Question

Highlight words that convey the tone.

Then a strange blight crept over the area and everything began to change. Some evil spell had settled on the community: mysterious maladies swept the flocks of chickens; the cattle and sheep sickened and died. Everywhere was a shadow of death. The farmers spoke of much illness among their families. In the town the doctors had become more and more puzzled by new kinds of sickness appearing among their patients.

—Silent Spring,
Rachel Carson

Which words and phrases in the passage help create a tone of foreboding? Check all that apply.

“strange blight”
“evil spell”
“mysterious maladies”
“cattle and sheep”
“shadow of death”
“their families”

Answer 1

Checked: “strange blight,” “evil spell,” “mysterious maladies,” “shadow of death.”

These phrases use ominous, unsettling language that implies danger and doom. “cattle and sheep” and “their families” are factual details, not phrases that create foreboding.