© Boardworks Ltd 2003 1 of 17 Language Matters This icon indicates that detailed teacher’s notes are available in the Notes Page. For more detailed instructions,

© Boardworks Ltd 20031 of 17

Language Matters

This icon indicates that detailed teacher’s notes are available in the Notes Page.

For more detailed instructions, see the Getting Started presentation.

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Language matters

All writing has a purpose and is written for a specific audience.

When writing anything, you need to decide what you want your reader to feel about you and about your attitudes.

Do you want the reader to laugh, take you seriously or be informed? It is important to consider this question before you begin writing.


One important factor to consider is the degree of formality you write with.

Formality calls for standard English.

The degree of formality reflects authority relationship.

Markers of politeness are used in formal situations, e.g. please, thank you.

The degree of formality must be appropriate to the task.

Degrees of formality


Read these examples of formal and informal statements.

Excuse me, could you possibly pass the

salt, please?(FORMAL)

Could you pass the salt, please?(LESS FORMAL)

Can you pass me the salt?(INFORMAL)





Authority is often reflected in the use of direct commands:

Put your hand up before

answering!

Pay attention at the back!

Sit down until the

bell goes!

Authority


However, often commands can be hidden using polite add-ons such as please or thank you. Politeness implies equality in the relationship but also that the listener will co-operate anyway.

How many times have you heard teachers or parents using polite commands such as:

Chris, would you turn around to face the front now, please?

Could you all be quiet for the register,

please?

Can you think of any other ‘polite’ commands?

Authority


Imagine that you are making the following requests.

How would you say them differently to the six different people indicated below?

1. Ask someone to speak up.

2. Ask someone to move out of the way.

3. Ask someone to lend you a pen.

Head teacher Parent Close Friend

Distant Relative

Form TeacherThe Queen



These are school rules for students and teachers.

How could they be re-written for new teachers to make them less formal?


School Rules

No running in the buildings

No smoking

You must sign out if leaving the site

Do not throw litter


Activity


Is this letter formal or informal? How can you tell?

4 Mansion Building

London N13

13 August 2003

Dear Sir/Madam

I am writing to complain about the litter in Overdale Park. Recently I have noticed it has been covered with sweet wrappers and cigarette butts. I suggest that you ban smoking and put more bins in the park.

Yours faithfully

Mrs Phillips

Address and date given

Formal greeting (not hi!)

Full, unabbreviated sentences

Formal closing (not bye!)

Full/Formal name given


Use this writing frame to write your own formal letter

The name and address

of recipient

Your address

Date

Dear Mrs Phillips

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………......

Yours sincerely

Your signature

In the body of the letter, make your point clear

and develop your ideas if

possible.


Annotate this postcard, explaining how you can tell it is informally written.

Hi Katie,

Hello!! U alrite? I’m fab. Weather here is great!!! Yesterday I went to a water pk with some mates I’ve made – it was SOOO cool! I wish I didn’t have to come home (no offence). Well I better go coz I have sunbathing to do. Luv 2 Felix (meow!) Sian xxx

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Informal writing


Write a text to a friend inviting him/her to a party at the weekend.

Remember you are limited by your number of characters you can use.

Informal writing


Formal or informal?


This is the verbal content of a fizzy drinks can. Identify the different degrees of formality and account for them:

Brand Name:

Orange Fizz Explosion

Consumer Information:

Soft Drinks Ltd

PO Box 890

London N2 6DG

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, Sugar, Fruit Juices (9% Orange), Vegetable Extracts, Colouring, Flavouring.

Activity


Design your own chocolate wrapper – back and front, including examples of both formal and informal writing.

Activity

Documents

© Boardworks Ltd 2003 1 of 17 Language Matters This icon indicates that detailed teacher’s notes are available in the Notes Page. For more detailed instructions,