Activities

1. Label each statement as a formal or informal statement.
   
   
2. Tell when you might use formal or informal English.

3. Categorize each situation as requiring formal or informal English.
   
   
4. Distinguish between formal and informal English. Explain the differences.

5. Explain the importance of understanding the difference between formal and informal English and using each as the situation dictates.
   
   
6. Formulate a response for each statement in formal or informal English, depending on the situation.

Answer Key/Rubric

1. The student will label a set of given statements as being either formal or informal. The student should demonstrate understanding how construction and word choice of a statement determine whether it constitutes formal or informal English.
   
   
2. The student will tell, either in writing or verbally, what sorts of situations require the use of formal and informal English. Look for evidence that the student understands that he/she should use more formal language with authority figures, adults, or people not known well and that more informal language cab be used within families, with their friends, or within communities.
   
   
3. Given a list of situations, the student should categorize each as requiring either formal or informal English. Look for the student to show an understanding of the groups that may be addressed more informally, and of situations where it is never appropriate to use informal language.
   
   
4. The student will provide an explanation of what formal and informal English are. Acceptable answers include, but are not limited to: formal English does not include slang, and follows standard grammatical patterns; informal English may include slang, different speech patterns, and other differences specific to the group you are speaking with. The student will explain the differences between the two using their definitions.
   
   
5. The student will explain, either verbally or in writing, why it is important to understand the difference between situations that require formal or informal English, and why we have both. Look for evidence that the student understands that the ability to use formal English properly is important in academics and formal society.
   
   
6. The student will formulate a response to each given statement in formal or informal English as the situation dictates. Enough information should be given in each statement for the student to make a determination of how best to answer. The student should be able to explain his/her decision for each statement, citing reasons why the answer can be in the chosen format.