2. Skim the two paragraphs and answer
the questions below
1. Do the two
paragraphs discuss
the same topic?
2. What is that topic?
3. What is the
controlling idea (main
idea) about the topic?
4. How are the two
paragraphs different?
Yes they do.
Plagiarism
It (plagiarism) leads to a
variety of problems
Paragraph A is more
formal/academic
3. WHAT ARE SOME SPECIFIC
DIFFERENCES INTHE
LANGUAGE USED, IN BOTH
PARAGRAPHS?
4. • In formal writing we use
longer and more complex
sentences
• In formal writing we use
specific, technical vocabulary
“Plagiarism takes place in
universities throughout the
world and leads to a variety
of problems.”
“For instance, if plagiarism
were to be discovered in a
student’s assignment on
one occasion…”
• In informal writing we use
shorter, simpler sentences.
• In informal writing we use
general, less technical
vocabulary
“Plagiarism takes place
everywhere and makes lots
of problems.”
“For instance, if the teacher
sees plagiarism once…”
5. • In formal writing we avoid
using contractions
• In formal writing we avoid
using phrasal verbs (if
possible)
“Firstly, it is illegal...”
“…which would have
taken a lot of time and
effort to generate.”
• In informal writing we often
use contractions
• In informal writing, we often
use phrasal verbs.
“Firstly, it’s illegal...”
“…which would have
taken ages to think of.”
6. • In formal writing we
avoid using slang or
colloquial phrases.
“…which would have
taken a lot of time and
effort…”
“…make the student feel
like he or she is being
treated unfairly.”
• In informal writing
we sometimes use
slang and colloquial
phrases.
“…would have taken
ages…”
“…student would think
it’s so unfair.”
