Formal & Informal Language

You walk into a fast food restaurant, attempting to get a job. What should you say to the person behind the counter? (Listen to the audio for a hint, or you can try without it.)

• aye, yall hiring bruh?

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

• Good afternoon, sir. I have a strong interest in becoming an employee for your company. Please direct me to your job application forms.

Francisco is introducing his friend, Miranda, to his boss. Miranda is hoping to make a good impression because she wants a job. How should Miranda introduce herself, while she shakes the boss' hand? (Choose the best option.)

• Hi, Ms. Blaine; My name is Miranda. [It's a] pleasure to meet you.

• Hi; My name is Miranda. Pleasure to meet you.

• Hey girl, I'm Miranda but they call me Mimi

• Hey, Ms. Blaine; I'm Miranda; it's nice to meet you.

The word, "hey" is informal (casual, relaxed). When we're trying to get a job, and we're speaking to someone, what can we say instead? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY.

• Hello

• Hi

• What's up

• Good afternoon/Good evening

• What's gucci my bucci

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????"

Your pen fell underneath your coworker's desk. Which of the following IS NOT something you should say?

• "Could you please pass me that pen?

• "May you pass me that pen, please?"

• "Will you pass me that pen, please?"

• "May I have the pen that fell under your desk?"

Hey! Whatcha doing?

• Formal

• Informal

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

• Formal

• Informal

I am extremely hungry. At what time is dinner?

• Formal

• Informal

Choose the most formal expression to complete the sentence:

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

• would like to

• want to

• am gonna

Which expression is more formal than the others?

• Thanks a lot for your help.

• Thank you for your assistance.

• Thank you for your help.