The landscape and the girl are presented using adjectives with favourable associations. The tone is therefore clearly positive – the only adjective with unpleasant undertones (arrogant) is preceded by a negative (not).
Adjectives with positive connotations are printed in red and adjectives with neutral connotations in green.
Overhead, the lustrous sun shone on the lane decorating it with vivid colours and casting a luminous light over the budding hedgerows. Rustling in the pleasant breeze, fresh yellow-green leaves and delicate flowers seemed to mark the arrival of a balmy summer. Although the distant landscape had almost disappeared in the blue haze, a gentle brightness bathed the hills in a glorious halo. Sparkling water trickled down from the purple mountains to a clear pool, bringing vibrant life to the lowlands.
Sitting in the tender warmth of the sun, a young woman spread out a picnic. She seemed content in the spot she had chosen – there was certainly no doubt that the day was perfect and the view very fine. Lying back with closed eyes, this lone figure in the landscape seemed comfortable. Her face suggested she was self-sufficient, confident but not arrogant. As she lay there, birds swooped in the tantalising air-currents and the hardworking ants feasted on crumbs.
Changing the tone
Now re-write this passage replacing all the positive adjectives with adjectives that will dramatically change the mood of this scene. You will need to aim for adjectives with negative connotations to create a gloomy and colourless tone.
When you have finished, compare your version with mine.
Sara Thorne English Language 