Mastering Informal Writing Conventions

Mastering Informal Writing Conventions

Learning Objective

- Understand the importance of using appropriate conventions in informal writing
- Identify commonly used conventions in informal writing

Explain to the students what they will learn by the end of the lesson.

What do you already know about informal writing conventions?

What is Informal Writing?

Informal writing is used in casual or personal settings. It is less formal and can include contractions, slang, and abbreviations.

Explain the concept of informal writing and give examples.

Conventions in Informal Writing

Conventions are rules or guidelines that are commonly used in writing. In informal writing, conventions include using contractions, abbreviations, and emoticons.

Explain the importance of using conventions in informal writing.

Contractions

Contractions are shortened forms of two words, such as 'don't' for 'do not' and 'can't' for 'cannot'.

Explain what contractions are and give examples.

Abbreviations

Abbreviations are shortened forms of words, such as 'ASAP' for 'as soon as possible' and 'LOL' for 'laugh out loud'.

Explain what abbreviations are and give examples.

Emoticons

Emoticons are symbols used to express emotions, such as :-) for a smiley face and :-( for a sad face.

Explain what emoticons are and give examples.

Practice Exercise

Rewrite the following sentence using appropriate informal writing conventions: 'I cannot wait to see you later.'

Give instructions on how to complete the exercise.

Answer Key

I can't wait to see you later.

Provide the correct answer and explain why it is appropriate.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.