A Formal vs Informal Language Worksheet Pack for the Upper Grades

Do your students know the difference between the type of language used in an email to the principal and that used in an email to a friend? If not, it might be time for a crash course in the usage of formal vs informal language!

This formal vs. informal language worksheet pack includes 8 unique worksheets that will help students recognise the right type of language to use, depending on the context. The pack includes a range of activities to increase your students’ confidence when using formal and informal language in writing and speech.

Some of the activities in this formal vs informal language worksheet pack are:

• Match each type of language with the correct example.
• Rewrite each text message as a formal email.
• Identify the informal language in paragraphs.
• Swap out the informal word or phrase for a more formal choice.
• Write two versions (one formal, one informal) for the same message.

This resource downloads as a black-and-white PDF or editable Google Slides file. The download also includes an answer key to make marking the worksheets fast and easy. 

Extending These Formal vs Informal Language Worksheets

These formal vs informal language worksheets provide a great starting point for exploring socially acceptable language use with your students. If you’re looking for ways to extend your students’ learning after completing the worksheets, here are some ideas to consider:

• Create a ‘Tone Translator’ – After students have completed the worksheets, have them create a poster that lists common formal phrases with their informal counterparts (e.g. “I would like to…” becomes “I wanna…” or “Regards” becomes “Catch ya later”). This can become a reference tool for the classroom.
• Email Writing Activity – Extend the writing activities from the worksheet pack by having students write two versions of the same email: one sent to a teacher and one sent to a friend. Then, read them aloud and have the class guess which version goes to whom.
• Text Scavenger Hunt – Send students on a hunt around the school for written notices or signs, then have them rewrite them in the opposite tone. Once the students are finished, display the before-and-after versions around the classroom for a fun gallery walk.

Download This Formal vs Informal Language Worksheet PDF

Use the Download button above to access your preferred version of this resource. (Note: You will be prompted to make a copy of the Google Slides template on your personal drive before accessing it.)

As this resource contains answers, you may wish to print one copy only, then remove the answer sheet before making further copies.

For sustainability purposes, please consider printing this worksheet pack double-sided.

This resource was created by Brittany Collins, a teacher and Teach Starter collaborator.

Resources to Complement This Formal vs Informal Language Worksheet Pack

Are you looking for more formal vs informal language activities to complement this resource? Click below for a great sample chosen by our team.

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