Choosing Formal Vocabulary
LANGUAGEDistinguish between formal and informal vocabulary, selecting words appropriate for formal speech and writing such as 'discover' instead of 'find out' and 'request' instead of 'ask for'
Mastery Evidence
- Replace informal words with formal equivalents in a given text
- Identify formal vocabulary choices in official letters and reports
- Write the same message twice using formal vocabulary for a letter and informal vocabulary for a text message
Assessment Prompt
“When [child] is writing something formal — like a letter or a report — do they choose more sophisticated words, like "enquire" instead of "ask" or "sufficient" instead of "enough"?”
Curriculum Standards1 alignment
Eng.App2.Y6.Word.1The national curriculum in EnglandThe difference between vocabulary typical of informal speech and vocabulary appropriate for formal speech and writing [for example, find out – discover; ask for – request; go in – enter]
Prerequisites1
- Formal and Informal EnglishhardAges 7—10
Show full prerequisite tree
- Expressing & Justifying Opinions soft
Oral expression skills support understanding formality in speech
- Exploring Ideas Through Talk soft
Conversational skills provide foundation for evaluating viewpoints
- Feeling of not understanding soft
Using talk to explore ideas and speculate requires noticing what you don't yet understand — the comprehension-monitoring habit in a spoken register
- Asking for Help hard
Noticing confusion and acting on it requires already knowing that asking for help is a valid response to being stuck
Unlocks4
- Advanced Maths VocabularysoftAges 10—11
- Adapting Speech to ContexthardAges 10—11
- Academic VocabularyhardAges 11—14
- Standard EnglishhardAges 11—13