Formal/impersonal writing

My targets:

1. I will be able to distinguish between formal and informal texts.

2. I will be able to distinguish between formal and informal spoken language.

3. I will be able to describe the language features of formal texts.

4. I will be able to plan and write a variety of formal texts.

5. I will be able to vary the way I speak in formal and informal situations.

4

Date: ………………………………………Formal and informal writing

There are two types of writing:

Example 1: This is to inform you that tomorrow will be a holiday for the school.

Example 2: Hey! Tomorrow is a holiday.

The first one is an example for formal writing while the latter is informal.

Date: ………………………………………Formal and informal language

Cut out the boxes in resource sheet 1 and discuss with your partner which are

formal and informal expressions. Match up pairs of formal and informal

expressions.

Mark your results here:1. Thanks for asking us You are advised ( )2. If you want to find out any more We’ve noticed ( )3. You need to know Love from ( )4. Those wishing to Don’t even think about ( )5. It is prohibited Thank you for your enquiry ( )6. On no account If you’d like to ( )7. Yours sincerely Further information can be obtained ( )8. It has come to our attention You are not allowed to ( )Now, encircle the expressions which are formal. Why do you think they are formal

expressions?

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Date: ………………………………………Compare the following formal and informal texts

Formal text Informal text

She has decided to accept the job. She’s decided to accept the job.

The girl whom I met in Singapore wasinterested in working in Australia.

The girl I met in Singapore wasinterested in working in Australia.

We went to Barcelona for the weekend.We have a lot of things to tell you.

Went to Barcelona for the weekend.Lots to tell you.

Try to write down the differences between formal and informal texts.

Informal text Formal text

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Using formal language doesn't mean that you have to sound boring, you can stilluse words imaginatively in formal writing. News reports use formal language, butthe words are rich and stimulating to keep the audience interested.

Date: ………………………………………Now, compare the following letters:

64 Brown Lane

Foxhole

Devon

Monday 13th June 2011

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am writing to complain about the sprouts I bought from your shop last week. When

I tried to cook them, I found they were rotten inside. I would like a full refund.

Yours sincerely,

Miss. F. Gardener.

64 Brown Lane

Foxhole

Devon

Monday 13th June 2011

Dear Natalie,

How are you? I am fine. Did you have a nice half term? I went to stay with my

grandma Josie. We had lots of fun and she taught to how to cross stitch. I am back at

school now and we are learning about the Egyptians. Dad told me today that we’re

going to Wales summer holiday.

Lots of love,

Francine

1. Which is the formal letter? [ ] Letter 1 [ ] Letter 2

2. Which of the following should NOT use formal language?

a) Advice to a close friend b) A letter to the local paper

c) A speech to teachers or parents d) A newspaper article aimed at adults

Date: ………………………………………Let’s have a look at the differences between informal and formal writing.

Informal writing Formal writing

First, second, or third person

Contractions (can’t, won’t, etc.)

Colloquial words/expressions (kids,

guy, awesome, a lot, etc.)

Clichés (by absence, etc.)

Address readers using second person

pronouns (you, your, etc.)

Imperative voice (ex. Remember)

Active voice (ex. We have noticed

that…)

Short and simple sentences

Third person (except in some letters

were first person may be used)

Write out full words (cannot, will not,

etc.)

Avoids using colloquial

words/expressions (children,

man/boy, wonderful, many, etc.)

Avoids clichés (was absent, etc.)

Avoids addressing readers using

second person pronouns (use one,

one’s, the reader, the reader’s, etc.)

Avoids imperative voice (Please refer

to…)

Passive voice (ex. It has been noticed

that….)

Longer and more complex sentences

Date: ………………………………………Official club constitutionThe club shall hereafter be known as:……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………The purpose of the club shall be to:……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Membership shall be open to:……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………The rules of the club shall be as follows:………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Official Club Membership Form

Application for membership of …………………………………………………………………………………….Name of applicant: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………Age: ………………………. Date of birth: ……………………………………… Year:…………………………….Why do you want to join …………………………………………………………………………………………….?……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Which of the following ………………………………………………………………………………………………...………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….?Tick all that apply:[ ][ ][ ]Which of the following ………………………………………………………………………………………………...………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….?Tick all that apply:[ ][ ][ ]In support of your application please state ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Signed: …………………………………………………. Date: ……………………………………………...Proposed by: ………………………………………… Membership number: ……………………..

Date: ………………………………………My Club’s Pledge

I ……………………………………………………………………………….. hereby pledge myallegiance to ……………………………………………………………………………………………………I promise to abide by the rules of the club.I promise to obey …………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………......I undertake to ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...……I also undertake ………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………………………………………………...……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...…………………………………………I promise to wear my……………………………………………………………………………………. andbring my………………………………………..……………………………………………………………………I promise never to……………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...………Signed: ………………………………………………………………………………………………...……………..This day ……………………………. the ……….…. of …………………………………………. 20 ……….

Date: ………………………………………Formal notice

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

Notice is hereby given that on the …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Any person wishing to be accepted ……………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..All applicants are required to ……………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..Members must be prepared to …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Club motto: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Date: ………………………………………Oath of allegianceAn oath of allegiance is an oath whereby a subject or citizen acknowledges a duty ofallegiance and swears loyalty to the monarch or country.The following the Oath of allegiance of India:“I, ……………………………...……………………………………………………………………………………….……….do solemnly swear that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of Indiaas by law established, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of India and fulfil myduties as a citizen of India.”The Indian National PledgeThe Indian national pledge was composed by Pydimarri Venkata Subba Rao. Writedown the Indian pledge:…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Do you know, we have a National Integration Pledge also:“I solemnly pledge to work with dedication to preserve and strengthen the freedom andintegrity of the nation. I further affirm that I shall never resort to violence and that alldifferences and disputes relating to religion, language, region or other political oreconomic grievances should be settled by peaceful and constitutional means. In theirwell being and prosperity alone lies my happiness.”

EVALUATION

Date: ………………………………………Do you remember the targets for this unit? Choose two to write about and think about

whether you have achieved them. What could you do to improve?

Target one: …………………………………………………………………………………………...

I award myself (draw the number of stars you award yourself below)

because ………………………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

In future I aim to ………………………………………………………………………………………

Target two: …………………………………………………………………………………………...

I award myself (draw the number of stars you award yourself below)

because ………………………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

In future I aim to ………………………………………………………………………………………

Fully achieved this target Partially achieved this target

More to do on this target

My comments:

Teacher’s comments: