What type of mood could a writer convey using words that evoke a feeling of fear?

The correct choice highlights how specific language can create a particular atmosphere in writing. By using words that evoke a feeling of fear, a writer can effectively convey a mood that is anxious and tense. This mood is characterized by feelings of unease, anticipation, and dread, which naturally arise from fear-inducing language.

When a writer describes unsettling settings, alarming events, or fearful characters, they engage readers' emotions and provoke a visceral response. The imagery and diction chosen can amplify this sense of anxiety, drawing the reader deeper into the experience.

In contrast, joyful, hopeful, and neutral moods are characterized by positive emotions and calmness, which would employ different language and thematic elements. Joyful writing tends to evoke happiness, while a hopeful outlook generates a sense of optimism. Neutral and objective writing focuses on presenting information without emotional influence, which would lack the fear-driven intensity associated with an anxious and tense mood.