Reading comprehension question types - Author's tone and att...

Learning Outcomes

After reading this article, you will be able to identify questions that target the author's tone and attitude in LSAT Reading Comprehension. You will recognise tone indicators, distinguish between objective and subjective language, and apply effective techniques to select the correct answer while eliminating attractive distractors. You will understand how the author's attitude shapes word choice and how to avoid common pitfalls on these question types.

LSAT Syllabus

For LSAT, you are required to understand how the author's tone and attitude influence questions in the Reading Comprehension section. When preparing for these questions, you should focus on:

• recognising words and phrases that communicate the author's opinion or emotional stance
• distinguishing between neutral, positive, and negative tones
• identifying questions that ask directly about the author's attitude, opinion, or viewpoint
• dealing with attractive but incorrect answer choices that mischaracterise the author's position
• developing strategies to match answer choice tone to the passage itself

Test Your Knowledge

Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision.

1. Which of the following most clearly signals a negative author attitude?
   1. unfortunately
   2. notably
   3. however
   4. furthermore
2. In an author's tone question, which answer strategy is most reliable?
   1. Pick the answer with the most extreme language
   2. Pick the answer that matches the passage's tone and qualifies its claims
   3. Always choose the most positive option
   4. Focus only on specific examples

3. True or false? The best answer for an LSAT tone question may sometimes use moderate or neutral wording, even if the passage discusses a controversial subject.

Introduction

Author's tone and attitude questions form a common LSAT Reading Comprehension question type. To succeed, you must quickly identify how the author feels about the topic—not just what factual content is included. The strategies for these questions are distinct from main point or fact retrieval questions. This article will show you how to recognise opinion-laden phrasing, match tone between the passage and the answer, and avoid common traps like extreme or one-sided answers.

Key Term: author's tone
The overall emotional quality or attitude that the author communicates about the subject, usually signaled through word choice.

Key Term: author’s attitude
The author’s opinion, judgment, or stance toward the passage topic, person, or idea, as revealed through explicit or implicit statements.

Key Term: tone indicator
A word or phrase that communicates positive, negative, or neutral feeling or judgment in the passage.

Understanding Author’s Tone and Attitude Questions

LSAT tone and attitude questions usually ask which statement best describes the author's opinion or emotional stance toward the topic, a person, or a group in the passage.

Typical question stems:

• The author's attitude toward X can best be described as...
• Which best captures the author's opinion about Y?
• The author's tone in the passage is most accurately described as...

Recognising the author's attitude is not always straightforward. Some passages are written in a neutral or even-handed way, while others contain obvious positive or negative judgments.

Identifying Tone in LSAT Passages

You can spot the author's tone by noticing tone indicators and emotionally charged language. These signal how the author feels about the topic, not just what they present factually.

Common positive indicators:

• fortunately, notable, inspiring, impressive, happily

Common negative indicators:

• unfortunately, problematic, objectionable, concerning, alarming

Common neutral (or qualifying) indicators:

• it appears, possibly, perhaps, some may claim

Key Term: subjective language
Words or phrases that reveal opinions, judgments, or personal views rather than objective facts.

How Author’s Attitude Shapes Language

The LSAT often tests your ability to distinguish between an objective, factual description, and one laced with personal judgment. Consider words like "innovative" (positive), "controversial" (negative/critical), or "so-called" (often skeptical).

An author's endorsement of an idea is shown by words that accept or praise it; disapproval or skepticism is shown by negative or qualifying language. Some authors remain impartial, but most reveal subtle preferences.

Worked Example 1.1

Passage extract:
"While some critics celebrate the movement's originality, others dismiss its output as derivative and uninspired. However, its impact on subsequent cultural trends is undeniable."

Question:
Which of the following best characterises the author's tone in the passage?

A) Mocking
B) Balanced but slightly positive
C) Highly dismissive
D) Entirely neutral
E) Unquestionably enthusiastic

Answer:
B) Balanced but slightly positive. The author acknowledges criticism but ultimately affirms the movement's importance ("impact...undeniable"), suggesting overall mild approval.

Answer Selection Techniques for Tone and Attitude Questions

1. Avoid extremes:
Correct LSAT answers rarely use words like “always,” “never,” “completely,” “utterly,” or words showing undiluted emotion (unless the passage is truly and obviously extreme).

2. Match precision:
Check if the answer’s language matches the degree and direction of the author's tone. A cautiously approving passage should not be matched to an answer choice claiming “enthusiastic support.”

3. Spot partial truth:
Attractive distractors often describe only part of the passage or overstate the author's feelings.

Worked Example 1.2

Passage sentence:
"The proposal carries risks, but the possible benefits may justify cautious support."

Choose the best description of the author's attitude:

A) Enthusiastic
B) Cautiously optimistic
C) Sarcastic
D) Slightly negative
E) Indecisive

Answer:
B) Cautiously optimistic. The phrase “may justify cautious support” signals approval, but only when balanced against the risks.

Revision Tip

Answers that use words like "measured," "tentative," or "qualified" often better reflect LSAT passage tone than polarised or sweeping choices.

Eliminating Attractive Wrong Answers

Some LSAT tone/attitude questions include several plausible answer choices. Use these strategies:

• Eliminate answers with the wrong direction (too negative/positive or the opposite of the passage).
• Remove those with extreme or unsupported adjectives.
• Discard answers describing opinions never stated or implied by the author.

Worked Example 1.3

Short passage:
"The author derides the committee's recommendations as “misguided” and “unlikely to achieve the stated aims.”"

Which describes the author's attitude?

A) Neutral analysis
B) Supportive
C) Moderately critical
D) Playful
E) Strongly supportive

Answer:
C) Moderately critical. The words “misguided” and “unlikely to achieve the stated aims” indicate clear but not extreme criticism.

Exam Warning

Do not infer the author's attitude from your prior knowledge or opinion. Rely only on the passage's wording and indicators.

Summary Table: Tone Indicators and Attitude Types

Key Point Checklist

This article has covered the following key knowledge points:

• LSAT Reading Comprehension questions may test your ability to identify the author’s tone or attitude
• Tone indicators and subjective language signal author opinion or bias
• Answers with extreme language or mismatched emotional direction are usually wrong
• Correct answers often use qualified terms like "measured" or "tentative" when the passage is not wholly positive or negative
• Personal views should not inform answer choice selection—base decisions strictly on passage content

Key Terms and Concepts

• author's tone
• author’s attitude
• tone indicator
• subjective language