Writing samples Formal and informal style The table below shows the main differences between formal and informal language. These are not rules, but general guidelines. For example, it is not impossible to use active sentences in formal language, or relative clauses in informal language. Compare the styles of the two examples below. 1 Informal letter / email 2 Formal letter / email Dear Mrs Kelani Hi I have been given your name as the correct person to contact regarding funding for community events. I am considering the possibility of arranging a cultural weekend in the town this summer and I would like some information about whether any funding is available. We have not yet finalised the details of the event, so this is a preliminary enquiry. I’m thinking of maybe putting together a cultural weekend in the town this summer. We haven’t sorted out the details yet, but first I want to try and get some help with the money. Don’t worry, I’m not asking you for money! I’ve heard that the local government has a store of money that they sometimes give to this kind of thing, and I think you might know the name and contact details of the person I need to write to. If so, can you let me know? Thanks a lot. I’m looking forward to your answer. I can be contacted at the above address or email address. Thank you in advance for your attention. I look forward to hearing from you. All the best, Yours sincerely, Techniques for persuading One way of persuading people of your opinion is by asking rhetorical questions. These are questions that make a point and don’t expect an answer. For example: He’s one of the most successful leaders ever. Did he achieve that by accident? You just have to keep trying until you succeed. Did I ever say success would be easy? Our supporters believe we can win. Are we going to let them all down? I just want to be free to make my own decisions. Is that such a difficult idea to understand?
Table
OFTEN FOUND IN INFORMAL LANGUAGE
OFTEN FOUND IN FORMAL LANGUAGE
personal greetings, etc. <br> general, everyday words and phrases <br> short sentences joined with and, but, etc. <br> contractions (e.g. I’ve) <br> active form of verbs
impersonal forms of address <br> technical words and phrases <br> longer sentences with relative clauses <br> full verb forms (e.g. We are) <br> passive form of verbs