Concept 5

Maintain consistent viewpoint and level of formality.

Keep the same viewpoint and register throughout the passage.

Core Idea

Keep both the perspective and the formality steady. Sudden shifts in person or register can make a passage sound patched together.

Understanding

ACT may test viewpoint by slipping from one to you or from students to we without a reason. It may also mix a formal sentence with an informal phrase that does not belong.

Choose the option that preserves the passage’s original stance toward the reader and keeps the level of formality even.

Step by Step

  1. Identify the passage's viewpoint and register.
  2. Keep the revision in the same person and level of formality as the surrounding sentence.
  3. Reject choices that switch into second person or sound patched together.

Misconceptions

  • Do not switch from third person to second person without a clear reason.
  • Formal writing should stay consistent in both stance and register.
Question

Worked Example

The paragraph uses a formal third-person style. A student who revises carefully can improve your argument. Which choice best replaces the underlined text?

Select an answer to see the explanation