Question

question 12 of 17
read this excerpt from margaret frinks journal of the adventures of a party of california gold - seekers:
here we again heard alarming and discouraging accounts of deeds of violence and bloodshed that had recently been committed on the plains, along the route that we were very soon to travel over.
which statement best describes the effect of word choice on the tone of the excerpt?
a. phrases like deeds of violence give the excerpt a foreboding tone.
b. phrases like we again heard give the excerpt a questioning tone.
c. phrases likerecently been committed give the excerpt a menacing tone.
d. phrases like alarming and discouraging give the excerpt a defeated tone.

Explanation:

• Option A: "Deeds of violence" paired with the context of the travelers about to take the same route creates a sense of impending bad fortune, which is foreboding. This matches the excerpt's tone.
• Option B: "We again heard" only indicates prior similar accounts, not a questioning tone.
• Option C: "Recently been committed" refers to the timing of the acts, not a menacing (threatening) tone directed at the reader/travelers in the moment.
• Option D: "Alarming and discouraging" conveys worry and dismay, not a defeated (resigned to loss) tone.

Answer:

A. Phrases like "deeds of violence" give the excerpt a foreboding tone.