Question

Read this excerpt from a speech given at a campaign event:

Voters of the 29th District, I urge you to cast your vote for Harlan Hill for your next representative. Hill has a strong record in favor of immigration rights, a hike in the minimum wage, and an end to tax loopholes for the ultra-rich. His opponent, the incumbent Oliver B. Slick, has proved consistently to be on the wrong side of history on every single one of these issues. Let's send him packing on Election Day.
Which change is the best revision to reflect a formal tone for the speech's audience?
A. Change "a hike in the minimum wage" to "a raise in the minimum wage."
B. Change "tax loopholes for the ultra-rich" to "tax breaks for the very wealthy."
C. Change "Hill has a strong record" to "Harlan has a strong record."
D. Change "Let's send him packing" to "Let us send him a message."

Answer 1

The best revision to reflect a formal tone is D. Change "Let's send him packing" to "Let us send him a message"

To send him a message would give a more formal tone to the speech since sending someone packing does give the message of someone going home, but does not explicitly describe that a message is being sent, a message in favor of immigration rights, in favor of wages and against the ultra rich.