The tone of the passage can best be described as:

Question

The tone of the passage can best be described as:

1. A. Analytical and cautionary (Correct answer)
2. B. Optimistic and reassuring
3. C. Humorous and satirical
4. D. Detached and indifferent

Correct Answer

Option A — Analytical and cautionary

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Analytical and cautionary.

Key Points

• The passage defines its terms, traces mechanisms and consequences, and prescribes remedies — that method is analytical.
• Its vocabulary — *profound threat*, *corrode public trust*, *particularly destabilizing*, *corrosive effects* — is a sustained warning, hence cautionary.

Additional Information

• Option B (optimistic and reassuring) fails: the passage ends on what is *necessary*, not on confidence that the problem is solved.
• Option C (humorous and satirical) is plainly inconsistent with the vocabulary.
• Option D (detached and indifferent) fails because the author argues for specific interventions.
• For tone questions, both adjectives in the chosen option must hold; discard an option the moment either half is unsupported.

*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.*