How to Identify Tone and Bias in CLAT Reading Comprehension

To do well in the English language segment, one skill you need is how to identify tone and bias in CLAT Reading Comprehension. These two factors may sound different, but in practice, they often work together to display the views on the subject.

Tone and bias reflect the author’s attitude or emotion. It can be calm, critical, humorous, hopeful, or any other aspect. In CLAT RC passages, recognising the tone and bias is crucial. It gives an idea about the underlying message instead of the superficial meaning. It is important to sense the tone of the extract quickly to attempt the questions more accurately. In this article, find out what the different types of tones and biases in CLAT RC are and how to recognise them.

Also Read: Best Study Plan for CLAT 2026

Techniques for Identifying Tone and Bias in CLAT Reading Comprehension Passage

Before we dive into the techniques for identifying tone and bias of the CLAT RC passage, let us take a look at the various kinds of tones you might encounter during the exam.

Types of tones

• Sceptical - highly doubtful, dubious, questioning stance
• Introspective - self-examining, thoughtful, reflective voice
• Descriptive - presents scenes or details vividly
• Narrative - tells events in sequence, storytelling mode.
• Humorous - uses wit, light, playful tone
• Critical - indicates faults or a negative outlook
• Optimistic - gives a hopeful picture
• Pessimistic - displays a gloomy scenario
• Rambling - no proper connection between the paragraphs, no purpose or direction, wordy, confusing
• Incendiary - Likely to inflame emotions like anger, provocative, controversial, and rebellious in nature

Methods to Identify Tone and Bias in CLAT RC

You can use the methods below to identify tone and bias in CLAT RC.

• Word choices made by the writer - Circle or note emotionally charged words. The strongest adjective or adverb often highlights the tone of the passage.
• Word mapping - Scan the words or phrases used near the key part of the paragraph and try sorting them out as positive or negative, or neutral. If the majority of words or phrases reveal a single emotion, that might hint at the overall mood of the piece.
• Check for rhythm and usage of punctuation - Look for short sentences or exclamation marks. These might indicate joy, anger, hope, urgency, excitement, caution, etc.
• Use of Pronouns - If the author frequently uses “I”, that shows a personal or subjective voice. If he uses passive sentences, he might be aiming for a neutral or formal tone.
• Cues in the First or Last Paragraphs - The first or the last paragraph generally shows the main perspective of the extract. After reading the passage thoroughly, give these parts a second read, maybe to get a sense of the tone and bias.
• Watch out for specific words - Contrast connector words like however, but, although, yet, or surprisingly often disclose a sudden change in mood or opinion. These can bring out the position of the narrator of the passage.
• Comparison - Pay attention when the text compares two things. The way one idea is praised or criticised against another points out the tone of the writer.