Formal vs Informal Language Quiz

Question 1

Which is an example of formal language?

Accepted Answer

Could you please inform me of...

Answer

Hey! What's up?

Answer

I was wondering if you could...

Answer

Gonna be late lol

Question 2

What is 'slang'?

Accepted Answer

Very informal language often used by particular groups

Answer

A formal term used in legal writing

Answer

Technical vocabulary in a specialist field

Answer

The grammar of spoken language

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

I possess strong interpersonal and collaborative skills

Answer

I'm well good at working with others, tbh

Answer

Working with people? Yeah, I'm great at that

Answer

I'm a real people person, no joke

Question 4

What are contractions and are they appropriate in formal writing?

Accepted Answer

Shortened word forms (don't, can't); generally avoided in formal writing

Answer

Full words; always used in formal writing

Answer

Technical terms; appropriate in formal writing

Answer

Plural forms of words; always incorrect

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Dear Mr Davies,

Answer

Hey Dave!

Answer

Yo Dave,

Answer

Hi there,

Question 6

How should a formal letter end?

Accepted Answer

Yours sincerely, / Yours faithfully,

Answer

See ya! / Bye!

Answer

Cheers / Thanks!

Answer

Laters / Take care!

Question 7

What is 'jargon'?

Accepted Answer

Specialised technical vocabulary of a particular profession

Answer

Informal slang

Answer

Abusive language

Answer

Another word for dialect

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Your application has been received.

Answer

We have received your application.

Answer

Got your application!

Answer

Thanks for applying.

Question 9

What does 'register' refer to in language use?

Accepted Answer

The level of formality suited to a context

Answer

A list of words

Answer

A type of speech mark

Answer

The volume of speech

Question 10

Which phrase is informal?

Accepted Answer

I'm attaching the stuff you asked for.

Answer

I would be grateful if you could...

Answer

Please find attached the requested documents.

Answer

I am writing to enquire about...

Question 11

What is a 'colloquialism'?

Accepted Answer

An informal expression used in everyday conversation

Answer

A Latin quotation

Answer

A formal term for speaking

Answer

A type of poetry

Question 12

Which is the formal equivalent of 'find out'?

Accepted Answer

Discover

Answer

Figure out

Answer

Sus out

Answer

Reckon

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Substantial — it's more precise and formal

Answer

Big — it's clearer

Answer

They are identical in formality

Answer

Neither is suitable

Question 14

Which audience would require the most formal language?

Accepted Answer

A speech to a board of directors

Answer

A text to your best friend

Answer

A comment on a social media post

Answer

A message in a group chat

Question 15

What is 'euphemistic language'?

Accepted Answer

Language that substitutes a mild or indirect expression for a harsh one

Answer

Very rude language

Answer

Very technical language

Answer

Language that exaggerates deliberately

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

I am writing to inform you that the scheduled meeting has been rescheduled.

Answer

Just letting you know the meeting is moved.

Answer

FYI meeting's moved lol.

Answer

Hey, the meeting isn't at the same time anymore, heads up!

Question 17

What is 'dialect'?

Accepted Answer

A regional or social variety of a language with distinct vocabulary and grammar

Answer

A language that has died out

Answer

A very formal style of speaking

Answer

A language used only in writing

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Deteriorate

Answer

Go downhill

Answer

Get bad

Answer

Become rubbish

Question 19

What is 'Standard English'?

Accepted Answer

The variety of English considered the accepted norm for formal communication

Answer

English spoken with no accent

Answer

The oldest form of English

Answer

English used only in England

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

To create effect, build rapport, or challenge expectations

Answer

Because they don't know the rules

Answer

Because formal language is too complicated

Answer

There is never a reason to do this