ENG 4 Week 3

• Engels
• MBO
• Studiejaar 1

ENGLISH YEAR 1

WEEK 3

TODAY

- Theory: Informal vs formal writing

- Writing skill: deelnemen aan een eenvoudige persoonlijke chatsessie;

een korte brief of mail schrijven om informatie te krijgen;

een persoonlijke mening geven;

een afspraak maken en bevestigen.

Grammar: recap tenses 

FORMAL VS INFORMAL WRITING

Effective writing has a lot to do with not only what you write, but how you write it. The type of language you use—formal or informal—must suit your audience and setting.

If you want your message to resonate, then it wouldn’t be a good idea to use colloquialisms in formal settings. Similarly, it wouldn’t be a good idea to use rigid language when you’re writing about something light, playful, or funny.

But what exactly is the difference between formal and informal language in writing? That’s what we’ll be covering in this blog. We’re also going to give you examples of formal vs. informal writing, so you can better recognize the difference.

What differences are there between formal and informal writing?

What Is The Difference Between Formal and Informal Language?

Compared to formal language, informal language is considered more casual. Informal language also evolves much more rapidly than formal language. While new words or phrases can be introduced to informal language seemingly overnight (e.g., GOAT referring to the greatest of all time), these changes can take years in formal language (e.g., you replacing thou, thee, and thy).

But there are also more notable differences between formal and informal language.

FORMAL

INFORMAL

Unfortunately, the team could not replicate the results.

Unfortunately, the team couldn’t replicate the results.

1. Contractions

It is advised to avoid contractions (shortened versions of words) in formal language, but they’re acceptable in informal language.

FORMAL

INFORMAL

Everyone was bummed.

Everyone was disappointed.

2. Colloquial Phrases/Slang

Formal language is also marked by an absence of colloquial phrases and slang (words or phrases that are common only in everyday speech), but are typically used in informal language.

FORMAL

INFORMAL

We asked the students to fill out the questionnaire.

The students were asked to fill out the questionnaire.

3. First-Person Pronouns

Generally, first-person pronouns (like I and we) are avoided when writing with formal language. However, it’s accepted (and expected) in informal language.

FORMAL

INFORMAL

It was something the protestors could endure.

It was something the protestors could put up with.

4. Phrasal Verbs

When using formal language in your writing, it is also recommended to replace phrasal verbs (proper verbs that are followed by one or more prepositions and act as a single verb).

FORMAL

INFORMAL

They needed help while recovering from the effects of the hurricane.

They needed assistance while recovering from the outcomes of the hurricane.

5. Vocabulary Choice

Formal language tends to use longer, more complex vocabulary. Sometimes it is not recommended to use this type of vocabulary with informal language (depending on what you’re writing) because it can confuse or distract your audience.

EXERCISES

WRITING ASSIGNMENT

COMPLETE IN WORD, HAND IN THROUGH TEAMS

ERROR ANALYSIS

INFORMAL WRITING

I will hear from you.

First of all I’am so proud of you goining of to college.

The most thing i hate was geography

We don’t get many homework that is also nice.

Math’s is also a subject I don’t like

HOMEWORK

PART 2

WEEK 3

BE THE TRAINER..

1. Present simple

2. Present continuous

3. Past simple

4. Present perfect 

In groups of 4, prepare a short explanation of the grammar topics you can find on the right side. Use a poster to present your lesson to your peers. Make sure to include:

- Form (HOE?)

- Function (WANNEER)

- Examples

- Check question (OEFENING)

- 5 minutes

Present your lesson each group

Preperation 15 min.

Raadpleeg spelling & grammar: dingen doen

EXERCISES

Complete the exercises below

COUNTABLE / UNCOUNTABLE

Countable: Nouns you can count and make plural

(Chair)

Uncountable: Nouns you can't count

(Money)

Which uncountable nouns can you think of?

MUCH / MANY

Much for uncountable nouns

Example: I have got much money

Many for countable nouns

Example: She has many plants

HOT POTATOES

Game

Student 1: Identify a noun and choose a student

Student 2: make a much/many sentence with students 1 noun, come up with a new noun and choose a student

Write down what you've learned this lesson, and what you need help with