Before You Read

Formal and Informal Ways of Talking

In Focus Questions 1 and 2, you filled in tables. Tables are a type of form that controls what we write and how much we write. When we communicate formally, we have to control the words we use to be polite or well organized. In formal speech, we also control how fast we speak and how carefully we pronounce words.

Decide how formal the following communication styles are.

When Roshan and Kerry are sitting in a coffee shop, Kerry said,
“C’mon. You’ve gotta be kidding me. What the heck is going on? Look at all those cars. They're at a standstill. We’re gonna be late. Darn construction.”

When Roshan and Nick were talking, Roshan said:
“Hey Nick... See ya.”

When Gilles phoned Claire, he said,
“Am I speaking with Mrs. Turner? Good morning. It’s Gilles Doucette here.”

Place K for Kerry, R for Roshan, and G for Gilles along the scale. Drag each letter to the place along the scale that you think represents the formality of each person. There are no right or wrong answers.