Writing activities.

Formal vs. Informal

State whether the sentence would be classified as either formal or informal. If informal, change it to formal.

Example:

1.) I am pleased to inform you that you have won our grand prize.

_____________

2.) I hope all is well with your new career choice.

_____________

3.) I shouldn’t have gone and missed with it!!

_____________

4.) I can’t help you with that cuz it’s too hard.

_____________

5.) Hi, how are you?

_____________

Putting It All Together

Find and correct the errors in the following emails:

1.)Hello Professor Smith,

I’m sorry to tell you but im sick and will not be able to come to class. See ya Wednesday.

Jason

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2.)Dear Sally Blue,

I read online that you’re selling business cards. I was wondering how much if i only wanted 500?

Is color and a logo extra? Can I see an example before all are shipped or will that cost extra? You

seem to have a grea

t business so I hope you can help.

Thanks,

Jess Higgins

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Answers:

Formal vs. Informal

1.) Formal

2.) Formal

3.) Informal; I should not have changed it.

4.) Informal; I apologize but I am unable to help you with your problem because it is extremely difficult.

5.) Informal; Dear Mr. Smith, How are you?

Putting It All Together (answers may vary)

1.)Dear Professor Smith,

I am sorry to inform you, but I will not be able to attend class today because I am ill. Would it be possible for you to let me know what I have missed? Thank you for your help and I will see you in class on Wednesday.

Sincerely,

Jason Jones

This is just one of the many ways to write about this particular topic. Ho

wever, make sure to use formal language, no “see ya.” Also, eliminate all contractions. If possible, try to ask a question.

(For this particular topic it is good to show your professor that you are truly sorry for missing class and want to know what you are missing.)

2.)Dear Ms. Blue,

I was searching online for a company that makes business cards. I came across your website and am extremely impressed. However, I do have a few questions. If I were to order only 500 instead of the advertised 1000 business cards, how much would that cost? Furthermore, I would like my

business card to be colored and also include the logo of my company. Are those requests possible, and if so, how much extra will they be? Due to my request for color and a logo I would like to preview the card before receiving all 500. Is that feasible? I appreciate your assistance and

look forward to hearing back from you.

Sincerely,

Jessica Higgins

Managing Partner of First Financial Assistance

(555) 555-5555

This example was not as poorly written as number 1. However, it can still be written better.

For the salutation you do not want to use the person’s first-name unless you are friends. Attempt to use more formal language and sentence structure.

For this specific topic, praise and understanding is important. Since this topic revolved around a person working for a specific company, they needed to expand on their signature.