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Week 4

Formality

The level of formality you write with depends on the purpose of your writing. For example, if you are writing a letter for a job application, you would write in a formal style. If you are writing a letter to a friend, you would use a more informal style.

Formal

We use formal language when:

•Talking to someone we don’t know

•Talking to someone in a formal setting (at work)

•Non-fiction texts such as instructions, reports and explanation texts

•Writing formal letters such as persuasive letters or a letter of complaint

Informal

We use informal language when:

•Talking to a friend or relative

•Writing letters to friends and close family

•Writing emails and texts to people we know

•Informal often has contractions such as couldn’t instead of could not

•Informal writing often has informal words such as kids instead of children or cool instead of very good

Task 1: Sort these words and phrases into formal and informal.

Task 2: Identify if the sentence is formal or informal.

1) Playing too many video games should be avoided.

2) You shouldn’t speak with your mouth full.

3) I’d love to come to your birthday party.

4) It is vital you eat fruit and vegetables to maintain a healthy diet.

5) If you want to play out later, I’ll be at the park with my mates.

Task 3: Rewrite this formal letter to make it more informal.

Recently, I took the time to visit the wonderful theatre which stands in the heart of the city. I was blown away by its rich history – something I had not previously appreciated. Therefore, I was devastated when I learned of the planned changes to the building. Before now, I had always believed that you were a magnificent Lord Mayor because of the dedication you have shown for our city. This is why I have chosen to write to you in a bid to change your mind.