Question

analyze style for inconsistency
concise and straightforward
how is the style of the last sentence inconsistent with the rest of the passage?
it uses imagery and sensory descriptions.
it is much more formal and complex.
it is conversational and informal.
the fm blazed from the windows. the flames flickered up and out the back, angry tongues. crowds pooled across the street as the fireghters climbed ladders and swarmed the house. it was above all a most bold and terrible sight, and those of the neighborhood could not help but speculate as to who had survived and who, most likely, had not.

Explanation:

The rest of the passage uses vivid imagery (e.g., "flames flickered", "crowds pooled", "firefighters climbed ladders") and sensory descriptions (visual of flames, crowds; action of firefighters). The last sentence ("It was above all a most bold and terrible sight, and those of the neighborhood could not help but speculate as to who had survived and who, most likely, had not.") is more formal (e.g., "above all", "speculate") and complex in structure compared to the more descriptive, action - based earlier sentences. The first option is incorrect as the last sentence doesn't use imagery/sensory like the rest. The third option is incorrect as the last sentence is not conversational/informal.

Answer:

It is much more formal and complex.