How is "tone" defined in writing?

Tone in writing is defined as the author's attitude toward the subject and audience. This concept encompasses the nuances of how the author feels about what they are writing and how those feelings are conveyed to the reader through language choices, style, and other elements of writing. Tone can vary widely, reflecting a spectrum of emotions, such as humor, seriousness, sarcasm, or bitterness, which helps to set the mood of the piece and influences how readers interpret the content.

Understanding tone is crucial because it shapes the reader's perception and engagement with the text. For example, a piece written with a sarcastic tone might lead readers to interpret the subject matter in a drastically different way compared to one written in a serious, straightforward tone.

The other options discuss aspects of writing but do not accurately define tone. The overall structure of a written work pertains to organization rather than attitude. The emotional response evoked in the reader relates to the impact of the writing rather than the author's stance. Specific grammatical choices speak to the technical aspects of writing rather than conveying the author's attitude. Thus, the correct answer captures the essence of what tone represents in written communication.