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Question

Difficulty: MediumInferring Speaker Attitude and Tone

During a municipal planning meeting, two transportation specialists evaluate the rollout of autonomous shuttle vans in the historic district.

Alicia: "The department head wants us to double the pilot fleet next month based on the first week's passenger survey ratings."
Gonzalo: "Brilliant idea, provided our autonomous shuttles learn how to navigate around double-parked delivery vans on fifteen-percent cobblestone grades without human intervention."

Which of the following best characterizes Gonzalo's attitude toward expanding the shuttle pilot program?

  1. A
    Enthusiastic and eager to accelerate the fleet expansion based on positive rider feedback
  2. Skeptical of the expansion due to unresolved operational and physical constraintsAnswer
  3. C
    Optimistic that vehicle automation will smoothly overcome urban driving challenges
  4. D
    Resentful toward Alicia for suggesting the department head's proposal

Answer

Skeptical of the expansion due to unresolved operational and physical constraints
The correct response accurately reflects Gonzalo's skepticism. Although he opens with 'Brilliant idea,' his immediate mention of formidable real-world challenges—such as narrow cobblestone streets, steep inclines, and double-parked delivery vehicles—reveals that his comment is sarcastic and that he considers expanding the program premature and unfeasible.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the literal statement versus the contextual qualification in the speaker's response
Gonzalo begins with 'Brilliant idea,' but immediately qualifies it with 'provided our autonomous shuttles learn how to navigate around double-parked delivery vans on fifteen-percent cobblestone grades without human intervention.'
Recognizing conditional clauses that follow positive remarks is essential for detecting irony.
2
Determine the rhetorical function and tone of the qualification
The listed conditions (steep cobblestone grades, blocked lanes, lack of human intervention) represent severe practical hurdles that the vehicles currently cannot handle.
Highlighting improbable conditions demonstrates that the initial praise was ironic rather than literal.
3
Synthesize the speaker's overall stance
Gonzalo expresses deep doubt and skepticism regarding the feasibility of prematurely doubling the fleet.
Matching the rhetorical intent to the correct descriptive tone category identifies the accurate response.

Key Concept

Inferring Speaker Attitude and Tone through Verbal Irony
Estimated Time:1m 15s
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Topics

Inferring Speaker Attitude and Tone

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