Question

In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson talks about independence through his use of big words and fancy argument skills. First, Jefferson states his thesis, which makes it seem important that the colonists get independence. Next, Jefferson gives evidence against the king of England and how he mistreats the American colonies. Finally, Jefferson suggests that colonists should stop paying taxes and fight, which is the obvious answer to the colonists’ problems.

What is the best way for the student to revise the essay?
The student should replace familiar language with more accessible language.
The student should replace scholarly language with informal language.
The student should replace formal language with more familiar language.
The student should replace informal language with formal language.

Answer 1

The student should replace informal language with formal language.

Reason: The paragraph uses casual phrasing (“big words and fancy argument skills,” “obvious answer”) and would be improved by a more formal, academic tone and precise wording appropriate for analyzing Jefferson’s rhetoric.