Formal and Informal Writing
The writing style plays a very important role, especially when the letter is addressed to some respected or high-value person. There are two writing styles, i.e. Formal Writing and Informal Writing, wherein a formal piece of writing is one that must be clear, properly framed and well organised. On the other hand, Informal Writing is often understood as casual writing, which uses colloquial language.
Comparison Chart
BASIS FOR COMPARISON
FORMAL WRITING
INFORMAL WRITING
Meaning
A formal writing style is one which is used for business, legal or professional purposes.
An informal writing style is used when we are writing for some personal or casual reason.
Sentences
Long and Complex Sentences
Short and Simple Sentences
Language
Formulaic
Direct
Voice
Passive Voice
Active Voice
Interjections
Not used
Used
Personal pronoun
Third person
First and second person
Tone
Professional and official
Personal and friendly
Definition of Formal Writing
A formal piece of writing is used when we do not have any idea of the person, or when we know the person but haven’t exchanged words, or we are not having familiar terms with the person who receives the letter. Here, we use formal language which indicates dignified and deferential regard for the reader. It is used when writing for academic, professional and legal purposes.
Formal Writing is a bit difficult as we have to consider some important points are to be kept in mind with respect to:
Word choice and tone should be polite.
No use of first and second person singular pronouns
Use of positive and literal language and academic vocabulary.
Avoiding repetition and over generalisation.
Use of proper spelling, grammar and punctuation
No use of contractions, cliché, colloquial diction and abbreviations
Sentences are fully elaborated and concluded.
Avoid use of jargons.
No emotional language
No statistics without proper reference.
Full of objectivity, as proper evidence, should be there to support your argument.
Definition of Informal Writing
The informal style of writing is one used for personal and casual conversation, wherein friendly and colloquial language is used. In an informal writing style, personal and emotional tone is used, and the reader is directly referred by the words ‘you’ or ‘your’. It is used when writing personal emails, text messages, and letters to friends and family etc. It is a direct form of writing which uses:
Contractions, abbreviations and short sentences are used.
Use of ordinary, short and simple sentences.
Personal and subjective
Loosely structured
Use of first and second person pronoun.
Acceptable use of slang and cliche
Imperative sentences can be used
Key Differences between Formal and Informal Writing
The differences between formal and informal writing can be drawn clearly on the following grounds:
Formal writing is that form of writing which is used for the business, legal, academic or professional purpose. On the other hand, informal writing is one which is used for personal or casual purpose.
Formal writing must use a professional tone, whereas a personal and emotional tone can be found in informal writing.
In formal writing, use of slang is not at all common, whereas we normally use slang in informal writing.
When it comes to language, we use formulaic language in formal writing, which contain a set form of words. As against, informal writing is direct.
We use passive voice in a formal piece of writing. In contrast, in an informal piece of writing, we use active voice.
In formal writing, linking words are used, instead of conjunctions which are used in case of informal writing.
In formal writing, interjections are usually avoided, and so exclamation marks are not used. Conversely, in informal writing, interjections are commonly used.
In a formal piece of writing, when we refer to audience 1st person plural or third person singular is used. On the contrary, informal piece of writing, we use 1st person singular form to refer to the audience.
Both formal and informal writing is used in our day to day life but in different situations. We just need to think about the reader and the topic of your discussion, before choosing the writing style. When the topic is quite serious and objective, the formal writing style is suitable. It is also used when the write up is addressed to some respectable person or institution.
On the other hand, informal writing is best suited when you are communicating with your family, friends and acquaintances. Further, if the matter of discussion is not very serious, then also informal writing can be used, subject to, you are comfortable with the reader, in talking informally.
First Language Vs. Second Language
First language is learned and acquired from birth
There can be two first languages
Second language is learned after a mother tongue at a later stage in life
There could be many non-native languages learned
First language is often abbreviated as L2 while second language as L2
Anyone who converses fluently and proficiently in a second language can be regarded as near-native speaker.
LANGAUGE.
ALPHABET, WORD, SENTENCE, COMPLEX SENTENCE.PERAGRAPH, ESSAYS,SHORT STORY,NOVEL.
TYPES OF ESSAYS
OPINION
DISSCUSSION
DIRECT QUESTIONS
WORD LIMIT IN IELTS
TASK 1 (Academic,Graph/GENERAL,Letter)
150 Words
TASK 2
250 Words
ESSAY
QUESTIONS TYPES.
Agree or Disagree.
INTRO----B1-----B2----Conclusion/Opinion
To what extent you agree or disagree.
INTRO----B1-----B2----Conclusion/Opinion
Advantage or/and Disadvantage
INTRO----B1-----B2----B3----Conclusion
Compare or Contrast
INTRO----B1-----B2----Conclusion/Opinion
Discuss and opine. (Some People/Other People/ Your Opinion)
INTRO----B1-----B2----B3---- Conclusion/Opinion
Positive or/and negative
INTRO----B1-----B2----B3----Conclusion
Causes/consequences/ and effects
INTRO----B1-----B2----B3----Conclusion
Problems and Solutions.
INTRO----B1-----B2----Conclusion.
EXAMPLES QUESTIONS.
Stores should sell local food products and not the imported food products. Do you agree or disagree?
People who read for pleasure have better imagination and language skills than those who prefer watching TV. To what extent do you agree?
Many parents believe that when their children read books for entertainment, they are wasting their time, and that they should read only serious, educational books. What is your opinion about this?
Some people think money is the best gift to give youngsters, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
As a country develops, people tend to buy more cars. Do the advantages for the individual outweigh the disadvantages for the environment?
Some students tend to play computer games rather than do sports. Why is this? What can be done to tackle the problem?
Individuals should improve the environment or is it the government and large companies that should take action?
Many museums and historical sites are mainly visited by tourists, but not local people. Why this is the case? What can be done to attract more local people to visit these places?
Tourism is encouraged in many countries. Does tourism brings more advantages or disadvantages to a country?
INTRODUCTION (Word Limit 30-50 words)
Maximum 3 Sentence can be written.
1 Sentence on Subject to topic
2 Sentences on Sub 2.
3 Sentence is your opinion or your stand on Topic.
BODY (Discussion Word Limit 100 Words.) Body 1-2-3 Same Format.
Main idea..................................................................................
......................................Moreover,..........................................
Second Idea............................................................ Furthermore,
.....................................................................................................
Common Example........................................................................
......................................................................................................
Conclusion (Word Limit 30-50 words)
First Sentence on body 1
Second Sentence on body 2.
Both should conclude your discussion with the best solution/opinion.
Band Descriptors.
TR - Task Achievement
Fully addresses all parts of the task,presents a fully developed position in answer to the question with relevant, fully extended and well supported ideas.
CC - Coherence and Cohesion
Uses cohesion in such a way that it attracts no attention, skilfully manages paragraphing. Sequences information and ideas logically and manages all aspects of cohesion well uses paragraphing sufficiently and appropriately.
LR - Lexical Resource
Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features; rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’
Uses a wide range of vocabulary fluently and flexibly to convey precise meanings. Skilfully uses uncommon lexical items but there may be occasional inaccuracies in word choice and collocation produces rare errors in spelling and/or word formation
GR - Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy; rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’
Uses a wide range of structures.
Basically, less grammar mistakes can score you high in this portion.
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