This bright, appealing PDF writing worksheet is an excellent way to practise and revise using formal and informal language in KS2.It could be used to support pupils understanding before writing informal or formal letters in KS2.
This primary resource is divided into five sections:
- Understand
Match each word in green with the more formal alternative in blue. Write a sentence using the formal word.
- Challenge
Read the four statements a police officer said to her friend. Rewrite them as they would appear in a police report.
- Test
Tick the sentences which are written formally. Tick the sentence which is written informally. Rewrite formal sentences informally and informal sentences formally.
- Explain
Explain in your own words why a police report needs to be written in the formal manner.
- Apply
Imagine that you are a police officer. Write a short report about what is happening in the provided picture. Make sure that your first few sentences include the important details: who, what, where and when.
This challenge features activities that include SATs-style questions and opportunities for creative writing responses, with eye-catching images as prompts.
What is formal writing?
Formal writing is used in situations that are serious or involve people we don’t know well. Some spoken English can also be formal, such as a speech or a lecture.
Formal writing examples
- We went to London for the day. We have a lot of things to tell you.
- It was raining very heavily.
What is informal writing?
Informal writing is used in relaxed situations with people we know well. It is common to use informal language when we speak.
Informal writing examples
- Went to London for the day. Lots to tell you.
- It was raining cats and dogs
National Curriculum English programme of study links
Spoken Language
Pupils should be taught to select and use appropriate registers for effective communication.
Year 3/4 Writing - composition
Pupils should evaluate and edit by assessing the effectiveness of their own and others’ writing and suggesting improvements.
Year 5/6 Writing - composition
Pupils should be taught to evaluate and edit by ...distinguishing between the language of speech and writing and choosing the appropriate register.
Year 6 (Appendix 2)
The difference between structures typical of informal speech and structures for more formal speech and writing ...