ELPT ELPT - English Language Proficiency Formal and Informal Register 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence avoids contractions and is therefore more formal?
- We don't have the data yet.
- We haven't received it.
- We do not currently have the data. (Correct answer)
- We can't give you an answer.
Correct answer: We do not currently have the data.
Avoiding contractions like 'don't' and 'haven't' makes writing more formal.
Question 2: In a formal research paper, which phrase best replaces 'figured out'?
- got
- stumbled upon
- determined (Correct answer)
- bumped into
Correct answer: determined
'Determined' is a precise, formal verb, while 'figured out' is an informal phrasal verb.
Question 3: Which sentence is written in an appropriate register for a cover letter?
- I'm super excited to apply for this job!
- I am highly motivated to contribute to your organization. (Correct answer)
- This job sounds really cool and I want in.
- You guys seem awesome and I'd love to work here.
Correct answer: I am highly motivated to contribute to your organization.
A cover letter requires formal vocabulary, full sentences, and a professional tone.
Question 4: Which of the following is an example of hedging language appropriate for formal academic writing?
- This definitely proves that...
- Everyone knows that...
- The results suggest that... (Correct answer)
- It's totally obvious that...
Correct answer: The results suggest that...
Academic writing uses hedging language like 'suggest', 'indicate', or 'appear' to express caution.
Question 5: Which salutation is correct for a formal email when you do not know the recipient's name?
- Hey there,
- Dear Sir or Madam, (Correct answer)
- To my friend,
- Howdy,
Correct answer: Dear Sir or Madam,
'Dear Sir or Madam' is the standard formal salutation when the recipient's name is unknown.
Question 6: Which sentence correctly shifts from informal to formal register?
- Informal: 'The results were bad.' → Formal: 'The results were not good.'
- Informal: 'He got the job.' → Formal: 'He was offered the position.' (Correct answer)
- Informal: 'She quit.' → Formal: 'She stopped working.'
- Informal: 'They messed up.' → Formal: 'They did a bad job.'
Correct answer: Informal: 'He got the job.' → Formal: 'He was offered the position.'
Formal language uses precise, professional vocabulary such as 'offered the position' instead of 'got the job'.
ELPT ELPT - English Language Proficiency Formal and Informal Register 2
Which sentence avoids contractions and is therefore more formal?