8/11/2019 13-Using Formal and Informal Language

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8/11/2019 13-Using Formal and Informal Language

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Tertiary Education Commission Teaching Adults to Listen and Speak to Communicate: Using the Learning Progressions

Follow-up activity

Make a continuum to show the range of formality

from casual talking through to formal writing. Copy

the chart below and cut it up to make a set of cards.

Make a line across a table or the wall or oor and

write slang at one end and formal writing on

the other. Leave the rest of the line blank and ask

learners to place the cards on the line according

to how informal or formal the speaking or writing

represented on the card would be. They will need

to spend time discussing the placements and

changing positions as they share their ideas and

understanding.

Use track 3 on the CD to discuss the many examples

of informal or alternative language use. It may be

helpful to have the transcript on hand as you do

this: see Appendix F for details on how to obtain

transcripts for the CD tracks.

Phone a friend Write a shopping list Place an order for materials Write a prole on theinternet

Apply for a job Write a text message Buy something online Write a report

Email to family Write an assignment Leave a phone message

to make an appointment

Share a joke with mates

Give instructions at work Explain a procedure Describe an accident at

work

Make a speech or

presentation

Introduce yourself at a

po-whiri

Discuss sport with friends Meet new partners family Email a tutor to ask about

an assignment