Quiz Informal/Formal register

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 5

Formal vs Informal Register

Come up with three situations in which you'd use informal language

Come up with three situations in which you'd use formal language

Part 1: Informal vs Formal

Read the phrases. Some of them are examples of formal written English and others are examples of informal written English. Indicate for each phrases whether it's 'formal' or 'informal'.

1. Noun phrases (e.g. the admission that)

1. informal
2. formal

2. subject + verb (e.g. they admitted that)

1. informal
2. formal

3. Active voice (they should make recommendations)

1. informal
2. formal

4. sophisticated verbs (e.g. to determine)

1. informal
2. formal

6. passive voice (e.g. recommendations should be made by)

1. informal
2. formal

5. phrasal verbs (e.g. to pin down)

1. informal
2. formal

8. question words (e.g. how we...)

1. informal
2. formal

9. verb + noun (e.g. to enter into negotiations)

1. informal
2. formal

10. noun phrases (e.g. the method by which we..)

1. informal
2. formal

Part  2: Appropriate register

Read the extract from a letter of complaint. Is it polite and appropriate for a formal letter of this kind or not?  

Look at the structures and vocabulary carefully. Is the sentence active or passive? Are noun phrases used?

formal writing

It has been brought to my attention that several recent deliveries have contained broken parts.

The passive and noun phrases are used in more polite, formal writing.

2. I'm not keen on the way you're dealing with our people.

1. Polite and appropriate
2. Not polite and appropriate

informal writing

 I'm not keen on the way you're dealing with our people.

Personal pronouns are not usually used in more polite, formal writing. The active voice is used in more informal writing.

3. We might as well find another supplier if things can't be sorted out.

1. Polite and appropriate
2. Not polite and appropriate

informal language

We might as well find another supplier if things can't be sorted out.

'Might as well', 'things'  and the phrasal verb 'sort out' are informal language

4. I look forward to the matter being resolved in due course.

1. Polite and appropriate
2. Not polite and appropriate

Part 3: Formal letter

Emma is going on a camping trip with her school. Here's a letter the school wrote to her parents. Read the formal letter and fill in the missing words.

formal language

The sentence is in the passive, and 'in due course' is a formal phrase meaning 'at an appropriate time' (i.e. sooner rather than later)

The annual camping trip is approaching fast. _____ you this letter with a list of what each student should bring.

1. I am sending
2. I'm sending

- _____ for both indoor and outdoor activities.

1. appropriate clothing
2. clothes and stuff

- a torch
- sensible _____

1. footwear
2. shoes

Part 4: Informal email

Emma is going on a camping trip with her school. Here's an email she wrote to her friend Rachel before the trip.

To: [e-mail]
Subject: Camping!!
_____ ______,

1. Hi Rachel
2. Dear Ms Green

I _____ wait to go on our school trip.

1. cannot
2. can't

In only two weeks we'll be camping. I was wondering what we should take. We definitely need our smartphones, lots of snacks, some speakers so we can listen to music. I also want to take my ______.

1. suitable footwear
2. cute new sandals

I will provide an updated schedule next Tuesday evening.
_____,
Ms Watson

1. Love,
2. Kind regards,
3. Bye,
4. Regards,

What else do you think we should bring? I'm so excited!
_____
Emma

1. Lots of love
2. Kind regards
3. Take care
4. Sincerely,

1. It has been brought to my attention that several recent deliveries have contained broken parts.

1. Polite and appropriate
2. Not polite and appropriate

7. abstract nouns (e.g. profitablility)

1. informal
2. formal

_____ parents,

1. Dear
2. Hi