Question

The overall tone of the passage can best be described as:

• A. one of absolute despondency over the manner in which the United States administration has handled the Iraq situation.
• B. one that reflects an acceptance of ground realities in situations such as the one in Iraq and encourages an admittance of mistakes as opposed to carrying on the current path with a rigid mindset.
• C. being overly critical of the United States in creating a situation from where the chances of civil war or dictatorship in Iraq far exceed those of the establishment of a peaceful democracy.
• D. one of cautious optimism about a more stable and prosperous Iraq emerging out of the current situation once the US withdraws its troops from Iraq.

Answer 1

The correct option is B one that reflects an acceptance of ground realities in situations such as the one in Iraq and encourages an admittance of mistakes as opposed to carrying on the current path with a rigid mindset.

The tone is definitely not one of hopelessness or one accusing the United States administration of ineptitude. In fact, the administration has not been mentioned in the passage. Hence, option (A) can be eliminated. While the author does talk about a Civil War or a return to a dictatorial regime as being more probable than an acceptance of democracy, the author is clearly not overly critical of the United States in this regard and mentions it only as a matter-of-fact. The author further goes on to say that 'the good options may never have existed'. Therefore, option (C) is not likely to be the best option either. Option (D) can be easily ruled out as the author does not seem optimistic about a stable and prosperous Iraq and favors the withdrawal of the United States only to avert an even bigger disaster. Option (B) is strongly supported in the opening and concluding parts of the passage. The author's understanding of the situation in Iraq shows through the entire passage, wherein he accepts that while the Iraqi people would best be left alone, even this may not lead to the establishment of a democratic regime. Hence, option (B) is the best answer.