FORMAL vs. INFORMAL Language
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Consider this...
If you were writing an email or a letter to a potential employer, which sentence would you more likely use as your opening sentence?
SENTENCE A:
I am writing to inquire about the employment opportunity you recently posted on your website.
SENTENCE B:
A couple of days ago I saw your ad on your website and wanted to ask you if I could find out more about it.
Explain why you chose the sentence you did. Which words in particular helped you make your choice?
SENTENCE A:
I am writing to inquire about the employment opportunity you recently posted on your website.
SENTENCE B:
A couple of days ago I saw your ad on your website and wanted to ask you if I could find out more about it.
Explain why you chose the sentence you did. Which words in particular helped you make your choice?
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Let's make sure we understand. Print out the Formal vs. Informal Note-Taking Guide and use it to take notes on the presentation below. Then turn it over, study the examples, and try changing some informal writing to formal yourself.
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Test yourself...
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Now that you understand what formal language is and when to use it, the real work begins...
Take out your current essay and rewrite any informal language into formal language instead. You will be improving your writing, as well as becoming a more mature and appropriate writer!
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