The author's tone in the passage can best be described as:

Question

The author's tone in the passage can best be described as:

1. A. Nostalgic and sentimental
2. B. Analytical and cautionary (Correct answer)
3. C. Indifferent and neutral
4. D. Optimistic and celebratory

Correct Answer

Option B — Analytical and cautionary

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Analytical and cautionary.

Key Points

• The passage examines mechanisms and cites evidence (*studies have correlated…*), which is analytical.
• It also warns — *a silent epidemic*, *insidious threats*, *premature mortality* — which is cautionary.
• Both halves of the option are therefore supported.

Additional Information

• Option A (nostalgic and sentimental) fails: the passage looks forward to redesigned workplaces, not back to a lost past.
• Option C (indifferent and neutral) cannot fit a text that calls for a reorientation of values.
• Option D (optimistic and celebratory) is contradicted by the language of epidemic and mortality.
• Note that the closely related passage on misinformation (Q100) carries the same *analytical and cautionary* tone — a common pairing in expository writing that diagnoses a problem and urges action.

*Ministry of Papers worked solution. The Commission has not yet published the official key for this paper; this answer will be reconciled with it on release.*