Scientists have studied plants in many scenarios. If you find the sweet scent of fresh-cut grass pleasant, you may want to rethink it. Scientists say blades of grass feel otherwise. In fact, they react to being wounded. Two scientists from University of Missouri have studied plants’ reactions to stress for many years. Jack C Schultz and his wife Heide Appel are considered experts on the subject. Their findings are eye-opening claims.

Question

How does the author’s inclusion of the word “wounded” impact the tone of paragraph 2 of “Tears of Grass”?
Responses

A It creates a regretful tone. It creates a regretful tone.

B It creates a shocked tone. It creates a shocked tone.

C It creates a sympathetic tone. It creates a sympathetic tone.

D It creates an amazed tone.

Answer 1

The author's inclusion of the word "wounded" impacts the tone of paragraph 2 by suggesting a level of harm or suffering experienced by the grass, which evokes a feeling of empathy or compassion for the plants. Therefore, the correct response is:

C It creates a sympathetic tone.