In general, readers today have a better understanding of science than readers
in 1898. how would the tone of the passage's narrator have affected readers
in 1898 versus readers today?

Since the writer is talking more about facts, the tone of the passage would have seemed more credible for the readers in 1898 versus readers today.

Explanation:

The passage is from of the novel "The War of the Worlds" by "H. G. Wells", and the narrator seems to be well educated. The passage is not very complicated to understand and the narrator gives scientific facts on the points mentioned in the passage. He is not insulting the readers by showing his knowledge. It is not frightening either and one doesn't need to confirm about the narrator's knowledge.

So, the writing would have seemed more credible for the readers in 1898 in comparison to the readers today.

your answer is b. "with strong wording encouraging readers to take action."