Question

Passage 1:Everywhere was a shadow of death. The farmers spoke of much illness among their families.

—Silent Spring,
Rachel Carson

passage 2:
It turns out that being dark part of the time is a good idea for animals, and for ourselves. That’s the way it’s supposed to be.

—"A Case for Waawaatesi,"
Winona LaDuke

Which is the best comparison of the tone in these passages?

Both passages have an alarmed, frightened tone.
Both passages have an informed tone, but the second is more somber.
The first passage has a horrified tone, while the second passage has a reassured tone.
The first passage has a curious tone, while the second passage has a humorous tone.

Answer 1

The best choice is:
The first passage has a horrified tone, while the second passage has a reassured tone.

Justification: Carson’s lines convey fear and alarm about illness and death; LaDuke’s lines are calm and comforting, presenting darkness as natural and beneficial.