Question

Read the excerpt from "The Star" by H.G. Wells. Answer the question that follows.

And the streets and houses were alight in all the cities, the shipyards glared, and whatever roads led to high com
seas about the civilised lands, ships with throbbing engines, and ships with bellying sails, crowded with men and
north. For already the warning of the master mathematician had been telegraphed all over the world, and transla
Neptune, locked in a fiery embrace, were whirling headlong, ever faster and faster towards the sun. Already ever
every second its terrific velocity increased
Which word best summarizes the tone of this passage?
a. Excited
b. Indifferent
c. Optimistic
d. Panicked

Answer 1

The word that best summarizes the tone of the passage from "The Star" is 'panicked,' as the passage conveys a sense of urgency and fear with vivid descriptions of chaos and dread. The correct answer is option d.

Step-by-step explanation:

The word that best summarizes the tone of the passage from "The Star" by H.G. Wells is panicked. This determination is made by analyzing the language and imagery used throughout, which suggests a sense of urgency and fear. The passage details how cities are alight, shipyards glared, and people crowded onto ships, all actions driven by the warning telegraphed worldwide about Neptune and another body hurtling towards the sun. Such vivid descriptions evoke a feeling of chaos and dread, pointing towards a panicked mood rather than excitement, indifference, or optimism.