Question

to maintain a formal tone and style in an argumentative essay, a writer should replace

precise wording.
rhetorical devices.
long, flowing sentences.
overly charged language.

Explanation:

Define formal tone requirements

Using the Formal Register and Academic Tone knowledge points
An argumentative essay requires an objective, logical, and professional voice to establish credibility. This means avoiding emotional bias, slang, and highly subjective phrasing.

Analyze the given options

• precise wording: Precise vocabulary enhances clarity and professionalism. A writer should keep, not replace, precise wording.
• rhetorical devices: Devices like parallel structure or rhetorical questions can strengthen an argument when used appropriately. They do not inherently violate a formal tone.
• long, flowing sentences: Sentence variety, including longer complex sentences, is standard in academic writing as long as they are grammatically correct and clear.
• overly charged language: Highly emotional, biased, or sensationalized language undermines objectivity and professionalism. Replacing it is necessary to maintain a formal, academic tone.

Answer:

• precise wording.
• rhetorical devices.
• long, flowing sentences.
• overly charged language. (Correct answer)