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Situational Writing
Quick questions on Tone and register: N(A)-Level Situational Writing
3short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is formal register?Show answer
Use a formal register for readers in authority or people you do not know: a principal, a manager, an editor, an official. Formal writing uses full forms (do not, not don't), avoids slang, uses polite phrases ("I am writing to", "I would be grateful if"), and keeps a respectful, measured tone. Greetings and sign-offs are formal too ("Dear Sir or Madam", "Yours faithfully").
What is informal register?Show answer
Use an informal register for people you know well, especially friends and close family. Informal writing can use short forms (don't, can't), friendly openings ("Hi", "Hey"), everyday words, and a personal, warm tone. It can show feeling openly ("I'm so excited", "I was really upset"). The sign-off is casual too ("See you soon", "Love").
What is slang in a formal piece?Show answer
Words like "gonna", "stuff", "guys" do not belong in a letter to a principal or manager.
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