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

  1. Formal
  2. “Sorry, your application didn’t make it.”
  3. “I am unable to attend the meeting tomorrow.”
  4. Formal
  5. “wish”
  6. Informal
  7. “Thanks so much for your help.”
  8. “Could you inform me of your availability?”
  9. Informal
  10. “attend”
  11. Informal
  12. “We need to finish this task quickly.”
  13. “I apologise for the scheduling error.”
  14. Formal
  15. “finish”
  16. Informal
  17. “Thanks for inviting me!”
  18. “Please contact me when you have the opportunity.”
  19. Informal
  20. “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.