Understanding the difference between formal and informal language is crucial for effective communication, especially in various contexts such as academic writing, official correspondence, and casual conversations. The following set of 20 advanced questions is designed to help students prepare for the 11+ assessment tests in UK schools by distinguishing and appropriately using formal and informal language.
Sample Example
Question:
Read the following sentence, determine whether it is formal or informal, and then rewrite it in the opposite style.
Sentence:
“Hey, wanna grab some pizza after school?”
Answer:
- Original Style: Informal
- Rewritten in Formal Language: “Hello, would you like to have pizza after school?”
Explanation:
The original sentence uses informal language such as “Hey” and “wanna.” The rewritten sentence employs formal language with “Hello” and “would you like to.”
Questions
1. Identify the Style
Read the sentence below and state whether it is written in formal or informal language.
Sentence:
“I regret to inform you that your application has been declined.”
2. Rewrite in Informal Language
Rewrite the following formal sentence in an informal style.
Sentence:
“We would be grateful if you could provide the necessary documents by Friday.”
3. Rewrite in Formal Language
Rewrite the following informal sentence in a formal style.
Sentence:
“Can you send me the report by tomorrow?”
4. Choose the Correct Style
Choose whether the following situation requires formal or informal language:
Situation:
Writing a thank-you note to a family member.
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 bunch for your help!”
7. Rewrite in Informal Language
Change the formal sentence below to an informal one.
Sentence:
“I am pleased to accept your invitation.”
8. Rewrite in Formal Language
Convert the informal sentence below into a formal one.
Sentence:
“Could you let me know when you’re free?”
9. Choose the Correct Style
Decide whether the following scenario requires formal or informal language:
Scenario:
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:
Context:
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 obliged to inform you of the changes in the schedule.”
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:
Situation:
Writing a business letter to a potential employer.
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. Identify the Style
Answer:
Formal
2. Rewrite in Informal Language
Answer:
“We’d really appreciate it if you could get the documents to us by Friday.”
3. Rewrite in Formal Language
Answer:
“Could you please send me the report by tomorrow?”
4. Choose the Correct Style
Answer:
Informal
5. Fill in the Blank
Answer:
“I wish to attend the conference next week.”
6. Identify the Style
Answer:
Informal
7. Rewrite in Informal Language
Answer:
“Thanks for inviting me!”
8. Rewrite in Formal Language
Answer:
“Could you please inform me of your availability?”
9. Choose the Correct Style
Answer:
Informal
10. Fill in the Blank
Answer:
“Please attend your presence at the meeting.”
11. Identify the Style
Answer:
Informal
12. Rewrite in Informal Language
Answer:
“We need to get this done quickly.”
13. Rewrite in Formal Language
Answer:
“I apologise for the scheduling error.”
14. Choose the Correct Style
Answer:
Formal
15. Fill in the Blank
Answer:
“We need to finish the project by next Monday.”
16. Identify the Style
Answer:
Informal
17. Rewrite in Informal Language
Answer:
“I need to let you know about the schedule changes.”
18. Rewrite in Formal Language
Answer:
“Please contact me when you have the opportunity.”
19. Choose the Correct Style
Answer:
Formal
20. Fill in the Blank
Answer:
“Please review the meeting agenda before the session.”
These questions aim to enhance students’ ability to recognise and appropriately use formal and informal language in various contexts. Mastery of these skills is essential for clear and effective communication, which is a vital component of the 11+ English exam.
