English Language Arts
Grade 8
15 min
Which sentence is more formal?
Which sentence is more formal?
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify key characteristics that distinguish formal from informal sentences.
Analyze how specific word choices (diction) contribute to a sentence's level of formality.
Evaluate sentence structure (syntax) for its impact on the overall formality of a statement.
Determine the appropriate level of sentence formality based on an author's purpose and intended audience.
Revise informal sentences to achieve a more formal and academic tone.
Explain the relationship between an author's tone, purpose, and the formality of their sentence construction.
Ever notice how you talk differently to your principal than to your best friend? 🤔 Why do we change our words and how we put sentences together?
This lesson will teach you how to identify formal and i...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Formality (in writing)The degree to which language adheres to conventional, academic, or professional standards, often characterized by precise vocabulary, complex sentence structures, and an objective tone.Instead of 'It's a big problem,' a formal sentence might be: 'The issue presents a significant challenge.'
Informality (in writing)The use of casual, conversational language, often found in personal communication, characterized by slang, colloquialisms, contractions, and simpler sentence structures.Instead of 'The students completed the assignment,' an informal sentence might be: 'The kids got their homework done.'
Author's PurposeThe reason an author writes a particular text (e.g., to inform, persuade, entertain,...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Diction Dictates Formality
Formal sentences utilize precise, academic, and sophisticated vocabulary, actively avoiding slang, colloquialisms, contractions, and overly casual expressions.
When aiming for formality, choose words that are exact and professional. Replace common, everyday words with their more formal synonyms (e.g., 'get' with 'obtain,' 'show' with 'demonstrate'). Avoid shortened forms like 'don't' or 'it's'.
Syntax Shapes Seriousness
Formal sentences often employ complex sentence structures (e.g., compound-complex sentences, varied sentence beginnings, passive voice when appropriate) and maintain grammatical correctness, avoiding fragments or run-ons.
Formal writing tends to use longer, more i...
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Challenging
Given the informal sentence, 'The writer's awesome book gives you a glimpse into what life was like back then,' which of the following is the BEST formal revision for a literary analysis essay?
A.The author's literary work provides the reader with a window into the historical period's quotidian existence.
B.The author's acclaimed novel offers a compelling depiction of the societal norms of the era.
C.The writer's really good book shows you how people used to live.
D.The book by the writer is a great example of historical fiction that shows old-timey life.
Challenging
Consider two sentences: 1) 'Although the evidence is compelling, the conclusion remains debatable.' 2) 'The evidence is compelling; however, the conclusion remains debatable.' How does the subtle change in syntax affect the formal tone?
A.Sentence 1 is more formal because 'Although' is a more sophisticated word than 'however'.
B.Sentence 2 is more formal because using a semicolon is always more academic than using a comma.
C.Both sentences are equally formal; the syntactic choice primarily affects the rhythm and emphasis of the sentence, not the level of formality.
D.Sentence 1 is less formal because it starts with a dependent clause, which is a conversational structure.
Challenging
An author wants to persuade a city council to fund a new library. Which sentence most effectively uses formal language to build a logical, not emotional, argument?
A.Think of the children who have nowhere to go; we must build this library for their future.
B.It would be a total shame if our city fell behind others that have way better libraries.
C.Increased investment in public libraries has been correlated with higher literacy rates and improved property values, making a new facility a sound fiscal and social decision.
D.I am begging you to consider this proposal, as a new library is something I and many other citizens feel very passionately about.
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