Formal and Informal Writing Considering Your Audience

Informal essays Have more open topics; may be based more on personal opinion Can use “I” – if addressing a personal topic May be narrative in nature Narrative essays do not always have a thesis May be shorter to fit time or assignment requirements Can have a more “story-like” introduction and conclusion Still need to be organized

Formal essays Formal essays follow an established format (introduction & thesis, topic sentences, organized body paragraphs, conclusion & restated thesis) Strunk and White state that: “In formal scholarly analysis, writers should: Choose an introduction that matches the scholarly style Avoid narration and plot summary Avoid distracting introductions and conclusions Example: rhetorical questions- ‘Have you ever wondered…?’ Do not abbreviate or use contractions (example: can’t, won’t) Do not use I, We, You, Your, Our, Me, My, etc. These pronouns can be easily replaced with a more formal ‘one’ or ‘the reader’” (Chapter 2.12) Work Cited: Strunk, William, Jr. and E. B. White. The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition. Needham Heights: Allyn & Bacon, 2000.

Knowing the difference between formal and informal essays Literary scholars Strunk and White have the following truths to share: “Formal scholarly analysis is different from creative writing, informal writing, journaling, etc. Each mode of writing has its own ‘language’ and style.” (Chapter 2.12) “Skilled writers know how to switch and adapt tone and delivery to meet the requirements of a particular style.” (2.12)

RECAP: What are some of the differences between formal and informal writing? Contains a thesis Does not require a thesis Can be narrative, and does not have to follow a formal structure Follows formal structure Writer removes him-/herself from the essay (no first and second person pronouns- I, You, We, Us, Me, My, etc.) May include him-/herself in the essay using first person: I, We, Me, My, etc. May NOT use second person (you) Contains a formal voice (like a textbook) Voice varies depending on the purpose for writing and audience

So how do you know when to use formal or informal style? Ask yourself these questions: WHO IS MY AUDIENCE? WHAT IS MY PURPOSE FOR WRITING? The level of formality depends upon whom your audience is and your purpose of writing. Who are some of the audiences you might write for?

*If you are ever unsure of the formality level, Activity: What kinds of assignments/writing would fall under the following formality levels? Very Formal Formal using first person (I, Me, My) Informal *If you are ever unsure of the formality level, ASK YOUR TEACHER! Persuasive essay Autobiographical essay Narrative essay Analytical essay Personal speech Poem Research essay Journal Entry Song Informative essay Note to a friend

Let’s Practice: You will be given a card with the following information: Speaker/Writer Type of Writing Audience Purpose Based on the assignment you received, choose a level of formality and write it on the top of a piece of composition paper Formal, Formal using first person, or Informal Compose 2 paragraphs for the assignment you received. You have 7 minutes.