Formal vs. Informal language

Formal vs. Informal language

Using appropriate language at the right times!

Formal and Informal:

Why do I need to know?

Through life we need to be able to change the way we interact with people, depending on the situation.

Sometimes, getting the tone wrong can cause big problems!

Multiple Choice

For example, it's your first job interview and you want to make a good impression. You need to have a FORMAL outfit. Which one do you choose?

• Tracksuit, trainers, baseball cap

• Smart black trousers, a shirt or blouse, no hat

Formal language (written and spoken)

• Full sentences

• Correct spelling, punctuation and grammar

• Respectful

• Professional

Informal language

(written and spoken)

• Shorter sentences

• More personal tone

• Uses contractions (e.g. don't, I'm)

• May use casual/slang language (*depending on the situation - this is IMPORTANT to remember)

Multiple Select

Choose the FORMAL phrases from these options

(tick ALL that apply)

• Good afternoon. I'm interested in applying for the vacancy. Please may I have an application form?

• Alright. Have you got any jobs going?

• Hello, my name is Vik, I would like to enquire about the job advertised please.

• Hey. I heard you've got jobs available. How do I apply?

Multiple Select

You walk into a fast food restaurant, attempting to get a job. What should you say to the person behind the counter?

• Whassup? You're hiring, yeah?

• Hi, my name is _____; I'm interested in applying for a job here; may I have an application form please?

Multiple Select

You want to impress the manager of a business because you'd like to work there. When shaking their hand, what would be the most appropriate thing to say?

• Hi Mrs Smith. My name is Vik; It's a pleasure to meet you.

• Hey girl, how's it going?

• Alright! I'm Vik.

• Silence. Don't say anything.

Multiple Select

The word, "hey" is informal (casual, relaxed). When we're trying to get a job, or we're in another formal environment, and we're speaking to someone, what can we say instead? (pick 3)

• Good morning

• Hello

• Alright

• What's up?

• Hi

Multiple Select

You're in an interview and the manager asks you a question, but you didn't hear him because of some noise outside. What should you say? (Choose both answers.)

• 'Wait, what? I didn't hear you.'

• 'Could you repeat that, please? I couldn't hear you.'

• 'I'm sorry; I didn't hear you. Can you repeat that, please?'

• 'Huh?'

• 'What?!'

Multiple Choice

Formal or informal:

'Hey! Whatcha doing?'

• Formal

• Informal

Multiple Choice

Formal or informal:

'Man, I'm starving. When's dinner?'

• Formal

• Informal

Multiple Choice

Choose the most formal expression to complete the sentence:

I .............. help staff to improve their level of health and fitness.

• would like

• want to

• am gonna

Multiple Choice

Which is the MOST formal phrase?

• Thanks a lot for your help.

• Thank you for your assistance.

• Thank you for your help.

Multiple Select

If you're writing a FORMAL email when applying for a job, which greeting should you start your email with? (tick 3)

• Dear Sir or Madam

• Hiya

• No greeting

• To whom it may concern

• Dear Mr Smith

Multiple Select

When ending your FORMAL email, how should you finish it? (tick 3)

• Bye

• From (your name)

• Yours sincerely

• Yours faithfully

• Kind regards

Multiple Choice

If asked to write an INFORMAL letter or email in your exam, should you use slang?

• No

• Yes

In summary

You will be expected to change the way you speak and write, depending on the situation.

FORMAL language tends to be less personal and more professional.

INFORMAL language tends to be more personal and casual. Be careful though, as slang words still may not be appropriate - you have to judge the situation.