Introduce readers and writers to formal and informal language with this brief presentation.

1. Formal and Informal
Language
Choosing the right kind
of language for your
purpose

2. The right kind of language….
We can choose different kinds of speech
and writing for different situations.

3. The right kind of language….
How are these two locations different? How
might you behave differently in each one?

4. Informal
An informal situation is casual and
laidback—like a playground!

5. Informal
How’s it going?
Hey!
An informal situation is casual and
laidback—like a playground!

6. Informal
We use informal language when we talk to:
-Friends
-Family members
-People our own age
-People we know well
Suppose you see a friend at
the playground. Use informal
language to show how you
would have a conversation.

7. Informal
Informal language
includes
contractions,
slang,
abbreviations, and
idioms.

8. Formal Language
A formal situation follows certain rules of
etiquette and protocol.

9. Formal Language
Good afternoon. It
is a pleasure to
see you.
A formal situation follows certain rules of
etiquette and protocol.

10. Formal Language
We use formal
language when we
talk to: don’t know
-People we
-People in positions of
authority
-People older than we are
-People we want to
impress
Suppose that you were at this formal
garden. Write a conversation that you
might have with an older couple.

11. Formal or Informal?
You are speaking with
the school principal
about an upcoming
Student Council event.
You should use formal language for this occasion.
Be polite and respectful. Speak in complete
sentences and avoid slang.

12. Formal or Informal?
At the playground, you
see a friend who used to
be in your class.
You may use informal language for this occasion.
What might you say?

13. Formal or Informal?
You are on a field trip to
a museum. You want to
ask the tour guide a
question.
You should choose formal language for this
occasion. The tour guide is older than you are and in
a position of authority.

14. Formal or Informal?
You are camping with
your family and friends.
You may use informal language for this occasion.
What might you say?

15. Formal and Informal
Language
What have you learned
about formal and
informal language?