This book is a superb all-in-one guide to success GCSE English Language and English Literature - GCSE English 2003

Formal and Informal Language
Section One — Writing Essays

In general essays, you'll get more marks if you use formal language. You have to use it if you want to get more than a D. BUT you need to know when to use informal language too.

Write in Formal Language

Using formal language means doing certain things:

You need to know how to use formal language

Formal language is vital to prove to examiners that you know about the English language.

If you have trouble, try and imagine that you're Hugh Grant writing a letter to his grandmother.

Formal and Informal Language

Only Use Informal language When It Suits The Task

1) Use formal language for all general essays. BUT — sometimes you'll be asked to write in a certain style, e.g. for a tabloid newspaper. Here you're being tested on how well you adapt your style to suit your audience — and formal language won't always be appropriate:

Q. Write an article for a tabloid OR broadsheet newspaper about government plans to impose road tolls.

2) In original writing you're expected to write in a more creative way — i.e. NOT in formal language. You'll be marked on how well you create moods and feelings with your words.

Informal language is fine — only if you use it AT THE RIGHT TIME

Be aware of what things are written in formal language, and what kinds of things are written in informal language. Think about the language for everything you read — it's great practice.