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Formal & Informal,
Slang, Do’s & Don’ts
Unit 2
Successful writing
Questions…
When would you use informal writing ?
 Who are the people you would write
informal letters to ?

When would you use formal writing ?
 Who are the people you would write
formal letters to ?

Formal vs. Informal Style
Formal:
Dear Sir,
After examining your job description, I feel I am
an excellent candidate. I have many years of
experience performing these specific duties. My
résumé is attached. Please read it over at your
convenience and contact me if you have questions.
Sincerely,
Andrew Meyer
Informal:
Hey, Sara! What's going on tonight? Call me before
you guys leave, okay?
--Beth
Questions…

What are the difference in formal and
informal writing ?
Name words that are formal then say the
informal word.
Ex: Hello - Hi & concur – agree
& Good Bye – bye & do over - revise

Formal vs. Informal pg 16-17
These are the two major categories of style.
Formal

Organization of text: very
structured; perhaps
with subtopics
Organization of text – more
so narrative or note-like
Audience – business and
professional
Audience – usually personal
Sentences: structure
varies
Sentences – don’t vary as
much in structure; mostly
simple or compound
sentences
Vocabulary: high-level;
business-like
Informal
Vocabulary – low-level;
perhaps slang; dialogue
remember: Organization of Text
Writing is organized in various ways,
depending upon the author’s purpose: to
inform, to entertain, to express a belief or
opinion, to persuade, business, social,
professional, etc...
(Remember these?)
Choosing the right words are important !
Slang Words pg 17-19
Slang is an informal way of writing and
speaking. Usage of slang is when writing
to friends or relative or people you know
well.
 Professional writers use it for a colorful
twist to make a story interesting or for
charactors to seem realistic.
 DO NOT use slang in Professional Writing
or in Business.

Questions…
Can you name some slang words ?
 How many slang words or phrases do you
know ?
 Are slangs fun ?
 Are slang words confusing ?
 Why ?

Questions… Chinglish
What is Chinglish to you ?
 Why is the such a thing as chinglish ?
 Do all languages have something like
chinglish ?
 How can you avoid chinglish ?

Chinglish
Avoid literal translations.
In any language, you can not translate thing
directly. Meaning you can not word for
word translate the meaning of each word.
You must translate a phrase, not words.
The words will help you to understand, most
times, but you must say what the meaning
is of what you want to say.

Questions…

What are common mistakes when writing ?
Repetition of meaning
Chinese language it is common to repeat.
 In Eglish writing, Do NOT repeat the mean
over and over again.
 New writers, as well as, Chinese students
tend to repeat meanings.
 Good writers will make the point/meaning
and move on to the next point.

Homework
Review Units 3 and Unit 4
 Fill in all exercises you are able.
TRY to do the exercises, using pencil even if
you do not fully understand.
See how much you do know !!!
