Question

from America First
by President Woodrow Wilson

There is a very great thrill to be had from the memories of the American Revolution, but the American Revolution was a beginning, not a consummation, and the duty laid upon us by that beginning is the duty of bringing the things then begun to a noble triumph of completion. For it seems to me that the peculiarity of patriotism in America is that it is not a mere sentiment. It is an active principle of conduct. It is something that was born into the world, not to please it but to regenerate it. It is something that was born into the world to replace systems that had preceded it and to bring men out upon a new plane of privilege. The glory of the men whose memories you honor and perpetuate is that they saw this vision, and it was a vision of the future. It was a vision of great days to come.
11
Which word best describes the style of this passage?
A.
casual
B.
descriptive
C.
argumentative
D.
formal

Answer 1

D. formal

The passage uses elevated diction, abstract ideas, and a rhetorical tone rather than casual language or simple description. While it makes an argument, its overall style is formal and ceremonial.