In communication and literature, the phrase "strong language" often refers to which of the following?

Introduction / Context:
Words and phrases often carry special meanings when used in discussions of communication, literature, and media. The expression "strong language" appears in book reviews, film ratings, and everyday conversation. It does not simply refer to physically strong voices, but to the intensity or harshness of the words used. This question tests whether learners understand what is usually meant by "strong language" and can distinguish it from unrelated concepts such as shared knowledge, scientific jargon, or physical risk taking.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The phrase under consideration is "strong language".
- The options include ideas of strong feelings, weak feelings, common knowledge, risk taking, and technical language.
- We assume normal modern usage, such as in film ratings that warn audiences about strong language or violence.

Concept / Approach:
In communication, "strong language" generally refers to words that are intense, forceful, or harsh. This may include angry expressions, swear words, highly emotional statements, or very direct criticism. The term does not primarily describe loudness of voice, but rather the emotional power and sometimes the offensiveness of the words themselves. The approach to solving this question is to look for the option that captures the idea of strong or intense emotional content in the language, and to rule out choices that talk about weakness, common knowledge, physical risk, or technical vocabulary.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall how film and television warnings use phrases like "This programme contains strong language". This usually signals that the show includes harsh or potentially offensive words. Step 2: Examine option A, "Strong feelings or emotions often expressed in speech or writing". This option connects strong language with emotional intensity, which matches common usage. Step 3: Option B mentions "weak feelings that do not matter very much". This is the opposite of strong language and cannot be correct. Step 4: Option C refers to "shared knowledge that everyone already knows". This is related to background information or common sense, not to strong language. Step 5: Option D, "risk taking in sports and adventure games", refers to physical actions, not to the type of words used. Step 6: Option E speaks of "technical language used in scientific reports". This would better match terms like "technical jargon" or "specialised vocabulary", not "strong language". Step 7: Therefore, option A is the best description of what strong language often means in communication and literature.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, think of a sentence such as "He used very strong language to criticise the decision". Here, we understand that the person spoke with intense emotion, possibly anger, and chose words that were powerful or even offensive. The sentence does not suggest weak feelings, shared knowledge, sporting risk, or scientific jargon. Similarly, when parents warn children about films containing strong language, they mean that there are harsh words or curses. These real world examples confirm that the phrase mainly refers to emotionally intense or forceful speech.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Weak feelings: This clearly conflicts with the idea of strength and intensity in language.
Shared knowledge: This refers to what people already know together, not to how strongly they express themselves.
Risk taking: Physical bravery or risk in sports has nothing to do with the choice of words or tone in communication.
Technical language in scientific reports: Although such language can be complex, it is usually formal and neutral, not emotionally strong or harsh in the sense suggested by "strong language".

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners misinterpret "strong language" as simply language that is loud or grammatically strong, without considering emotional impact. Others may mix it up with "strong argument", which refers to logical strength rather than emotional intensity. To avoid these mistakes, focus on the context in which the phrase appears, especially in media warnings and literary criticism, where it clearly refers to emotional or offensive force in the words used.

Final Answer:
In communication and literature, "strong language" often refers to strong feelings or emotions expressed in speech or writing.