Formal and Informal Style

Study the following material in order to know how to write letters.

F. Write your own answer to the question. Follow these steps to help you.

Text 1 Text 2

Text l

Explain why the writer may have chosen to use the phrase 'dubious'?

a) it means it's slightly suspicious

b) to give the impression that the research cannot be trusted

c) it refers to how the test was conducted

D. Here are some other words and expressions from the extracts. Bearing in mind the writer's style and opinion, explain why the writer may have chosen to use them.

1. long for the golden days 4. input

2. illuminate 5. decoding

3. printed panic 6. breaks down

Summary writing

E. In a paragraph of between 50 and 70 words, summarise, in your own words as far as possible, the reasons mentioned in the texts for why students find reading difficult.

1. Try to express the ideas in your own words.

2. Organise the ideas and link them appropriately to form your own paragraph.

3. Check that your paragraph is the right length. If not, expand or shorten it.

4. Edit your paragraph for any errors.

Ø WRITING: FORMAL AND INFORMAL LETTERS

Formal letters are written for a variety of reasons –e.g. to present information, to make an application, to recommend someone or something, to complain, to apologise, etc.

Informal letters are written for similar reasons but are usually written to people you know.

A letter should contain:

• An introduction in which the reason for writing is clearly stated. In formal letters, it is often necessary to state who you are.

• A main body in which the task is covered according to the instructions given. Each different issue should be discussed in a separate paragraph. You usually begin each main body paragraph with a topic sentence. Examples and/or explanations are then added in supporting sentences.

• A conclusion in which you restate the main points of the letter and/or state an opinion. For formal letters, any action you want taken should be clearly stated at the end of the letter. In informal letters, you usually end by sending your wishes and perhaps asking the other person to write back.

How formal your letter needs to be depends on the target reader and the reason for writing. It is very important to maintain the same level of formality throughout your letter (in other words, you should not mix very formal expressions with very informal ones). Study the guidelines.

Formal style includes:

• sophisticated vocabulary • impersonal tone • more frequent use of the passive voice •

•complex grammatical constructions • formal linking devices • advanced vocabulary.

Informal style includes:

• colloquial (spoken) and idiomatic English • personal tone/ direct address • less frequent use of the passive voice • less complex grammatical constructions • simple linking devices • less advanced vocabulary • contractions.

Beginnings and Endings

Дата добавления: 2014-12-23