1. Formal vs. Informal Language
Choosing the right kind of language for your purpose

2. We choose different kinds of speech and writing for different situations.

3. Formal vs. Informal Formal language is… Proper Academic
Official, legal
Grammatically correct (apply correct language grammar rules)
“Hello, Mrs. Cadle”
“Please, may I…”
“Nice to meet you.”
Informal language is…
Every day
Casual
Relaxed
No strict rules (doesn’t matter as much about applying grammar rules)
Uses slang, contractions, idioms, and abbreviations
“Hi”
“What are ya doin’?”
“What’s new?”

4. Formal Language
Used when you want to make a good impression on people or when you are speaking or writing to someone in respected positions.
You speak in a more traditional way and use longer forms of words when you want to be formal.

5. When to Use Formal Language
Where do you use this type of language in both spoken and written form?
Make a list of places / situations with your elbow partner.

6. When to Use Formal Language
Use formal language when speaking or writing to/with:
Teachers
Principals
Counselors
Neighbors
Police and firefighters
Who else?

7. Informal Language
Used when you talk to peers or adults whom you feel close to.
You might speak in a more relaxed way, by using slang and shorter forms of words, when you want to be informal.
You should continue to be respectful when being informal.

8. When to Use Informal Language
Where do you use this type of language in both spoken and written form?
Make a list of places / situations with your elbow partner.

9. When to Use Informal Language
Use informal language when speaking or writing to/with:
Your best friend
Your sister
Your babysitter
Your cousin
Who else?

10. What is a more formal way to say the words below?Hi
Sure!
Will ya?
Ya gotta do it!
What do you want?

11. What is a more informal way to say the words below?
I would be delighted!
I certainly appreciate this.
It has been a pleasure meeting you.
Could you possibly give me a hand with this project?

12. Formal or Informal?
You call your dad at work and his boss answers the phone.
You are asking someone out on a date
You are talking to your parents at the dinner table
You are trying to convince the vice principal to change the date of the detention you were given

13. “Fast Car” Activity
Look at the lyrics for “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman. Are they formal or informal?
Let’s look at the first verse together.

14. “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman
Formal
You 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
Informal
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 my myself I got nothing to prove

15. “Fast Car” Activity
With your elbow partner, rewrite the lyrics to one verse so they are formal like the example we just looked at.

16. Homework:
Complete the Formal and Informal language page for tomorrow.

17. Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it.
- David Starr Jordan