In revising for style, which sentence demonstrates the most effective emphasis?

The second option is the most effective in terms of emphasis because it succinctly conveys the core idea without unnecessary details. By stating "His failure to win the presidency was met by prolonged protest," this sentence directly links the failure with the reaction, allowing the reader to easily understand the cause-and-effect relationship.

The use of "failure" as the subject right at the beginning grabs attention, highlighting the significance of the event. Additionally, the words "prolonged protest" emphasize the intensity and duration of the supporters' reaction, making the statement impactful and clear. The structure is straightforward and focuses on the pivotal elements of disappointment and response, which is crucial for effective communication.

In contrast, other options contain excess verbiage or less impactful phrasing, which dilutes their emphasis on the key elements of failure and protest.