1. Starter
Do you know the difference between formal
and informal language?
Describe this image
formally and
informally.
Learning objective: To examine the language choices made by
non-fiction writers.
2. Examples
“The Duchess of Cambridge, wearing a polka dot maternity
dress, attended the function with her husband of two years.”
FORMAL
“The Duchess of Cambridge looked lovely in a pretty dress
designed by the high street store Topshop. She attended the
event with William.”
“Kate showed off her baby bump in a spotty Topshop number
with hubby Will by her side.” INFORMAL
3. "Formal style is characterised by long and complex sentences, a
scholarly vocabulary, and a consistently serious tone. Grammatical rules
are scrupulously observed, and the subject matter is substantial. The
selection may include references to literary works or allusions to
historical and classical figures. Absent are contractions, colloquial
expressions, and an identified speaker, with
impersonal one or the reader frequently used as the subject.“
(Fred Obrecht, Minimum Essentials of English, 2nd ed. Barron's, 1999)
4. dear ?
I am writing to complain cos I think you
are always in the wrong and I am write
the things that you are doing are not
very good and not very nice so I want
you to stop doin the things that arent
very nice cos I would prefer it if you were
good instaed of bad I have told you
beore I don’t like what you are doing
and when you was here last time I wasn’t
liking what you was doing so please stop
doing it please reply to this note quicky
thanks
fred
tuesday
What’s wrong
with this
letter?
5. Using your knowledge of a
formal letter…
In your threes, write down what goes into each box
Be specific
6. Mr Fred Thomas
17 Hyacinth Way
Gillingham
Kent
ME4 22J
Mr J. Winters
19 Hyacinth Way
Gillingham
Kent
ME4 22J
Tuesday 2nd October 2007
Tuesday 17th May 2016
Dear Mr Winters
I am writing to you regarding the hedgerow that separates our two houses.
As I have mentioned before the hedgerow is mostly on my land and
therefore its maintenance should be primarily left to me. I would prefer it if
you would not cut it back so heavily as I am worried this may damage the
plant.
If you are unable to do this then I have no alternative but to seek legal action
on the matter. I have already contacted a solicitor for advice on the situation.
I find the cutting of my hedge most traumatic and cannot continue to see it
abused in this terrible manner. My wife, Elizabeth, is also caused a great
deal of distress by its being cut back so violently.
I trust that we will be able to resolve this matter and come to an amiable
conclusion.
Yours Sincerely,
Mr F. Thomas
Learning objective: To examine the language choices made
by non-fiction writers.
7. Features to think about
Have you been successful in
writing formally?
- Pronoun use (we/me/I/she)
- Language choices
- Punctuation
- Sentence length
- Technical vocabulary
- The viewpoint of the writer
