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

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Read the first 7 NBT Academic Literacy: Tone, Register and Author's Attitude flashcards as text

  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?

    Answer: Critical

    Words like 'unacceptable', 'failed', and 'yet again' signal strong disapproval, making the tone critical.

  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?

    Answer: Formal academic

    Specialist terminology and objective sentence structure are markers of formal academic register.

  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?

    Answer: Sarcasm and scepticism

    'Conveniently' is used ironically to suggest deliberate dishonesty, indicating a sarcastic and sceptical attitude.

  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?

    Answer: Informal/colloquial

    Contractions, slang ('Yo', 'mate', 'freaking out', 'chill') and casual syntax characterise informal/colloquial register.

  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?

    Answer: Admiring and uplifting

    'Marvel', 'resilience', 'testament', and 'enduring human spirit' all convey admiration and an uplifting tone.

  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:

    Answer: Strongly opposed

    'Hasty' and 'nothing short of reckless' express strong opposition and condemnation of the policy.

  7. Which sentence best illustrates a neutral, objective tone appropriate for academic writing?

    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.