Evaluate the Types and Importance of Formal and Informal Writing Skills
Back to: Pedagogy of English- Unit 5
Formal writing includes the use of standard English, less use of personal pronouns, lack of slang terms and colloquial words, and more complex sentence structures. Formal writing often includes long sentences and it also follows a more structured approach where points are introduced, explained, and concluded clearly. They are also carefully planned, revised, and reviewed several times to ensure clarity.
Informal language includes the use of nonstandard English forms, shorter sentence structures, and colloquial vocabulary. When one chooses to write in either formal or informal style, it affects certain areas which include standard or nonstandard English, use of contractions, use of pronouns, and choice of vocabulary. In informal writing, sentences, as well as paragraphs, are shorter which is particularly true for internet content. Writers may also make points using incomplete sentences or ellipses.
Types of Formal Writing
The different types of formal writing are as follows:
- Business writing
- Academic writing
- Formal letters
Types of Informal Writing
The different types of informal writing are as follows:
- Social media posts
- Personal blogs
- Text messages
- Anecdotal articles
- Comic books
- Postcards
Importance of Formal Writing Skills
The importance of formal writing skills is as follows:
Creates seriousness
Formal writing denotes that the writer is serious about what he or she is writing.
Establishes respect
A formal tone also establishes the writer’s respect for the audience.
Suggests Literacy
Using a formal tone in writing also suggests that the person is well-educated.
Academic Purpose
For much academic content, formal writing is necessary.
Standard Style
Formal writing also evokes a certain standard which makes the writing of good quality.
Importance of Informal Writing
The importance of informal writing is as follows:
Increases Awareness
Informal writing allows learners to increase their awareness of their own ways of making sense.
Guided Learning
It is a form of guided learning as students can feel heard and get an opening to communicate their needs as learners.
Understand Thoughts
Informal writing enables learners to understand their thoughts which helps them to improve their learning.
Active Role
Learners can have an active role when they are writing in an informal tone as they can express their thoughts more clearly.
Make Sense of Materials
Learners can make sense of many things and teachers can learn how students understand and imagine different things through informal writing.
One cannot state that formal writing is better than informal writing as there is a particular time and place for both forms of writing. Hence, it depends upon the writer to analyze the situation properly and choose an appropriate writing style.
