Which of the following best defines 'clarity' in writing?

Clarity in writing refers primarily to how easily a reader can understand the text. This involves various elements such as word choice, sentence structure, organization, and overall coherence. When writing is clear, the author's ideas are expressed in a straightforward manner, allowing readers to grasp the intended message without confusion.

While the other options may play a role in the overall quality of writing, they do not directly define clarity. For instance, using complex vocabulary could potentially hinder clarity if it makes the text more difficult to understand. Similarly, the clarity of the author’s argument throughout the essay is important but is more about the specific argument rather than the general concept of clarity itself. Lastly, the length of the writing does not inherently determine how clear or unclear it is; a concise piece can be very clear, while a lengthy one may be convoluted. Therefore, clarity is best defined by the ease with which a reader can comprehend the text presented.