{"id":679,"date":"2016-08-24T09:25:18","date_gmt":"2016-08-24T16:25:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/ielts\/?p=679"},"modified":"2019-04-19T23:15:30","modified_gmt":"2019-04-20T06:15:30","slug":"formal-informal-writing-ielts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/ielts\/formal-informal-writing-ielts\/","title":{"rendered":"Formal and Informal Writing in the IELTS"},"content":{"rendered":"

Formal and informal language refers to using different forms of language in different settings. For example, in speaking, talking to a client is different from talking to parents. In writing, writing an academic essay is different from writing a letter<\/a> to a close friend. Using the correct form of language is essential for getting a high score<\/a> in the writing section. Let\u2019s take a look at the common situations and several main differences of formal and informal writing in the IELTS! (And for a broader guide to both tasks and to the entire section, click here for the Magoosh Complete Guide to IELTS Writing<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

\"IELTS<\/p>\n

Ramdlon<\/a><\/p>\n

Main Differences<\/h2>\n

Formal writing: no contractions<\/strong><\/p>\n

In informal<\/strong> <\/span>writing, you can use contractions such as I\u2019ll<\/strong> <\/span>and can\u2019t<\/strong><\/span>. In formal<\/strong><\/span> writing, you should write I will<\/strong><\/span> and can not<\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Words and expressions<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"formal<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Formal writing: no exclamation mark<\/strong><\/p>\n

Do not use exclamation mark in formal writing, but you can use it in informal writing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sentences<\/strong><\/p>\n

In formal writing, sentences are long and complicated. In informal writing, sentences are short and simple.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Letter format<\/strong><\/p>\n

Formal<\/strong> <\/span>letters begin with Dear Sir or Madam<\/strong><\/span> and end with Yours faithfully + full name<\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n

Informal <\/strong><\/span>letters begin with Dear + first name<\/strong> of the receiver<\/strong><\/span> and end with Best wishes\/regards + your first name<\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n

Common situations<\/h2>\n

Graphs<\/strong><\/p>\n

In IELTS Academic Writing task 1, no matter which kind of graph you need to describe, you should always use the formal<\/strong> <\/span>language. Check out our post on IELTS writing topics<\/a> to learn the typical questions in this part.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Essays<\/strong><\/p>\n

You should use formal<\/span><\/strong> language in both IELTS Academic writing task 2 and General Training writing task 2. Check out our post on past IELTS essay questions<\/a> to learn common questions in IELTS Academic writing task 2. General Training essay questions are similar to them. Here are two past IELTS General Training task 2 questions.<\/p>\n

1. Some\u00a0people\u00a0think\u00a0young\u00a0people\u00a0are\u00a0suitable\u00a0for\u00a0learning\u00a0foreign\u00a0languages while other people think adults are more suitable. Discuss both these points of view and give your opinion.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

2.\u00a0Schools\u00a0do\u00a0not\u00a0do\u00a0enough\u00a0to\u00a0teach\u00a0young\u00a0people\u00a0how\u00a0to\u00a0look\u00a0after\u00a0their
\nhealth.\u00a0To what extent do you agree or disagree?<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Letters<\/strong><\/p>\n

IELTS General Training task one asks candidates to write a letter based on a given situation. You need to read the questions carefully and then ask yourself: Is it a formal situation or an informal situation? Here are two examples.<\/p>\n

1.Write a letter to invite your friend<\/strong> <\/span>to a music concert. You should write:<\/p>\n

What the content of the music concert is.<\/p>\n

Where and when the music concert.<\/p>\n

Why you think your friend will go to this concert.<\/p>\n

Write at least 150 words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

2. You saw an advertisement about a project which will help protect the environment. Write a letter to the organizer<\/span>.<\/strong> Tell him\/her:<\/p>\n

Why you are interested.<\/p>\n

What you can do to help them.<\/p>\n

When you can help.<\/p>\n

Write at least 150 words.<\/p>\n

You can use some informal<\/strong><\/span> words or expressions when writing an invitation to a friend because that is someone you know. However, you should use formal<\/strong> <\/span>language and format when writing to a project organizer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Formal and informal language refers to using different forms of language in different settings. For example, in speaking, talking to a client is different from talking to parents. In writing, writing an academic essay is different from writing a letter to a close friend. Using the correct form of language is essential for getting a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":150,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3991],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[5084],"class_list":["post-679","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-writing-section"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nFormal and Informal Writing in the IELTS - Magoosh Blog \u2014 IELTS\u00ae Exam<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"You should use different forms of language in different settings. 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