7 Tips to Identify Passage Tone: Word Selection Guide

Published on 11 July 2023 6 min read

5. Ponder the Passage Structure

6. Reflect on the Passage's Purpose

7. Practice with Different Texts

When you're reading a passage—whether it's a line from your favorite novel or an excerpt from a historical text—the tone can tell you a lot about what the author is trying to convey. In fact, the tone can often give you more insight into the author's intentions than the words themselves. But how can you tell which word best describes the tone of the passage? It's a skill that takes practice, but with these seven tips, you'll be identifying tones like a pro in no time.

1. Scan the Passage

The first step in identifying the tone of a passage is to scan it. This doesn't mean just skimming the text quickly. Instead, take your time to read each sentence and understand the overall context. Here's how you can do it:

Read the passage once: On your first read, just try to grasp the main idea. What is the passage about? What is the author trying to tell you?
Identify the mood: Mood is the emotional setting of a passage. Is the passage happy, sad, angry, or something else? Noting this can give you a clue about the tone.
Note any strong words: Did any words jump out at you while you were reading? These words might be key to understanding the tone of the passage.

By the end of this step, you should have a general idea of what the passage is about and what the author might be feeling. Keep in mind that this is just the first step in identifying which word best describes the tone of the passage. There's more to it, so let's move on to the next tip!

2. Highlight Key Words

After scanning the passage, the next step is to highlight key words. But how do you know which words are key? They are usually the words that carry the weight of the message. These words are often charged with emotion or are particularly descriptive. They can set the whole tone for the passage. Here's how to handle this:

Look for emotionally charged words: Words like "excited," "furious," "sorrowful," are loaded with emotion and can give you a clear indication of the tone.
Highlight descriptive words: Words that paint a vivid picture often carry the tone. For example, words like "dreary," "sparkling," or "ominous" can indicate the tone of a text.
Take note of repetition: If a word or phrase is repeated, it's probably important. Repetition can emphasize a point or theme, contributing to the overall tone.

By highlighting these key words, you're honing your focus on the words that carry the most weight in the passage. These words will often be the ones that best describe the tone of the passage. But remember, don't make your final judgement just yet. We still have a few more tips to go!

3. Note the Author's Attitude

Now that we've highlighted key words, it's time to ask ourselves, "What is the author's attitude towards the topic?" This is a critical step in identifying which word best describes the tone of the passage.

Here's how to decipher the author's attitude:

Check the author's viewpoint: Look for clues in the passage that reveal the author's stance on the subject. Is the author for or against the topic? Are they neutral? This can help set the tone.
Identify the author's emotional state: Does the author seem happy, angry, or indifferent? The author's emotional state often influences the tone of the writing.
Look for the author's intention: Are they trying to persuade, inform, entertain, or criticize? The author's purpose can greatly influence the tone.

Remember, the author's attitude is usually subtle and requires a keen eye to identify. But once you've understood the author's attitude, you're one step closer to identifying the word that best describes the tone of the passage.

4. Consider the Word Choice

After identifying the author's attitude, the next step is to consider the word choice. This is another important component when figuring out which word best describes the tone of the passage. The words used in a passage are like colors used in a painting, they create the overall mood and tone.

Here's how to approach this:

Look for descriptive words: Does the author use words that evoke strong emotions? Words like "joyous," "somber," or "gloomy" can provide a clear indication of the tone.
Consider the connotation: Words can carry positive, negative, or neutral connotations. For instance, "youthful" has a positive connotation, while "naive" can have a negative connotation. Both can be used to describe someone who is young, but they carry different tones.
Take note of figurative language: Does the author use metaphors, similes, or personification? These can greatly impact the tone of the passage.

Remember, words are powerful tools in a writer's arsenal. By carefully considering the word choice, you're well on your way to determining the word that best describes the tone of the passage.

5. Ponder the Passage Structure

Another important factor when figuring out which word best describes the tone of the passage is the structure of the passage. Does the passage flow smoothly from one point to the next, or does it abruptly switch topics? Is it written in short, choppy sentences or in long, flowing prose? The structure of the passage can provide valuable clues about the tone.

Here's a simple three-step process to help you analyze the structure:

Review the Sentence Length: Short sentences often create a sense of urgency or directness. In contrast, longer sentences might suggest a more contemplative or complex tone.
Check for Punctuation: Exclamation points, question marks, ellipses... The usage or lack of these can hint towards the overall tone. Exclamation marks can denote excitement or urgency, while question marks might suggest uncertainty or curiosity.
Look for Paragraph Breaks: The way an author breaks down their thoughts can reveal a lot about the tone. Frequent paragraph breaks might make the passage feel more conversational or informal, while longer paragraphs might suggest a more formal or scholarly tone.

By paying close attention to the passage's structure, you can gain a better understanding of the tone. This will bring you one step closer to identifying which word best describes the tone of the passage.

6. Reflect on the Passage's Purpose

Often, the purpose of a passage can shine a light on the tone. Is the author trying to persuade, inform, entertain, or express an emotion? Understanding this can help you discover which word best describes the tone of the passage.

For instance, if the author's purpose is to persuade, you might find the tone to be persuasive or argumentative. If the author seeks to inform, the tone could be more explanatory or informative. If the author aims to entertain, the tone could be humorous or light-hearted.

So, how can you discern the purpose of a passage? Here are a few things to consider:

Look at the Content: What is the author talking about? Is it a serious topic, like a historical event, or a lighter topic, like a personal anecdote? This could give you a clue about the purpose.
Consider the Audience: Who are the intended readers? An academic paper will have a different purpose (and hence a different tone) compared to a blog post for general readers.
Identify the Author's Intent: What does the author want the reader to think, feel, or do after reading the passage? This can be a major clue to the author's purpose.

Always remember, the purpose of the passage and the tone go hand-in-hand. By reflecting on the purpose, you are one step closer to deciding which word best describes the tone of the passage.

7. Practice with Different Texts

Just like any other skill, identifying the tone of a passage gets easier with practice. And not just any practice, but practice with a variety of texts. This is because different genres, authors, and subjects can present different tones. The more varied your reading material, the better you'll become at determining which word best describes the tone of the passage.

Here's how you can make practice a part of your routine:

Read Widely: Don't stick to one type of text. Read novels, newspapers, poems, blog posts, and even social media updates. Each of these comes with its unique style and tone.
Make it a Habit: Practice every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Consistency is key when it comes to improving any skill.
Analyze as You Read: Don't just passively read. Try to identify the tone as you go along. Ask yourself, "Which word best describes the tone of this passage?"

Remember, practice makes perfect. With time, you'll find that identifying the tone of a passage will become almost second nature to you.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a book, a newspaper, or even your favorite blog and start practicing! Who knows, you might just find that this exercise not only enhances your reading comprehension skills but also makes your reading experience more fulfilling.

If you're interested in further improving your skills in identifying passage tone and word selection, check out the workshop 'Documentary Treatment: The Last Act' by Reshelshah. This workshop will help you dive deeper into the intricacies of language and tone while providing invaluable insights for crafting powerful narratives in documentaries and beyond.