Question

Tone and Word Choices

Grandma Kay (excerpt)
Lyle Crabtree

Emily and her younger sister, Claire, flitted about the kitchen like worker bees in a hive while Grandma Kay, the dignified queen, oversaw the operation. Preparing Sunday dinner for their entire family was no easy task, but Grandma Kay always did so much for the girls that they just couldn't say no to helping her. It was their way of showing respect for Grandma Kay, and if they had learned one thing from Grandma Kay, it was to respect their elders.

"Emily, come here, and I'll teach you to knead the dough," said Grandma Kay. Her voice somehow had the authority of an army general and the kindness of a kindergarten teacher.

Emily observed as Grandma Kay folded, pressed, and rolled the dough like a sculptor molding clay. As she watched, Emily thought about how Grandma Kay had shaped her life. Grandma Kay had taught her about honesty, fairness, trust, and hard work.

Grandma Kay paused to inspect Claire's cake batter. "It still has lumps, Claire. You can do better than that. What do I always say?" asked Grandma Kay.

"Do the best job you can, no matter what," said Claire, reciting one of Grandma Kay's favorite phrases and rolling her eyes.
Question 1
Which best describes the overall tone of the passage?
Responses
A vibrant and whimsicalvibrant and whimsical
B affectionate, but jealousaffectionate, but jealous
C soothing and lightheartedsoothing and lighthearted
D agitated and somewhat irritatedagitated and somewhat irritated
E loving and filled with admirationloving and filled with admiration
Question 2
Choose the two lines from the passage that best support your answer above.
Responses
A "You can do better than that."

Answer 1

The tone of 'Grandma Kay' is loving and filled with admiration, and is supported by descriptions of Grandma Kay's demeanor and the respect she commands from her grandchildren.

Step-by-step explanation:

The overall tone of the passage from 'Grandma Kay' by Lyle Crabtree can best be described as loving and filled with admiration (E). This tone is evident in phrases such as 'like worker bees in a hive while Grandma Kay, the dignified queen, oversaw the operation', which emphasizes the caring and esteemed position Grandma Kay holds in the family. Additionally, the description of Grandma Kay's voice 'having the authority of an army general and the kindness of a kindergarten teacher' shows a balance of respect and tenderness.

The two lines from the passage that best support this tone are:

• 'Emily, come here, and I'll teach you to knead the dough,' said Grandma Kay. Her voice somehow had the authority of an army general and the kindness of a kindergarten teacher.
• Grandma Kay had taught her about honesty, fairness, trust, and hard work.

These lines demonstrate the impact Grandma Kay has on her grandchildren's lives and the respect and love they have for her.