Formal vs Informal Language Quiz

1. Which is an example of formal language?

1. Could you please inform me of...
2. Gonna be late lol
3. Hey! What's up?
4. I was wondering if you could...

2. What is 'slang'?

1. A formal term used in legal writing
2. Technical vocabulary in a specialist field
3. The grammar of spoken language
4. Very informal language often used by particular groups

3. Which of these is most appropriate for a formal job application letter?

1. I possess strong interpersonal and collaborative skills
2. I'm a real people person, no joke
3. I'm well good at working with others, tbh
4. Working with people? Yeah, I'm great at that

4. What are contractions and are they appropriate in formal writing?

1. Full words; always used in formal writing
2. Plural forms of words; always incorrect
3. Shortened word forms (don't, can't); generally avoided in formal writing
4. Technical terms; appropriate in formal writing

5. Which greeting is appropriate to start a formal email when you know the recipient's name?

1. Dear Mr Davies,
2. Hey Dave!
3. Hi there,
4. Yo Dave,

6. How should a formal letter end?

1. Cheers / Thanks!
2. Laters / Take care!
3. See ya! / Bye!
4. Yours sincerely, / Yours faithfully,

7. What is 'jargon'?

1. Abusive language
2. Another word for dialect
3. Informal slang
4. Specialised technical vocabulary of a particular profession

8. Which sentence is written in passive voice, typical in formal writing?

1. Got your application!
2. Thanks for applying.
3. We have received your application.
4. Your application has been received.

9. What does 'register' refer to in language use?

1. A list of words
2. A type of speech mark
3. The level of formality suited to a context
4. The volume of speech

10. Which phrase is informal?

1. I am writing to enquire about...
2. I would be grateful if you could...
3. I'm attaching the stuff you asked for.
4. Please find attached the requested documents.

11. What is a 'colloquialism'?

1. A formal term for speaking
2. A Latin quotation
3. A type of poetry
4. An informal expression used in everyday conversation

12. Which is the formal equivalent of 'find out'?

1. Discover
2. Figure out
3. Reckon
4. Sus out

13. In formal writing, which is preferable: 'big' or 'substantial'?

1. Big — it's clearer
2. Neither is suitable
3. Substantial — it's more precise and formal
4. They are identical in formality

14. Which audience would require the most formal language?

1. A comment on a social media post
2. A message in a group chat
3. A speech to a board of directors
4. A text to your best friend

15. What is 'euphemistic language'?

1. Language that exaggerates deliberately
2. Language that substitutes a mild or indirect expression for a harsh one
3. Very rude language
4. Very technical language

16. Which sentence uses the most appropriate formal tone for a business email?

1. FYI meeting's moved lol.
2. Hey, the meeting isn't at the same time anymore, heads up!
3. I am writing to inform you that the scheduled meeting has been rescheduled.
4. Just letting you know the meeting is moved.

17. What is 'dialect'?

1. A language that has died out
2. A language used only in writing
3. A regional or social variety of a language with distinct vocabulary and grammar
4. A very formal style of speaking

18. Which phrase would you use in formal writing instead of 'get worse'?

1. Become rubbish
2. Deteriorate
3. Get bad
4. Go downhill

19. What is 'Standard English'?

1. English spoken with no accent
2. English used only in England
3. The oldest form of English
4. The variety of English considered the accepted norm for formal communication

20. Why might a writer deliberately use informal language in a formal context?

1. Because formal language is too complicated
2. Because they don't know the rules
3. There is never a reason to do this
4. To create effect, build rapport, or challenge expectations