TONE

1. TONE • Tone refers to the voice that would be used to say the word, expression or sentence. • It is also linked to attitude (towards the subject which the writer conveys).

2. TONE • Here are some examples: • Humorous – writer is being light-hearted in his/her treatment of a particular subject • Informal/chatty/colloquial – this will sound like the writer is addressing the reader through the use of slang, abbreviations, contractions etc. • Formal/serious – is obviously used for a serious purpose (like Nat.5 Reading)

3. TONE • Here are some examples: • Irony – this is where the writer says one thing but actually means the opposite. • Sarcasm – usually a very cruel or cutting style intended to hurt. • Emotive – this is when a writer wants to stir emotions: shock, disgust, anger, admiration (they are all examples of tone)

4. TONE Effusive – this is often an over enthusiastic tone which displays little restraint in promoting a particular view. Critical – when the writer is challenging a specific view point But the list goes on and on: pleading, disbelief, impatient, mocking, belittling, patronising, exasperated, dismissive, nostalgic, condescending…

5. TONE ‘This was marginally inconvenient…boxing gold. What tone is adopted by the writer in this sentence? Go on to explain the effect of this tone in the context. The truth was that Ali was dead scared of flying. Two months earlier, on his way to the US boxing trials, he had been violently buffeted during a turbulent flight across to California. It was the first time he had ever travelled by air and he sore he would never fly again. This was marginally inconvenient when he was one of the hottest hopes America had for Olympic boxing gold.

6. Technique: The identification of tone The evidence The comment on its effect Answer: The tone adopted by the writer here is ironic.. He Says ‘marginally inconvenient’ when he in fact means it would be very troublesome. It makes the sentence amusing as he suggests that this fearless athlete was scared of flying.

7. The Harry Potter franchise may have drawn to a close, but Warner Bros are not about to let their billion dollar boy wizard fade away. The latest money-spinner is the Harry Potter Studio Tour, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at how the films were made. Everything in the newly unveiled ‘Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The making of Harry Potter’ is as wonderful close up as it is on screen. And there’s no doubting that Potter aficionados will love what they see here, because it is the real deal. Hagrid’s motorcycle, Harry’s broomstick, Hermione’s cloak - all are present, and they look as wonderful up close as they did on screen. The highlight - which drew gasps from the young fans invited to today’s sneak preview - is the model of Hogwarts. Prices aside, the tour is a must-see for Potter fans and a fitting monument to the team who created Britain’s most successful film franchise. The only real disappointment comes as you approach the studios. Because when you’ve got an image in your mind of the Hogwarts’ fairy tale spires, pulling up outside an aircraft hangar near to Watford’s branch of Carpetright destroys a little bit of the magic. Comment on the tone used by the writer here and comment on its effectiveness.

8. Hey there! The Prime Minister is using Twitter. It’s true. You can, on the Downing Street website, read a blow-by-blow account of the Prime Minister’s day. If that thought isn’t terrifying enough, dozen of other politicians have also signed up to the social networking site that lets users answer (in 140 letters or fewer) the question: “What are you doing now?” Middle-aged MPs hope they will look youthful and ‘in touch’ if they use the latest web tool. But there is a slight dad on the dance floor feel to some of their attempts. The content is all too often less twitter than witter. Identify the tone used by the writer and comment on its effectiveness.

9. TONE Identify the tone used to the writer: Bill had stayed up all night preparing for this presentation. He had everything ready: charts, graphs, lists, statistics. This was the biggest meeting of his career. He was ready. He smiled as the cab pulled up to 505 Park Avenue, and he gave the taxi driver an extra large tip. He entered the building confidently and pushed #11 on the elevator. Suddenly, as the doors of the elevator closed, he realised that he had left his briefcase in the cab.

10. TONE Identify the tone used to the writer: Medical staff are now facing increasing violence in the front line, risking their lives while trying to treat others. Sorry, but I am appalled.

11. TONE Identify the tone used to the writer: We feed them, clothe them and try to guide their moral path.

12. TONE Identify the tone used to the writer: This is the most distasteful prospect of all: that one day, somewhere down the road, we will be asked to cough up for the privilege of being rescued.

13. TONE Identify the tone used to the writer: Up and down the land that moment will be recreated and thoughts will be spared for ‘the fallen’ – but by and large we have lost the capacity for remembrance.

14. TONE Identify the tone used to the writer: Females spend hours pouring over voyeuristic magazines – such as Heat, Reveal and Now – whose paparazzi specialise in creeping up behind celebrities.

15. TONE Identify the tone used to the writer: When my son informed me of his experiences at school that day, I was ‘overjoyed’.

16. TONE Identify the tone used to the writer: Then there are the people who choose to opt for package holidays. Well, that reveals so much about them! Why would you want to spend the week baking in the sunshine and drinking cheap beer?

17. TONE Identify the tone used to the writer: This is one of the best essays I've ever seen. It's clear, concise, and convincing.

18. TONE Identify the tone used to the writer: Aye, right! Do they really expect young people to take greater responsibility without any incentive?

19. TONE Identify the tone used to the writer: PE teachers of both sexes are too prone to mock those who do not relish the prospect of vaulting over a horse or running around a frozen pitch in the middle of winter.

20. TONE Identify the tone used to the writer: The Ministry of Transport is investing a great deal of money in a new campaign about the dangers of using mobile phones while driving. I doubt it will stop many people from talking on the phone while they drive.

21. TONE Identify the tone used to the writer: Airlines have stopped giving peanuts to passengers on flights. This was done to help people who are allergic to peanuts. They can become ill even after breathing air with peanuts. However, some people have complained of being deprived of their precious peanuts and have threatened to sue the airlines.

22. A little bit of help…AGAIN! • Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall payany price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, supportanyfriend, opposeanyfoe to assure the survival and success of liberty.

23. Possible answers • The writer uses parenthesis to highlight that some nations provide support and others obstacles in relation to freedom. • The use of antithesis ‘support’/‘oppose’ confirms that there is not unity between nations in relation to freedom. • The writer uses a climax ‘success of liberty’ to convey the desire for freedom. • The writer uses the repetition of ‘any’ to reinforce the extent of sacrifice that they are willing to make in pursuit of freedom.

24. Language type questions • How does the writer’s language… • When you are presented with a question worded in this way, you must be aware that you have choices in what you use in your answer. The choices are as follows: • Word choice • Imagery • Sentence structure • Tone

25. How to answer • Markers appreciate a clear layout. Indicate what you are going to use: • Imagery • ‘temple’ a temple is a place of worship where people show their utmost respect (ROOT). In the passage the writer feels that libraries deserve a high level of admiration because of the vast amount of knowledge they have available. • Word choice • The use of the word ‘obscene’ conveys the writer’s extreme distaste for the government’s approach to the obesity epidemic. • MARKS DEPEND ON THE QUALITY OF THE COMMENT

26. Mood questions • Briefly describe the writer’s mood… • Very happy/content • Carefree • Nostalgic • Critical • Calm • Distressed