This set of 20 questions is designed to help students prepare for the 11+ assessment tests in UK schools by distinguishing between formal and informal language. Understanding when and how to use each style is essential for effective communication.
Sample Example
Question:
Read the following sentence and decide whether it is written in formal or informal language. Then, rewrite it in the opposite style.
Sentence: “Hey, what’s up? Wanna grab a bite later?”
Answer:
- Original Style: Informal
- Rewritten in Formal Language: “Hello, how are you? Would you like to have a meal together later?”
Questions
1. Identify the Style
Read the sentence below and state whether it is formal or informal.
Sentence: “Could you please send me the report by tomorrow?”
2. Rewrite in Informal Language
Rewrite the following formal sentence in an informal style.
Sentence: “I regret to inform you that your application has been unsuccessful.”
3. Rewrite in Formal Language
Rewrite the following informal sentence in a formal style.
Sentence: “I can’t make it to the meeting tomorrow.”
4. Choose the Correct Style
Choose whether the following situation requires formal or informal language:
Writing a letter to a potential employer.
5. Fill in the Blank
Fill in the blank with either a formal or informal word to complete the sentence appropriately.
Sentence: “I _ to attend the conference next week.”
(Options: “wanna” / “wish”)
6. Identify the Style
Determine if the following sentence is formal or informal.
Sentence: “Thanks a lot for your help!”
7. Rewrite in Informal Language
Change the formal sentence below to an informal one.
Sentence: “I would like to express my gratitude for your assistance.”
8. Rewrite in Formal Language
Convert the informal sentence below into a formal one.
Sentence: “Can you let me know when you’re free?”
9. Choose the Correct Style
Decide whether the following scenario requires formal or informal language:
Sending a text message to a friend.
10. Fill in the Blank
Complete the sentence with an appropriate formal or informal phrase.
Sentence: “Please _ your presence at the meeting.”
(Options: “show up” / “attend”)
11. Identify the Style
State whether the sentence is formal or informal.
Sentence: “I’m gonna head out now.”
12. Rewrite in Informal Language
Transform the formal sentence into an informal version.
Sentence: “It is imperative that we complete this task promptly.”
13. Rewrite in Formal Language
Change the informal sentence to a formal one.
Sentence: “Sorry, I messed up the schedule.”
14. Choose the Correct Style
Determine if the following context requires formal or informal language:
Writing an email to your teacher about a missed assignment.
15. Fill in the Blank
Fill in the blank with a formal or informal term as appropriate.
Sentence: “We need to _ the project by next Monday.”
(Options: “finish” / “wrap up”)
16. Identify the Style
Decide whether the sentence is formal or informal.
Sentence: “Let’s catch up over coffee sometime.”
17. Rewrite in Informal Language
Rewrite the formal sentence below in an informal manner.
Sentence: “I am pleased to accept your invitation.”
18. Rewrite in Formal Language
Convert the informal sentence into a formal one.
Sentence: “Hit me up when you get a chance.”
19. Choose the Correct Style
Choose whether the following situation requires formal or informal language:
Writing a thank-you note to a family member.
20. Fill in the Blank
Complete the sentence with an appropriate formal or informal expression.
Sentence: “Please _ the meeting agenda before the session.”
(Options: “review” / “look over”)
Answers
- Formal
- “Sorry, your application didn’t make it.”
- “I am unable to attend the meeting tomorrow.”
- Formal
- “wish”
- Informal
- “Thanks so much for your help.”
- “Could you inform me of your availability?”
- Informal
- “attend”
- Informal
- “We need to finish this task quickly.”
- “I apologise for the scheduling error.”
- Formal
- “finish”
- Informal
- “Thanks for inviting me!”
- “Please contact me when you have the opportunity.”
- Informal
- “review”
These questions aim to enhance students’ ability to recognise and appropriately use formal and informal language in various contexts, a crucial skill for the 11+ exam and beyond.
