Question

Read the following passage and answer the questions based on the passage: What tone does the author adopt toward the preservation of Test cricket?

Cricket, as a sport, has continually evolved in response to changing audience preferences and technological advancements. Among its many formats, Test cricket and One Day Internationals (ODIs) represent two contrasting philosophies-one rooted in endurance and strategy, the other in dynamism and entertainment. Test cricket, often regarded as the pinnacle of the sport, is a format that unfolds over five days, demanding exceptional levels of patience, technique, and mental resilience. It offers players the opportunity to exhibit classical skills and tactical acumen, where the fluctuating tempo mirrors the rhythm of real life-unpredictable, slow-burning, and layered. For purists, Test cricket is an art form, rewarding not merely flamboyance but consistency and grit. In contrast, ODIs compress the drama into a single day. With limited overs, this format prioritizes aggressive batting, innovative bowling variations, and strategic field placements. The adrenaline-infused pace of ODIs appeals to a broader demographic, especially in an era of dwindling attention spans and time constraints. For broadcasters and advertisers, the shorter format offers commercial viability, making it a lucrative spectacle. However, critics argue that the commercialization of ODIs has come at the expense of depth and nuance. In pursuit of viewership, substance often gives way to spectacle. Conversely, defenders of Test cricket lament its declining audience, attributing it to an increasingly entertainment-driven sports culture. Yet, occasional high-stakes encounters-like the Ashes or India-Australia series-still manage to ignite global interest. The ongoing debate between formats is not merely about preference, but about the identity of the sport itself. While both formats have their merits, the challenge lies in preserving the sanctity of Test cricket without undermining the accessibility of ODIs a delicate balance that cricketing authorities must negotiate in the years ahead.

• A. Indifferent
• B. Hopeful and critical
• C. Mocking and dismissive
• D. Casual and informal

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Hopeful and critical

To identify the author's tone, we look at the emotional weight, choice of words (diction), and overall perspective presented in the text regarding Test cricket's future:

1. Why it is "Critical": The author evaluates the situation with a balanced, analytical eye. They do not blindly praise the current state of cricket; instead, they point out flaws on both sides. They mention that an "increasingly entertainment-driven sports culture" is causing a "declining audience" for Test cricket, while also noting that ODIs risk losing "depth and nuance" to commercialization. This analytical approach makes the tone critical.

2. Why it is "Hopeful": Despite the decline, the author points out that high-stakes matches "still manage to ignite global interest." The passage concludes by calling the future a "delicate balance" and emphasizes the need for "preserving the sanctity of Test cricket," showing a constructive, forward-looking hope for its survival rather than giving up on it.