Reading: Recognizing Author's Tone, Purpose & Attitude
B2 Lesson 2: Recognizing Subtle Variations in Tone
Before You Read 🧠
Key Vocabulary
Understanding these different tones is the key to this lesson.
Analyzing Nuanced Tones
Let's examine how an author's specific word choice creates a particular tone.
Tone 1: Optimistic (Hopeful) 😊
With increasing access to online education and growing opportunities in sustainable tourism, the future for Kampot's young generation looks incredibly bright. They are more globally connected and environmentally aware than ever before, and are perfectly positioned to thrive and lead their community into a prosperous new era.
Tone 2: Pessimistic (Doubtful) 😟
Despite a few opportunities, young people in Kampot face an uncertain future. They are caught between the unrealistic expectations of a globalized world and the significant limitations of the local job market. Without major investment, many will inevitably struggle to achieve their full potential.
Tone 3: Critical (Analyzing Faults) 🤔
While the developers claim the new riverside hotel will be a modern landmark, the architectural design completely fails to respect the local aesthetic. The massive, concrete structure is an eyesore that clashes horribly with the town's historic charm. This suggests the planning process was worryingly inadequate.
Tone 4: Nostalgic (Longing for the Past) 😌
I remember a time, not so long ago, when the evenings in Kampot were truly silent, broken only by the chirping of crickets. We would sit on the old stone embankment as a cool breeze came off the water. It was a simpler, more peaceful time that today's generation will never get to experience.
Practice What You Learned 🎯
Quiz: Identify the Tone
1. Read the text: "This new policy is destined for failure. The government has not allocated a sufficient budget, they have not consulted with local experts, and the public has shown almost no support. It is impossible to see how this can succeed."
What is the author's tone? (Optimistic / Pessimistic / Nostalgic)
→ Answer: Pessimistic. Words like "destined for failure" and "impossible" show a belief that the worst will happen.
2. Read the text: "Looking at the incredible skill and passion of these young Cambodian artists, I am filled with hope. Their creativity is boundless, and their dedication is inspiring. They will surely lead our country's art scene to international recognition."
What is the author's tone? (Critical / Nostalgic / Optimistic)
→ Answer: Optimistic. Words like "hope," "boundless creativity," and "inspiring" show a very positive attitude.
Key Vocabulary Reference
- Tone The author's feeling or attitude towards a subject.
- Nuance A subtle, small difference in feeling, meaning, or tone.
- Optimistic Feeling hopeful and confident about the future.
- Pessimistic Expecting the worst to happen; lacking hope.
- Critical Expressing negative judgments by analyzing faults.
- Nostalgic Having a sentimental affection for a time in the past.
Your Reading Mission ⭐
Write with Nuance!
Think about the topic of "tourism in your hometown."
- Write one or two sentences with a clearly optimistic tone about the future of tourism.
- Write one or two sentences with a clearly critical tone about a problem related to tourism.
Focus on using strong, specific adjectives to create your chosen tone.