ELPT ELPT - English Language Proficiency Formal and Informal Register 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence is written in a formal register appropriate for a business email?
- Hey, just wanted to touch base about the report.
- I am writing to follow up regarding the status of the report. (Correct answer)
- Yo, what's the deal with the report?
- Gonna need that report ASAP, thanks.
Correct answer: I am writing to follow up regarding the status of the report.
Formal writing uses complete sentences, polite phrasing, and avoids contractions and slang.
Question 2: Which word would be most appropriate in a formal academic essay?
- lots of
- a ton of
- a considerable amount of (Correct answer)
- a bunch of
Correct answer: a considerable amount of
Formal writing requires precise, sophisticated vocabulary; phrases like 'lots of' are too casual.
Question 3: Which sentence is appropriate for an informal text message to a friend?
- I regret to inform you that I am unable to attend.
- I would like to formally decline your kind invitation.
- Can't make it tonight, sorry! (Correct answer)
- My attendance is not possible at this time.
Correct answer: Can't make it tonight, sorry!
Informal register uses contractions, casual vocabulary, and shorter, direct sentences.
Question 4: Identify the informal expression: 'The CEO was fired / dismissed / let go / terminated.'
- fired
- dismissed
- let go (Correct answer)
- terminated
Correct answer: let go
'Let go' is an informal euphemism, while 'dismissed' and 'terminated' are formal and professional.
Question 5: Which closing is appropriate for a formal letter of application?
- Catch you later!
- TTYL
- Yours sincerely, (Correct answer)
- Cheers!
Correct answer: Yours sincerely,
'Yours sincerely' is the standard formal closing when the recipient's name is known.
Question 6: Which sentence uses passive voice to achieve a more formal tone?
- We made a mistake in the report.
- Somebody messed up the report.
- Errors were identified in the report. (Correct answer)
- The report has a bunch of mistakes.
Correct answer: Errors were identified in the report.
Passive voice is commonly used in formal writing to sound objective and impersonal.
ELPT ELPT - English Language Proficiency Formal and Informal Register 1
Which sentence is written in a formal register appropriate for a business email?