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Formal and Informal Speech
The way we speak to others depends on many
factors. You must consider: Diffe nt cultu
Differre
ent cultures
res often
often have
have
different terms
te rm s
• Who you are speaking with and how well you different or phras that are
phraseess that are
know them. used, dependding
in g on the
th conte xt.

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used, depen e context.
• Where the conversation is taking place - is it a

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formal setting or an informal setting?

In conversations, we can phrase things in a direct, active way, or in an indirect, passive way.

Active, Informal Voice

In informal situations, such as speaking with people we know well, a more relaxed and
casual speaking style is used. Slang words and abbreviations (such as 'can't' or 'I'd') are
acceptable.

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When speaking informally, we use an active voice.

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Active voice: subject - verb - object

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• Starts with the subject ('I')
• Direct
Example: I bought a chokky. • Use of slang (‘chokky’)
• Used in conversation with
friends and family

Passive, formal voice

Formal language is used for more official purposes, such as when we are speaking with
people we do not know well, or when giving a presentation at school. Slang words and
abbreviations should not be used, and correct grammar must be applied.

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When speaking formally, we use a passive voice.
Passive voice: object - verb - subject
• Starts with object
('chocolate bar')
• No slang
The chocolate bar was • Formal vocabulary
Passive, formal voice
purchased. ('purchased' instead of
'bought')
• Used in more formal,
unfamiliar settings

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Formal and Informal Speech
1. Match the sentences using an active, informal voice to those using a passive, formal
voice.
I love summer; it’s the best season. The swimming carnival is not
something she is looking forward
to.
She doesn’t want to go to the

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swimming carnival because she’s
Grocery shopping is not Mum’s
bad at swimming.

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favourite chore.

He is amazing at soccer!
Science is Carly’s preferred subject.

Carly thinks Science is better than Summer is the best season; it is

Maths. very enjoyable.

Mum says doing the grocery Soccer is a sport that he is very

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shopping is boring. good at.

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2. Read the following sentences. They are written in an active, informal voice. Rewrite the

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sentences using a passive voice so they are more suitable for a formal setting.

“I hate that movie; it’s boring.”

“I want that cake.”

“He is definitely going to win the race.”

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“She is always the first one picked for the team just because she’s the best.”

“I want a dog as they are so adorable.”

“I only like going to the movies if I can have an ice cream and popcorn.”

“Billy is going to score a goal!”

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Formal and Informal Speech - Answers
Question 1

I love summer; it’s the best season. The swimming carnival isn’t
something she is looking forward
to.
She doesn’t want to go to the
swimming carnival because she’s
Grocery shopping isn’t Mum’s
bad at swimming.
favourite chore.

He is amazing at soccer!
Science is Carly’s preferred subject.

Carly thinks Science is better than Summer is the best season; it is

Maths. very enjoyable.

Mum says doing the grocery Soccer is a sport that he’s very
shopping is boring. good at.

Question 2:
Exact answers will vary:
“I hate that movie; it’s boring.”

“The movie is not very entertaining.”

“I want that cake.”

“That cake looks delicious. May I have some?”

“He is definitely going to win the race.”

“It is expected that he will be the race winner.”

“She is always the first one picked for the team just because she’s the best.”

“The team often picks her first as she is very skilled.”

“I want a dog as they are so adorable.”

“The dog is adorable. Can I get one?”

“I only like going to the movies if I can have an ice cream and popcorn.”

“Ice cream and popcorn are the snacks I enjoy eating at the movies.”

“Billy is going to score a goal!”

“The goal is going to be scored by Billy.”

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