Read the passage below carefully: "The recent enthusiasm surrounding artificial rainfall e… — JAMB UTME

Read the passage below carefully:

"The recent enthusiasm surrounding artificial rainfall engineering in drought-prone agrarian regions is understandable, yet dangerously premature. Optimistic state reports herald these cloud-seeding projects as triumphantly overriding nature's frugality. However, a sober analysis of hydrological data reveals erratic rainfall patterns and severe soil acidification downwind. Far from being a silver bullet for food security, such uncalibrated technocratic interventions resemble a gambler doubling down on a flawed hand. Until rigorous, long-term ecological impact assessments are established, hailing cloud-seeding as a panacea is not merely reckless—it is an abdication of scientific responsibility."

Which of the following best describes the writer's attitude towards the cloud-seeding projects?

Sceptical and cautionaryAnswer
B
Enthusiastic and celebratory
C
Indifferent and neutral
D
Hostile and vindictive

Answer

The writer's attitude towards the cloud-seeding projects is sceptical and cautionary.

The writer explicitly questions the validity of early triumphs ('dangerously premature', 'gambler doubling down on a flawed hand') and warns against reckless implementation without long-term ecological assessments. Therefore, the tone is genuinely sceptical and cautionary.

Step-by-Step Solution

Identify word choices and tone markers used by the author

Phrases like 'dangerously premature', 'reckless', 'sober analysis', and 'abdication of scientific responsibility' signal strong reservations.

Diction reveals the author's underlying perspective and emotional stance toward the subject.

Distinguish authorial perspective from reported perspectives

The text attributes 'enthusiasm' and 'optimistic state reports' to external advocates, while the author counters with 'sober analysis' of environmental risks.

Failing to separate reported views from the writer's stance leads to confusing public enthusiasm with authorial tone.

Synthesize the author's primary attitude

The author doubts the current safety of cloud-seeding (sceptical) and urges restraint until proper testing is done (cautionary).

Combines overall thesis with tone markers to determine the exact descriptive pair.

Key Concept

Identifying Writer's Tone and Attitude

Question

Answer

Step-by-Step Solution

Key Concept

Common Mistakes

Topics

More questions from this topic