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Formal vs Informal Writing
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Formal vs Informal Writing
Read each message. For each one, decide whether its language and style are mainly formal or informal.
Read the messages
1.Message A: Kia ora Ms Patel, I am writing to ask whether I may submit my history report on Monday rather than Friday. I have been unwell this week and have not been able to complete the final section. I understand if an extension is not possible. Thank you for considering my request. Ngā mihi, Alex.
2.Message B: Hey Liv, are we still meeting at the courts after school? I might be a bit late because the bus is doing its usual slow crawl 🙃. Save me a spot if you get there first!
3.Message C: The community centre will be closed on Thursday, 12 September, while essential electrical work is completed. All scheduled evening classes will move to the adjacent hall. We apologise for any inconvenience and thank visitors for their understanding.
4.Message D: That kapa haka practice was intense! My voice is gone, but the performance is going to be awesome. Want to grab a snack before we head home? Text me when you’re finished.
Identify and analyse style
Use evidence from the messages to support your responses.
5.Classify Messages A–D as formal or informal. Write one label for each message.
6.Choose Message A or C. Give three specific features that make its style formal.
7.Choose Message B or D. Give three specific features that make its style informal.
8.Which message would be most suitable as a model for writing to a teacher about an extension? Explain your choice using two features of the message.
9.Rewrite this sentence in a formal style: “I can’t come to class today ’cause I feel awful.”
Extension challenge
Select one situation and draft a brief formal message of two or three sentences. Include an appropriate greeting, a clear purpose and a courteous closing.
10.Choose one: ask a former teacher to provide a reference; enquire about a weekend job vacancy; explain an absence to your dean; or request details about a tertiary course. Write your message below.
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