Tone
The author's attitude toward the subject matter or audience, conveyed through word choice and writing style.
- Inferred from specific word choices and phrases.
- Can be positive, negative, neutral, or mixed.
- Reflects the author's emotional stance.
Memory trick: Listen to the words, feel the tone, and know the author's stance.