ACT RHETORIC
FORMALITY AND TONE:
Every piece of writing has its own level of formality. Some, like a text or a quick note, have almost no formal structure or rules. Some, like a legal contract or a published, academic paper, have many required formal elements and structural requirements. Good writers (and editors) can identify the level of formality required for a given type, topic, audience, and purpose. They then stay consistent to that level.
Identify which phrase in the following paragraph has a different level of formality than the rest.
Many media education researchers have pointed out the benefits of incorporating a production element into a media literacy program. In fact, the simple use of the word “literacy” alludes to both critical analysis of (“reading”) media and creative expression through (“writing”) media. However, from a practical standpoint, many of those same researchers have found that serious difficulties come with student media production. For sure, the lack of equipment, the lack of class time, poor educator training, and the possibility that students may produce school-inappropriate or offensive texts create doubts about whether or not the effort is worth the reward. Still, according to those who advocate for media education, the risks can be mitigated and solutions can be found.
ANSWER: The text is written in rather formal academic language throughout; but the slangy phrase "for sure" seems very informal by comparison. It should be replaced with more academic diction like, "certainly," or left out entirely.