1. Formal and Informal Writing
Considering Your Audience

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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)

5. 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

6. 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?

7. *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

8. 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.