Which concept is described as keeping language formality consistent with the domain, such as in medical text?

• A. Consistency of register
• B. Lexical cohesion
• C. Substitution
• D. Ellipsis

Answer: (A)

Consistency of register, the formality level appropriate to the domain, is what this item tests. In medical writing, language should stay formal, precise, and technical throughout, using standard terms and avoiding casual phrasing. Keeping the register consistent helps readers trust the information and understand it clearly, since shifts in tone or terminology can distract or confuse and may undermine credibility, especially when discussing diagnoses, procedures, or research findings.

Lexical cohesion deals with how vocabulary connects across the text—repetition of key terms, pronouns, and related words—to create flow. Substitution and ellipsis are cohesion devices that reduce repetition by replacing words or omitting obvious elements. These aspects help with coherence and readability but do not address whether the overall formality level matches the domain, which is the focus here.