Mastery Reading (C1)
Lesson 3: Discerning Subtle Tones
Goal:
Identify the author's hidden attitude—distinguishing between what is said (Explicit) and what is meant (Implicit).
1. The Language of Tone
Cynical
Distrustful of human sincerity; mocking.
ដែលមើលងាយ/មិនជឿលើទឹកចិត្តល្អ
Ambivalent
Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas.
ដែលមិនប្រាកដក្នុងចិត្ត/មានអារម្មណ៍ពីរផ្ទុយគ្នា
Wistful
Having a feeling of vague or regretful longing.
ដែលអាឡោះអាល័យ
Didactic
Intended to teach, often with moral instruction.
ដែលមានបំណងអប់រំ/បង្រៀន
2. The Subtext Iceberg
In advanced texts, the tone is rarely stated directly. You must look beneath the surface.
Surface
LITERAL WORDS
Deep
TONE & ATTITUDE
Example: "You're actually on time."
Surface: You arrived at the correct time.
Deep Tone: Surprise/Sarcasm (Implying you are usually late).
3. Tone Analysis
Compare how word choice shifts the tone.
Neutral / Objective
"The project was completed on Friday. It met all requirements."
Analysis: Factual. No emotional language.
Cynical / Critical
"The project was finally finished on Friday, merely meeting the basic requirements."
Analysis: "Finally" implies it took too long. "Merely" implies the quality is low.
Optimistic / Proud
"We successfully wrapped up the project on Friday, hitting every single target!"
Analysis: "Successfully wrapped up" and "hitting every target" show pride and energy.
4. Identify the Subtle Tone
"Oh, great. Another 'revolutionary' update to the software that moves the save button and changes the font. Just what we needed."
1. What is the tone of this comment?
"As I walked past the old schoolhouse, the silence was heavy, replacing the laughter that once echoed in the halls."
2. What is the tone?