Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) Practice Test 2025 - Free VCLA Practice Questions and Study Guide

The choice of 'tone' is the correct answer because tone specifically refers to the author's emotional attitude or perspective regarding the subject matter of their writing. It conveys how the author feels about the content they are discussing, influencing how readers perceive the text. For instance, a tone can be serious, playful, sarcastic, or optimistic, helping to set the mood for the reader and enhancing the overall message of the writing.

In contrast, 'theme' deals with the underlying message or central idea of a piece of writing, as opposed to the emotional attitude expressed by the author. 'Style' refers to the distinctive way in which a writer expresses their thoughts, including diction, syntax, and other linguistic elements—rather than the feelings conveyed. 'Voice' involves the unique way an author communicates, often characterized by personality and character, but like style, it does not specifically address the author's emotional stance on a topic. Understanding tone is crucial for interpreting and analyzing texts as it shapes the reader's emotional experience and comprehension.