Question

select the passage that has a more patronizing tone.
with infinite complacency, people wandered back and forth across the globe, consumed by their little affairs, serene in their sovereignty over matter. it is possible that microorganisms under the microscope do the same.
prehistoric time, as it is commonly understood, is the time when tribes of people inhabited the world. it predates what we call civilization and also predates the written records on which history is based.
adapted from h. g. wells, the war of the worlds and william diller matthew, dinosaurs

Explanation:

To determine the passage with a more patronizing tone, we analyze the two passages:

1. The first passage (red - flagged) describes people as having “infinite complacency,” wandering “back and forth across the globe,” and being “serene in their sovereignty over matter” while suggesting microorganisms (under a microscope) do the same. This tone implies a superior, condescending view of people’s self - assuredness, as if the author is looking down on their overconfidence.

1. The second passage (about prehistoric time) is factual and explanatory, with no condescending or patronizing undertones.

Answer:

The passage starting with "With infinite complacency, people wandered back and forth across the globe, consumed by their little affairs, serene in their sovereignty over matter. It is possible that microorganisms under the microscope do the same." (the first passage shown, likely the one with the red flag)