What type of prompt would NOT be appropriate for students analyzing the mood of a text?

The choice indicating "What do you know about the author?" is not appropriate for analyzing the mood of a text because it shifts the focus away from the text itself and its emotional impact. When examining the mood, students should concentrate on the specific feelings elicited by the language, imagery, or tone within the text rather than the author's background or intentions.

In contrast, prompts that inquire about specific words, individual emotions, or feelings directly related to the piece encourage students to engage with the text's mood. For example, asking about a particular word helps students consider how that word contributes to the overall atmosphere, while naming the feelings they experience encourages personal connection and interpretation of the text's emotional weight. Therefore, the most effective prompts are those that lead students to analyze the text and its emotional resonance rather than diverting attention to the author’s identity or background.