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In the FSCE 11+ exam, you need to understand register — the level of formality in language. Being able to switch between formal and informal writing is a key skill that examiners look for. This lesson teaches you when and how to use each register effectively.
Register is the level of formality in your language. Think of it like a dress code:
Choosing the right register means matching your language to the audience (who you are writing for) and the purpose (why you are writing).
graph LR
A["VERY INFORMAL<br/>Text messages<br/>Chatting with friends"] --> B["INFORMAL<br/>Personal letters<br/>Diary entries"]
B --> C["NEUTRAL<br/>Most writing tasks<br/>School essays"]
C --> D["FORMAL<br/>Letters to adults<br/>Reports, speeches"]
D --> E["VERY FORMAL<br/>Legal documents<br/>Official contracts"]
style A fill:#FFC107
style E fill:#1565C0,color:#fff
Formal writing is used in serious, professional, or academic contexts. Here are its key features:
Informal writing is used when communicating with friends, family, or in casual contexts.
I've, don't, can't, won't, it's, they're
Loads of, sort of, kind of, a bit, stuff, cool, awesome
That was great. We had fun. Can't wait to go back!
I went to the park. You should come next time.
It was amazing! I couldn't believe it — it was the best day ever!
Know what I mean? Isn't that funny?
I love it. I think it's brilliant.
| Feature | Informal | Formal |
|---|---|---|
| Contractions | don't, can't, won't | do not, cannot, will not |
| Vocabulary | cool, loads, stuff, awesome | impressive, considerable, material, outstanding |
| Sentence length | Short and simple | Longer and more complex |
| Tone | Personal and chatty | Impersonal and professional |
| Pronouns | I, you, we | One, it, they (impersonal) |
| Greetings (letter) | Hi, Hey, Dear Sam | Dear Sir/Madam, Dear Mr Smith |
| Sign-offs (letter) | Love from, Cheers, See ya | Yours faithfully, Yours sincerely |
| Purpose | Friends, diary, messages | Business, reports, official letters |
| Informal | Neutral | Formal |
|---|---|---|
| kids | children | young people / minors |
| get | obtain | acquire |
| help | assist | facilitate |
| buy | purchase | procure |
| ask | request | enquire |
| start | begin | commence |
| end | finish | conclude |
| give | provide | furnish |
| need | require | necessitate |
| show | demonstrate | illustrate |
| think | consider | contemplate |
| go up | rise | escalate |
| fix | repair | rectify |
| loads of | many | numerous / a considerable number of |
| a bit | slightly | marginally |
| tell off | reprimand | admonish |
| got rid of | removed | eliminated |
| put up with | tolerate | endure |
| find out | discover | ascertain |
| make up | invent | fabricate |
Informal: Hi Miss, I can't come to school tomorrow cos I've got a dentist appointment. Mum said to let you know. See ya Thursday!
Formal: Dear Mrs Thompson, I am writing to inform you that I will be unable to attend school tomorrow due to a dental appointment. My mother has asked me to notify you in advance. I shall return on Thursday. Yours sincerely, James Mitchell
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