English // Vocabulary

Formal and Informal English

Recognise and compare formal and informal uses of English, understanding that language choices vary based on audience, purpose and context

Ages
7 to 10
Type
Language
Builds on
2 topics
Leads to
5 topics
Standards
5 codes

Quick check

Does the learner understand the difference between how they'd write a text to a friend versus a formal letter — and can they explain why the language would be different?

Ask this to see whether the topic is secure.

Topic // Mastery

What mastery looks like

What a learner can do once this topic is secure.
  • Identify whether a spoken or written example uses formal or informal language (e.g., 'Dear Sir' vs 'Hey mate')
  • Rewrite an informal sentence in a more formal way (e.g., change 'Can I have some?' to 'May I please have some?')
  • Explain why formal language might be used in one situation and informal in another (e.g., a letter to the headteacher vs a note to a friend)

Topic // Map

Where this fits

What to learn first and what this topic opens up, with the reason for each link. Required links come first.
  • RequiredMust come first
  • HelpfulHelps, but not essential

Before this

2 topics
  • Describing AloudHelpful

    Speaking & Listening // Ages 4 to 8

    Oral expression skills support understanding formality in speech

  • Using New VocabularyHelpful

    Vocabulary // Ages 5 to 9

    Using acquired vocabulary supports recognising register differences

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Formal and Informal English

Ages 7 to 10 // Language

Leads to

5 topics

Topic // Standards

Curriculum standards

Codes for the curriculum statements this topic maps to. Each publisher owns its standard text.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects
L.2.3L.2.3aL.3.3bL.4.3cSL.4.6

English // Vocabulary

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