The ACT Reading Test: Words to Capture Tone: List 6

On the ACT Reading Test, you will almost certainly encounter questions that ask about an author's tone — that is, the author's attitude toward their subject matter. Master our comprehensive collection of common words used to describe an author's tone, and you'll be well prepared to tackle these questions.
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. persuasive
    intended or having the power to induce action or belief
    Carla uses all her persuasive powers trying to convince me not to leave home. Everything, Everything
  2. petulant
    easily irritated or annoyed
    I was full of self-pity and I was angry and petulant. The Guardian (Oct 9, 2016)
  3. humorous
    characterized by the power to cause laughter
    To “get” a joke or humorous situation, you need to be able to see the lighter side of things. Washington Post (Dec 3, 2020)
  4. placid
    not easily irritated
    He’s a big, placid figure brought up to respect authority in all its forms, who finds himself as a close-quarters witness to some of the darkest moments in 20th-century South Korean history. The Guardian (May 22, 2020)
  5. playful
    full of fun and high spirits
    The tone is playful, but the subject matter is profoundly serious. Los Angeles Times (Dec 10, 2020)
  6. pragmatic
    concerned with practical matters
    “I try to be reasonable, rational, and pragmatic.” Washington Times (Oct 31, 2020)
  7. provocative
    serving or tending to excite or stimulate
    Still, while “Assassins” may be somewhat unsatisfying as a true-crime story, it’s provocative as an examination of power. Los Angeles Times (Dec 11, 2020)
  8. quarrelsome
    given to arguing
    A battle raged between two titans: the professor Booker T. Washington and the brilliant, mercurial, and quarrelsome W. E. B. Du Bois. The Best of Enemies
  9. quizzical
    perplexed
    "And how will the public like that?" inquires Charlie anxiously with his puzzled, quizzical little frown. Los Angeles Times (Jan 26, 2018)
  10. rancorous
    showing deep-seated resentment
    The revised pact took over a year of rancorous talks to complete, resulting in a complex 2,082-page agreement covering a wide range of topics. New York Times (Dec 1, 2019)
  11. righteous
    morally justified
    Wasn’t that the whole point of them, to be good and innocent and righteous? Pet
  12. sarcastic
    expressing or expressive of ridicule that wounds
    They are sarcastic, my lot, calling a runty little chap like me Big Fellow, but there you are. Norse Mythology
  13. satirical
    exposing human folly to ridicule
    He was a master of the dark satirical short story. New York Times (Nov 10, 2020)
  14. scornful
    expressing extreme contempt
    Considering herself a “medical rules snob,” Ms. Taylor is scornful of charlatan cures and magical thinking. New York Times (Apr 30, 2016)
  15. sentimental
    very sentimental or emotional
    His works are incredibly tender, sensitive and touching, but not in any sentimental way. The Guardian (Oct 12, 2020)
  16. serious
    completely lacking in playfulness
    Even when she looked serious—as she did now—her face held the possibility of joy and laughter. The Strangers
  17. amusing
    providing enjoyment; pleasantly entertaining
    The overwhelming response was “ridicule” — French for ridiculous and absurd, as well as comical and amusing. New York Times (Oct 2, 2020)
  18. smug
    marked by excessive complacency or self-satisfaction
    "My grin in the picture is one of smug satisfaction." BBC (Dec 7, 2020)
  19. somber
    serious and gloomy in character
    Visitors on a recent Tuesday described the museum as lonely, even somber. Washington Post (Nov 18, 2020)
  20. supercilious
    having or showing arrogant superiority
    His tone was a little supercilious now, but still polite. New York Times (Jan 16, 2020)
  21. superficial
    only concerned with what is apparent or obvious
    Even when they use the correct terminology, the coverage is largely superficial and avoids serious discussion of the dire implications. Salon (Sep 4, 2020)
  22. timid
    lacking conviction or boldness or courage
    My writing is very timid, while I’m writing, but when it decides to become a book it gets ambitious, it’s immodest. The Guardian (Aug 29, 2020)
  23. vexed
    troubled persistently especially with petty annoyances
    Telemachus saw her waiting by the threshold and was vexed to the heart that a guest should not find instant welcome. Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes
  24. whimsical
    indulging in or influenced by the imagination
    She might swerve into detailed exposition of past events, but she quickly slingshots back to her more whimsical, inspired musings. Washington Post (Dec 10, 2020)
  25. zealous
    marked by active interest and enthusiasm
    Her grandfather was the charismatic, zealous leader demanding commitment and claiming a monopoly on truth. The Guardian (Sep 17, 2020)
Created on Mon Dec 14 12:47:40 EST 2020 (updated Tue Dec 15 10:45:28 EST 2020)

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