California Teacher Credentialing Examination (CSET) Practice Test

The tone of a piece of writing is best described as the intonation that expresses the author’s attitude towards the subject matter or the audience. It encompasses the nuances in the author's choice of words, the style of writing, and the underlying emotions conveyed through those choices. The tone can range from formal, informal, optimistic, cynical, and more, influencing how the reader perceives the message. This aspect of tone helps to create a connection between the author and the reader, guiding their emotional response and interpretation of the writing.

In other contexts, while figurative language can contribute to tone, it does not define it. The emotional mood experienced by the reader refers more to the atmosphere or feelings evoked rather than the author’s stance. Additionally, the targeted audience can influence the tone but is not a direct definition of it. Thus, the specificity of tone as an expression of the author's attitude makes it the correct choice.