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Formal vs. Non-Formal Writing

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Formal vs. Non-Formal Writing

Reading: A Formal Email

Read the email, then answer the questions. Kia ora Ms Patel, I am writing to ask whether our class may hold a book sale to raise funds for the school library. We could set up tables in the hall during lunchtime next Thursday. Students and whānau could donate books in good condition, and any money raised would be used to purchase new titles. Please let me know if you would like further information. Thank you for considering this request. Kind regards, Isla

Part A: Recognising Formal Writing

1.What is Isla asking Ms Patel to allow?

A class book sale to raise money for the library
A lunchtime sports competition
A trip to a bookshop
A new library borrowing rule

2.Select one feature that helps make Isla’s email formal.

A polite greeting
Text-message abbreviations
Slang and emojis

3.Copy one sentence from the email that shows a polite and respectful tone.

4.Which word is the most suitable formal replacement for “ask” in “I am writing to ask whether our class may hold a book sale”?

enquire
yell
grab
reckon

5.Give two ways a formal email about the book sale would differ from a quick message to a friend about it.

6.Rewrite this casual message as a formal request to a school leader: “Hey, can our class run a book sale next week? It’d be awesome for the library!”

7.Name one real-life situation in which you might use formal writing.

Reading: A Casual Group Message

Read the message, then answer the questions. Hey team! I’ve got an idea for the library—what if we run a book swap at lunchtime next Friday? Everyone could bring a book they’ve finished and trade it for another one. It’d be a fun way to find something new to read. Are you in? Message me if you want to help organise it!

Part B: Recognising Non-Formal Writing

8.What is the writer mainly doing in the group message?

Sharing an idea and inviting friends to help
Submitting a formal request to a school leader
Explaining how to catalogue books
Reporting the results of a book swap

9.Choose one detail that makes this message sound casual.

The friendly opening “Hey team!”
A formal sign-off
A full postal address

10.Copy a word or phrase from the message that sounds friendly and informal.

11.Which phrase is the most formal alternative to “Message me if you want to help organise it”?

Please contact me if you would like to help organise the event.
Give me a shout if you’re keen.
Send me a quick text if you’re up for it.
Hit me up if you want in.

12.Match each casual phrase with its more formal equivalent.

Are you in?
Message me
a fun way to find something new
Hey team!

an enjoyable way to discover a new book
Would you like to take part?
Please contact me
Dear classmates,

13.Rewrite the group message as a short, polite email to a school leader. Include the book-swap idea, when it could happen and a suitable greeting and closing.

14.In one or two sentences, explain why it is useful to choose a formal or non-formal style to suit your reader and purpose.