Which line demonstrates formal diction for a scholarly audience?

• A. We should look into this more.
• B. This study demonstrates clear results.
• C. The results are pretty good.
• D. One must consider the implications and methodological rigor.

Answer: (D)

Formal diction in scholarly writing uses precise, elevated language and a measured, evidence-focused stance. The line that best fits this is the one that says you must consider the implications and methodological rigor. It uses a formal construction—“One must consider” instead of a casual “We should”—and it pairs technical terms like “implications” and “methodological rigor,” signaling an academic audience. This choice projects careful analysis and critical thinking about how results are interpreted and how the study was conducted, rather than making a casual or overly subjective claim.

The other lines lean toward everyday or subjective language. For example, a casual suggestion like “We should look into this more” lacks the formal tone; “This study demonstrates clear results” is straightforward but not as elevated in register; and “The results are pretty good” uses informal wording (“pretty”) and a hedged, vague assessment.