Question 32

The tone of the author's statement can best be described as disparaging.

The author expresses a clear disdain for contemporary fiction, feeling that engaging with it is a waste of intellectual effort. This negative sentiment indicates a disparaging tone towards the body of work in question.

A) ambivalent

While the author does express a complex feeling about contemporary fiction, the overall tone is not one of ambivalence. Instead, the statement conveys a strong negative judgment rather than a neutral or mixed view.

B) humorous

The author's tone does not contain elements of humor or irony; rather, it reflects frustration and disappointment. The serious nature of the critique indicates that the author is not attempting to be funny or light-hearted.

C) impersonal

The author’s statement is not impersonal as it reveals a personal sentiment regarding contemporary fiction. The emotions and judgments expressed are subjective and reflect the author's own experiences and frustrations.

D) disparaging

This option accurately captures the author's tone. The author feels that contemporary fiction is unworthy of intellectual engagement, which highlights a dismissive and critical attitude towards the literature in question.

E) distraught

Although the author expresses frustration, they do not convey feelings of profound distress or anguish, which would be implied by the term "distraught." The tone is more critical than emotionally overwhelmed.

Conclusion

The correct characterization of the author's tone as disparaging is supported by their clear critique of contemporary fiction, indicating a belief that it does not merit serious intellectual engagement. All other options fail to capture the author’s critical stance, as they either misinterpret the tone as neutral, humorous, or overly emotional.