Formal VS Informal Messages

1 / 33
next
Slide 1: Slide
EngelsMiddelbare schoolvmbo t, mavo, havo, vwoLeerjaar 4,5

This lesson contains 33 slides, with interactive quizzes, text slides and 1 video.

time-iconLesson duration is: 30 min

Items in this lesson

Slide 1 - Slide

What do you already know about formal and informal writing?

Slide 2 - Open question

Slide 3 - Video

To whom do you write informal messages?
A
Your (future) boss
B
Friends
C
Family
D
People you do not know

Slide 4 - Quiz

Informal Writing 
Slang (dialect, streektaal)
Expressions (uitdrukkingen)
Personal tone (persoonlijk)
Simple language
, short sentences (simpel en kort)
Informal style (informele opbouw en stijl)
Contractions  are allowed
(You're, it's) (afkortingen toegestaan)
Expressing feelings (uitdrukken van jouw gevoelens en emoties)

Slide 5 - Slide

Informal Writing 
Informal writing consists of short sentences and is used in more personal settings, such as writing a letter to a friend or writing a diary entry. It is much more relaxed than formal writing.

Slide 6 - Slide

Formal Writing
Complex (ingewikkelder)
Longer sentences (langere zinnen)
Explain your points (uitleg, argumenten)

Formal style (formeel taalgebruik, netter)
No contractions (such as you're) (geen afkortingen)
No expressions or slang (geen uitdrukkingen of dialect)

No or hardly any emotions/feelings (niet te persoonlijk)
Diverse vocabulary usage (diverser taalgebruik)

Slide 7 - Slide

That film was sick!
A
formal
B
informal

Slide 8 - Quiz

I regret to inform you that the swimming pool is now closed.
A
formal
B
informal

Slide 9 - Quiz

The managing director requests that everyone arrives for the meeting at 9am prompt.
A
formal
B
informal

Slide 10 - Quiz

What d’ya think?
A
formal
B
informal

Slide 11 - Quiz

We were just hanging out in the park.
A
formal
B
informal

Slide 12 - Quiz

Formal Writing
Formal writing is written for an audience you do not know on a personal level. It is often the main style in academic writing (unless otherwise noted) and is more complex than informal writing. Formal writing is serious.

Slide 13 - Slide

Which Style is Appropriate?
Knowing the difference between formal and informal writing is only half the battle. The other important aspect is knowing which to use. On the next slides are some examples of both styles. Can you guess which one is which?

Slide 14 - Slide

When to use
FORMAL or INFORMAL
writing?

Slide 15 - Slide

Use Informal Writing When:
  • Writing to a friend;
  • Sharing a story or writing a personal blog;
  • Writing creatively;
  • Instructed to do so (if in school);
  • Writing dialogue and conversations;
  • If you are unsure of whether to use informal or formal writing, it’s generally the rule of thumb to start out writing formally. Then, when you make the connection and you see how the other side responds, you can ease up on the formality.

Slide 16 - Slide

Use Formal Writing When:
  • Writing professionally (reaching out to a client or company);
  • Academic writings (essays, research papers, etc.);
  • Job applications (resume writing, CVs, and cover letters);
  • Reaching out to someone you do not know.

Slide 17 - Slide

Formal
Informal
A relative
A client
Your friend from school
Your boss

Slide 18 - Drag question

How are your parents doing?
A
Formal
B
Informal

Slide 19 - Quiz

Talk to you later!
A
Formal
B
Informal

Slide 20 - Quiz

Match the sentences with formal or informal.
Hello Sabrina,
Dear Mrs Collins,
I'm writing to find out about ...
 I look forward to hearing from you.
 I apologise for not getting in contact with you ...
See you soon.
I'm not happy about ...
Sorry, I haven't written for ages, but ...
Formal 
Informal
I am writing to enquire about ...
 I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with ...

Slide 21 - Drag question

I am looking forward to your reply
A
Formal
B
Informal

Slide 22 - Quiz

Match the formal expressions (right) with the informal expressions (left).
Obtain
Request
Inexpensive
Children
Reside 
Contact
Finally
Inform
Live
Ask for
Get in touch
Kids
In the end
Cheap
Tell 
Get 

Slide 23 - Drag question

We visited Paris and I loved it!
A
Formal
B
Informal

Slide 24 - Quiz

Match the formal expressions (right) with the informal expressions (left).
Buy 
Try 
Take 
Family 
By accident 
Lucky 
Help
Look into
Accidentally 
Attempt 
Fortunate 
Relatives 
Assist 
Accept 
Investigate 
Purchase 

Slide 25 - Drag question

I consider myself a team player
A
Formal
B
Informal

Slide 26 - Quiz

I hope to hear from you soon.
A
Formal
B
Informal

Slide 27 - Quiz

Match the formal expressions (right) with the informal expressions (left).
Big
Better
Change 
Call of
Put off
Put forward
But  
And 
Postpone 
Superior to
Propose 
Cancel
While 
Transform
As well as
Large

Slide 28 - Drag question

I hope you'll feel better soon
A
Formal
B
Informal

Slide 29 - Quiz

Match the formal expressions (right) with the informal expressions (left).
At first
Begin
Chance 
So
Seem like
Wrong
Show
Need
Appear 
Commence 
Incorrect 
Therefore 
Demonstrate 
Opportunity 
Require 
Initially 

Slide 30 - Drag question

In het kort:
Geef de belangrijkste verschillen tussen een formeel en informeel bericht.

Slide 31 - Mind map

Slide 32 - Slide


Hi Bianca,
Hello Bianca,
Dear Bianca,


Best wishes,
Cheers,
Many thanks,
Love,

Aanhef
Afsluiting

Slide 33 - Slide