Introduction to Formal VS Informal Messages

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vmbo t, mavo, havo, vwo
• Leerjaar 4,5

To whom do you write informal messages?

1. Your (future) boss
2. Friends
3. Family
4. People you do not know

Informal Writing 

Informal writing consists of short sentences and is used in more personal settings, such as writing a letter to a friend or writing a diary entry. It is much more relaxed than formal writing.

Formal Writing

Complex (ingewikkelder)

Longer sentences (langere zinnen)

Explain your points (uitleg, argumenten)

Formal style (formeel taalgebruik, netter)

No contractions (such as you're) (geen afkortingen)

No expressions or slang (geen uitdrukkingen of dialect)

No or hardly any emotions/feelings (niet te persoonlijk)

Diverse vocabulary usage (diverser taalgebruik)

Criteria (Cambridge)

1. Content: Checks if the student completed the assigned task as required.
2. Communicative Achievement: Assesses if the writing is suitable for the task and uses the right style and tone.
3. Organisation: Evaluates if the writing is well-structured, logical, and orderly.
4. Language: Looks at the use of vocabulary and grammar, considering both the variety and accuracy of language used.

That film was sick!

1. formal
2. informal

I regret to inform you that the swimming pool is now closed.

1. formal
2. informal

The managing director requests that everyone arrives for the meeting at 9am prompt.

1. formal
2. informal

What d’ya think?

1. formal
2. informal

We were just hanging out in the park.

1. formal
2. informal

Formal Writing

Formal writing is written for an audience you do not know on a personal level. It is often the main style in academic writing (unless otherwise noted) and is more complex than informal writing. Formal writing is serious.

Which Style is Appropriate?

Knowing the difference between formal and informal writing is only half the battle. The other important aspect is knowing which to use. On the next slides are some examples of both styles. Can you guess which one is which?

When to use

FORMAL or INFORMAL

writing?

Use Informal Writing When:

• Writing to a friend;
  
• Sharing a story or writing a personal blog;
  
• Writing creatively;
  
• Instructed to do so (if in school);
  
• Writing dialogue and conversations;
• If you are unsure of whether to use informal or formal writing, it’s generally the rule of thumb to start out writing formally. Then, when you make the connection and you see how the other side responds, you can ease up on the formality.

Use Formal Writing When:

• Writing professionally (reaching out to a client or company);
  
• Academic writings (essays, research papers, etc.);
  
• Job applications (resume writing, CVs, and cover letters);
  
• Reaching out to someone you do not know.
  

Formal

Informal

A relative

A client

Your friend from school

Your boss

How are your parents doing?

1. Formal
2. Informal

Talk to you later!

1. Formal
2. Informal

Match the sentences with formal or informal.

Hello Sabrina,

Dear Mrs Collins,

I'm writing to find out about ...

 I look forward to hearing from you.

 I apologise for not getting in contact with you ...

See you soon.

I'm not happy about ...

Sorry, I haven't written for ages, but ...

Formal 

Informal

I am writing to enquire about ...

 I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with ...

I am looking forward to your reply

1. Formal
2. Informal

We visited Paris and I loved it!

1. Formal
2. Informal

I consider myself a team player

1. Formal
2. Informal

I hope to hear from you soon.

1. Formal
2. Informal

I hope you'll feel better soon

1. Formal
2. Informal

In het kort:
Geef de belangrijkste verschillen tussen een formeel en informeel bericht.