Reading: Recognizing Author's Tone, Purpose & Attitude
B2 Lesson 2: Recognizing Subtle Variations in Tone
Reading for Feeling
An author's tone1—their attitude toward a subject—is rarely just "positive" or "negative." At the B2 level, we learn to identify subtle shades of feeling. Is the author's positive feeling hopeful (optimistic3)? Is their negative feeling analytical (critical5) or hopeless (pessimistic4)?
Recognizing this nuance2 comes from carefully analyzing the author's specific word choice.
Comparing Nuanced Tones
Let's examine how word choice creates different tones, even when writing about the same topic.
Topic 1: The Future of Kampot's Youth
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 in practical, high-quality education, many will inevitably struggle to achieve their full potential.
Topic 2: A New Building Project
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.
Topic 3: The Past
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 and the gentle puttering of a lone fishing boat on the river. 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, with all the loud music and bright lights, will never get to experience.
Your Turn! Identify the Tone.
Practice Quiz
Read the short text and identify the author's specific tone.
1. "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," "not sufficient," and "impossible" show a clear belief that the worst will happen.
2. "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 "incredible skill," "hope," "boundless creativity," and "inspiring" show a very positive and hopeful attitude about the future.
Vocabulary Glossary
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Tone (noun)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: សម្លេង
The author's feeling or attitude towards a subject, shown through word choice and style. ↩ back to text -
Nuance (noun)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ភាពខុសប្លែកគ្នាបន្តិចបន្តួចនៃអារម្មណ៍ អត្ថន័យ ឬសម្លេង។
A subtle, small difference in feeling, meaning, or tone. ↩ back to text -
Optimistic (adjective)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ដែលមានសុទិដ្ឋិនិយម
Feeling hopeful and confident about the future. ↩ back to text -
Pessimistic (adjective)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ដែលមានទុទិដ្ឋិនិយម
Expecting the worst to happen; lacking hope. ↩ back to text -
Critical (adjective)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: បង្ហាញការវិនិច្ឆ័យអវិជ្ជមានដោយការវិភាគកំហុស
Expressing negative judgments by analyzing faults and mistakes. ↩ back to text -
Nostalgic (adjective)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: មានមនោសញ្ចេតនាឬអន្លង់អន្លោចក្នុងអតីតកាល
Having a sentimental or wistful affection for a time in the past. ↩ back to text
Homework Task
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.