Which statement best defines tone in writing?

• A. Tone is the length of the narrative.
• B. Tone is the audience's reaction.
• C. Tone is the author's attitude; word choice shapes mood.
• D. Tone is the plot progression.

Answer: (C)

Tone in writing is the author's attitude toward the subject or toward the audience, and it’s shown through word choice, details, and sentence style. That attitude shapes the mood or emotional atmosphere the reader experiences. So the statement that defines tone best is that tone is the author's attitude and that word choice helps shape mood. The other descriptions miss what tone is: length is about how long the piece is, not the writer’s stance; the audience’s reaction is about how readers respond, not the writer’s attitude; and plot progression is about what happens in the story, not how it’s told. For example, a playful, ironic tone comes from light, witty word choice and a casual style, which in turn creates a humorous, ironic mood.