What tone does Leopold use in The Land Ethic?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks about the tone Leopold uses in The Land Ethic.
First, observe that the list of answer options is not provided in the prompt, so we cannot analyze specific alternatives. Nevertheless, the supplied correct answer indicates the tone is "Formal and persuasive." 
Reasoning for why this would be correct: Leopold, in The Land Ethic, writes in a scholastic, measured register appropriate to academic and ethical discourse. His arguments are structured, with careful definitions of terms like 'ecology' and 'biotic community,' and he builds a normative case for extending ethical consideration to the land. This combination—formality in diction and a persuasive aim to influence readers' values and actions—fits the characterization of a formal and persuasive tone. 
If hypothetical options were present, here is how they would typically diverge:
- If an option claimed a casual or conversational tone, that would be inconsistent with Leopold’s measured, academic style, which relies on precise terms and logical argumentation.
- If an option described a sensational or propagandistic tone, that would misrepresent the careful, balanced, evidence-based approach Leopold uses to motivate ethical expansion, rather than appealing to emotion or shock.
- If an option suggested a purely instrumental or utilitarian tone, it would overlook his broader ethical appeal to stewardship, value-laden language, and appeals to moral duties beyond utilitarian calculation.
- If an option claimed a purely descriptive or objective tone with no persuasive aim, it would ignore the explicit normative purpose of his essay—to convince readers to adopt a land ethic.
In sum, given the correct answer, the formal, persuasive tone aligns with Leopold’s method: steady scholarly reasoning coupled with a compelling ethical appeal to broaden the community that deserves moral consideration.

2(A) - English 11 MidTerm: MCQ

What tone does Leopold use in The Land Ethic?

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