In the formal class essay excerpt, which next sentence best maintains the formal style?
Essay: Schools should require a short daily reading time in every grade. This practice is beneficial because it builds vocabulary and strengthens focus. While some students may prefer other activities, reading consistently helps students improve over time.
- Reading is awesome, and it is way more fun than worksheets.
- Furthermore, a daily routine can establish stronger reading habits for students who rarely read at home. (correct answer)
- I think teachers should just let us read whatever we want, because that is better.
- You should try it, and you will see it works.
Explanation: This question tests CCSS.W.6.1.d (establishing and maintaining formal style in argumentative writing appropriate for audience and purpose). Formal style uses sophisticated vocabulary, avoids contractions, employs third person or inclusive first person ("we"), maintains objective tone, uses complete and varied sentence structures, and acknowledges other perspectives respectfully. The essay establishes formal style through academic vocabulary ("beneficial," "consistently") and objective tone. The correct answer (B) maintains this formal style with "Furthermore" (sophisticated transition), third person "students," and measured tone about establishing reading habits. Options A uses casual vocabulary ("awesome," "way more fun"), C includes first person opinion ("I think") and casual phrasing ("just let us"), and D uses direct second person address ("You should try it"). Help students maintain consistency - once formal style is established, every sentence must continue that level of formality throughout the argument.