What does the term "style" refer to in writing?

The term "style" in writing refers to a writer's unique way of expression. This encompasses various elements, such as word choice, sentence structure, figurative language, and overall tone, which combine to create a distinct voice. A writer's style can reflect their personality, attitude, and the emotions they wish to convey, ultimately shaping the reader's experience.

In contrast, while imagery and symbolism are important literary devices that can be part of a writer's style, they do not define it. Formatting and layout focus more on the physical presentation of the text rather than the expression itself. The factual content of writing pertains to the information presented, which, while vital, is separate from the style used to convey that information. Thus, the essence of style lies in how a writer expresses their ideas, making the correct answer the definition that best captures this concept.