Formal+Vs.+Informal+Writing

It is important for students to know when to use formal writing and when to use informal writing. Informal writing is acceptable when texting, when writing friends notes or emails, and when taking notes in class. However, formal writing should be used for just about everything else: essays, business letters, research papers, school work, etc.

An //informal writing// style shows a level of familiarity and personality that sets it apart. Meanwhile, //formal writing// most often takes place on serious topics in a direct and succinct way.


 * Effective informal, write-to-learn assignments...**


 * Are short (3-15 minutes)
 * Ask students to write a word, a sentence, question, or a paragraph or two
 * Are integrated (explicitly) into class content, objectives, and activity, and, are optimally, utilized in subsequent writing projects
 * Elicit multiple responses
 * Where appropriate, receive some content-focused (versus mechanics-focused) response
 * Aren't formally graded, but may count toward a portion of the grade
 * Examples include: journals, note-taking, reflections, summaries, freewriting, web site review, timed short responses

Each of these styles has their own merits. Their usage depends on the tone you’re trying to set. To get a better understanding of the differences between formal and informal writing, here are some things to consider:

**Informal**


 * **Colloquial** – Informal writing takes on the characteristics of a spoken conversation. Informal writing includes things like slang, figures of speech, broken syntax, etc. It also takes on a personal tone whereby you speak directly to your audience. You can use first OR third person point-of-view, and you’re likely to address the reader using second person pronouns (e.g. you, your).
 * **Simple** – Short sentences are acceptable and sometimes essential to making a point in informal writing.
 * **Contractions/Abbreviations** – Words can be simplified using contractions (e.g. you’re, couldn’t, it’s) and abbreviations (e.g. TV, photos) whenever possible.
 * **Empathy/Emotion** – The author can show empathy toward the reader regarding the complexity of a thought and help them through that complexity.

**Formal**


 * **Complex** – Longer sentences are likely to be more prevalent in formal writing. Each main point needs to be introduced, elaborated on and concluded.
 * **Objective** – State main points confidently and offer full support arguments. A formal writing style shows a limited range of emotions.
 * **Full Words** – No contractions or abbreviations to simplify words.
 * **Third Person** – Not a personal writing style, the formal writer is sort of disconnected from the topic to make observations.
 * Examples of formal writing include: essays, research papers

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