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Formal vs Informal Writing

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Formal vs Informal Writing

Formal vs Informal Writing

Formal and informal writing examples

📝 Part 1: Understanding the Differences

1. Read the definitions below and fill in the missing words:

Formal writing is __________, professional, and uses full sentences with no slang or abbreviations. It is used when writing to teachers, employers, or for __________ purposes.

Informal writing is __________, conversational, and uses abbreviations, slang, and contractions. It is used when writing to __________ or family.

2. Circle the correct audience for each writing style:

Formal writing is best for:

Your best friend

Your teacher

Your little brother

Informal writing is best for:

A job application

Your principal

Your mates

🔍 Part 2: Identifying Formal and Informal Examples

3. Read each example below and tick whether it is FORMAL or INFORMAL:

Example A: "Hey Sarah! Can't wait 2 see u at the movies tonight! 😊"

Formal

Informal

Example B: "Dear Mrs Johnson, I am writing to request an extension for my assignment due to illness."

Formal

Informal

Example C: "OMG did u see what happened at lunch?? So funny lol"

Formal

Informal

Example D: "I would like to formally apply for the position of student representative."

Formal

Informal

🎯 Part 3: Features Matching Activity

4. Match each writing feature to the correct style by drawing lines:
1. Uses "u" instead of "you"
2. Complete sentences
3. Slang words like "heaps" or "sweet"
4. Proper greetings like "Dear Sir"
5. Emojis and abbreviations
6. Professional tone
A. Formal Writing
B. Informal Writing
A. Formal Writing
B. Informal Writing
A. Formal Writing
B. Informal Writing

✏️ Part 4: Language Features

5. Check ALL the features you would find in FORMAL writing:

Full words (no abbreviations)

Text speak like "ur" and "2moro"

Polite language

Proper punctuation

Slang words

Complete sentences

6. Check ALL the features you would find in INFORMAL writing:

Contractions like "can't" and "won't"

Professional vocabulary

Casual greetings like "Hey!"

Emojis

Abbreviations like "LOL"

Conversational tone

🔄 Part 5: Rewriting Practice

7. Rewrite this INFORMAL message in a FORMAL style:

Informal: "Hey Miss! Can't come 2 class 2day coz I'm sick. Will catch up l8r!"

Formal version:

8. Rewrite this FORMAL message in an INFORMAL style:

Formal: "Dear James, I would like to invite you to attend my birthday celebration on Saturday."

Informal version:

💭 Part 6: When to Use Each Style

9. For each situation below, circle whether you should use FORMAL or INFORMAL writing:

Writing a text to your friend about weekend plans:

Formal

Informal

Emailing your teacher about missing homework:

Formal

Informal

Writing a letter to the Prime Minister:

Formal

Informal

Messaging your cousin about a family BBQ:

Formal

Informal

10. Reflection: Write one sentence about when YOU might use formal writing in your life:

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