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E GOAL Compare Formal and Informal Communication
Communication
A How often do you use each of the following? Every day, sometimes, or never?
email letter phone call social media text message
B Which types of communication in A would you use in each situation? Fill in the Me column.
| You want to... | Me | My partner |
| 1. send a photo to your grandparents. | ||
| 2. apply for a scholarship. | ||
| 3. keep in touch with friends from Brazil. | ||
| 4. cond an accignmont to your teacher. | ||
| 5. invite a friend out tonight. |
C Compare your answers in pairs. Fill in the information for your partner. Give reasons for your answers.
Writing
D Read the information below. Then discuss in pairs if you would use formal or informal writing for each situation in B.
| WRITING SKILLS: Formal and Informal Writing |
| Letters and emails are classified into 2 styles: formal and informal. The tone of your letter or email depends on who you are writing to and how well you know them. |
| Formal Writing | Informal Writing | |
| When to use | - writing to people we don't know (e.g., an employer) - in business and professional situations | - writing to people we know well (e.g., our friends, our family members) - in personal situations |
| How to write | - using full sentences and special expressions Dear Mr. Smith, I am writing to apply for the scholarship of..., Please see my attached high school transcription. Dear Sir/Madam, I would like to inform you that... Yours faithfully. | - using shorter sentences and contracted forms - leaving words out at times Hi! I'm having a party. Want to come? Hi guys, Let me tell you about... Love, |
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E In pairs, look at the three messages and number them from 1 to 3 (1 = most formal, 3 = least formal). Underline words and phrases that help you decide.
| Hi Chen, I'm having a party. It's my 18th birthday and my family and friends are meeting at a theme park. It'd be great to see you. The invitation is attached with the time, date, and address. Hope you can come! Best, Paula |
| Dear Miss Jones: I am writing to request information about art courses at your college. I am a student in Argentina and I would like to study art in your country. Also, could you please send me information about accommodation and prices? Best regards, Paula Fratelli |
| Hey! I'm at the theme park. Where r u? |
F Match the formal and informal expressions with similar meanings.
1. Dear Miss Jones: ___f_________________________ a. I want...
2. I would like.... _________________________________ b. I'm writing to tell you...
3. I'd like to request... ___________________________ c. See you soon.
4. Please see the attached photos. _____________ d. Thanks for the invite!
5. I am writing to inform you... _________________ e. Can I have...?
6. I look forward to seeing you. ________________ f. Hi Jill!
7. Thank you for inviting me. ___________________ g. Here are the photos.
8. Best regards, _________________________________ h. Bye for now!
✔️ GOAL CHECK
Compare Formal and Informal Communication
1. Write one of the following emails.
• Write a short formal email (60-75 words) to a travel company. You want information about their vacations next summer. Ask for information about their hotels and prices.
• Write a short informal email (60-75 words) to a friend. You plan to have a party with family and friends for your parents' wedding anniversary. Invite him or her to the party.
2. Exchange emails with a partner. How well does your partner use formal and informal language? Give feedback.
