Expository Writing Formal Voice

Voice Voice is one of the 6 traits of writing. It is composed of: Tone Purpose Connection to the audience

Tone Tone is the writers style in a piece. It can be formal, or informal.

Purpose The authors purpose is the reason (s)he wrote the text. It could be to: Persuade Inform Describe

Connection to the audience Good writers consider their audience. They ensure that the tone is appropriate for both the audience and purpose of the piece. Good writers show the reader what matters most and how (s)he thinks and feels about the topic.

Tone Formal tone is impersonal. It does not use personal pronouns such as: I, we, me, my, or our. Informal tone is personal. It uses personal pronouns such as: I, we, me, my, or our.

Informal vs. Formal So, what are the differences…? Informal language is… – every day – casual – relaxed – no strict rules (don't care much about applying grammar rules ) Formal language is… – proper – academic – official, legal – grammatically correct (apply correct language grammar & rules)

Context Where do you use these different types of language in both spoken and written language? Make a list of places / situations with your elbow partner.

#1 Informal vs. Formal Informal: May use clichés or slang Clichés – easier said than done – work like a dog – face the music Informal: The teacher said that it was better late than never. Informal: That new car of yours is sick. Formal: Avoid clichés or slang Slang – chill out – sketchy – cool – Can you think of any other slang words? Formal: The teacher said that he would accept late assignments because he wouldnt want students to miss a learning opportunity. Formal: The new car you purchased is quite impressive.

#2 Informal vs. Formal Informal: May use imprecise (vague) or informal words Imprecise: thing, stuff Informal: Mr. Miller said some things to explain why the war happened. Formal: Avoid imprecise (vague) or informal words Precise: reasons, causes, aspects, concerns Formal: The author explained some of the reasons for the start of the Balkan War.

#2 Informal vs. Formal cont. InformalFormal goodmagnificent just likefor example flunkingfailing Informal: The food at DeMilles is totally good. Formal: Can you think of a formal sentence? The cuisine at DeMilles is superb.

#3 Informal vs. Formal Informal: May use contractions, hesitation fillers or abbreviated forms. Contractions: its, theyre, cant Informal: Employees shouldnt use their cells phones too much during work hours. Formal: Avoid contractions, hesitation fillers or abbreviated forms. Formal: What is the formal way to write the previous informal sentence? Employees should not use their cells phones too much during work hours.

#3 Informal vs. Formal cont. Hesitation fillers: – well – let me think – hmm – like Informal: Well, this experience is one I will never forget. Formal: Therefore, this is an experience I will never forget.

#3 Informal vs. Formal cont. Abbreviated forms: – asap – cuz – cause – bc – btw Informal: We will get to the conference asap. Formal: We arrived at the conference as soon as we could.

Fast Car Activity Look at the lyrics for Fast Car by Tracy Chapman. Are they formal or informal? Lets look at the first verse together.

Fast Car InformalFormal You got a fast car And I want a ticket to go anywhere Maybe we make a deal Maybe together we can get somewhere Anyplace is better Starting from zero got nothing to lose Maybe we'll make something But me myself I got nothing to prove Your possess a rapid vehicle I desire a ticket to travel to any destination Perhaps an agreement can be reached Perhaps traveling together is an option Many locations are preferable Insignificant beginnings risk minor losses Perhaps we will create a profit However I have naught to establish

Fast Car Activity Look at the lyrics for Fast Car by Tracy Chapman. Are they formal or informal? Lets look at the first verse together. With your elbow partner, rewrite the lyrics to one verse so they are formal.

Tone FormalInformal To distinguishTo tell the difference To considerTo think about We willWell FirstlyTo start with Secondly/besides/furthermoreAnother thing/ not only that LastlyThe most important thing is However/ on the other handBut/though Thus/ consequentlySo ManyLots of/ tons of/ loads of