The scale of formality

Chloe and Maria

the scale of formality

conventions of informal and formal writing

Start

1. Quick explanation

3. 2 tips

2. 3 rules

index

6. Sources

5. Quiz

4. Check for understanding

what is the scale of formality

The scale of formality distinguishes how formal or informal your writing style is depending on who it will be delivered to. For example, an email you write to your teacher will not have the same writing style as a message you write to your friend.

Rules

Rule #1

Rule #2: Formal and Professional writing

• NEVER use slang words or acronyms! (acronyms are shortened versions of words -> AVH instead of Alexander von Humboldt) (mostly in formal)
• Don't write in 1st (I, we, us) or 2nd person (you), instead write in the 3rd person (He, she, they, the person's name). -> Formal writing​
• Avoid vague language -> could, might, etc.
• Don't overuse short and easy sentences​ (Formal)
• Do not use contractions (don't)​

• Use complete sentences​ and correct grammar

Rule #3: Informal writing

• Similar to a normal conversation​
• Opposite of formal writing ​
• Use slang and contractions​
• First-person pronouns (I, we)​
• Short sentences ​
• Often used to message people​
• For example: writing your friend, comic book, social media posts, or a diary​

​ ​

Tips

- Genially

Tip #1: How to tell the difference between professional and formal writing

MLA Format

“Professional” means that you're acting in a business-like manner, while “formal” is used to refer to a person who is acting with the highest levels of etiquette.

Tip #2: Know your audience!

Know who your audience is. One way you can do this is by becoming a member of the audience. This means to put yourself in their position. For example, if you are writing a children's book, imagine yourself being the child. This helps you figure out in which writing style you should write.

word

Check for understanding

- Genially

Question #1

Question #2

Question #3

Question #4

Quiz Time!

Question #1

Question #2

Connect the formality to the correct rule. (One will not be used) Formal Use of contractions Professional School environment Casual Experts as audience intimate Inside jokes

Question

#3

Circle what is used to write in formal writing? Short sentences Correct grammar Abbreviations Avoid vague language

Question #4

What should you think about to help you figure out which scale of formality you should write in? _______The audience_____________

+ info

Sources

• https://youtu.be/zWyGx2-xiiQ?si=o5-BFZGWT1gh-sJa
• https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zv7fqp3/articles/z498dp3#:~:text=Examples%20of%20informal%20writing%20include,Postcards
• https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/oi/authority.20111111212622150#:~:text=Martin%20Joos%20(1907%E2%80%9378),Compare%20elaborated%20code%3B%20restricted%20code.
• https://www.outranking.io/types-of-professional-writing/

Thank you!

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• Labore et dolore magna aliqua.

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