What does the term "tone" refer to in a piece of writing?

The term "tone" in a piece of writing specifically refers to the author's attitude towards the subject matter or audience. This attitude can manifest through word choice, sentence structure, and the overall style of the writing. By establishing a particular tone, an author can evoke emotions, create an atmosphere, and influence how the reader interprets the work.

For example, a writing piece with a sarcastic tone may lead the reader to view the subject with irony, while a sympathetic tone may evoke feelings of compassion. The tone helps shape the reader's experience and understanding of the text.

The other choices, while relating to aspects of writing, do not define tone accurately. The overall message pertains to the main idea or theme, pacing refers to the speed at which a story unfolds, and genre categorizes the type of writing, none of which capture the nuances of the author's attitude.