It is representing a fact
        
             
        
        
        
Answer:
This school year was difficult for most of us. It was harder to learn online instead of being able to learn in a classroom. Having to learn everything through watching videos instead of being able to learn in person was difficult because when we learned in person, we would be forced to pay attention and actually do work so we actually learned things. This year was just us trying to submit work before the deadline not even comprehending what we learned. 
Explanation:
 
        
             
        
        
        
The tone would be determined by the kind of people the author is writing for. A story for children is going to have a different tone than a graduate thesis even if they are on the same topic.
Hope that helps.
        
             
        
        
        
To capture the audience's attention and show that he cares and is addressing his speech toward them.