Question

question 17 of 25
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. words like \deeds\ and \committed\ give the excerpt a threatening tone.
b. works like \discouraging\ and \bloodshed\ give the excerpt a depressed tone.
c. words like \alarming\ and \violence\ give the excerpt a sinister tone.
d. words like \again\ and \soon\ give the excerpt an expectant tone.

Explanation:

The words "alarming" and "violence" create a sense of danger and evil, which is characteristic of a sinister tone. "Deeds" and "committed" don't primarily contribute to a threatening tone. "Discouraging" and "bloodshed" don't mainly create a depressed tone. "Again" and "soon" don't give an expectant tone in this context.

Answer:

C. Words like "alarming" and "violence" give the excerpt a sinister tone.