Functional Skills English L2

Formal and Informal Writing

15 free practice questions with explanations

PassNova has 15 free Functional Skills English L2 practice questions on Formal and Informal Writing, each with a clear explanation. Practise them in the browser with instant feedback — 100% free, no sign-up, on any device. Updated for 2026.

Sample questions

Formal and Informal Writing: example questions & answers

15 worked examples with answers and explanations below. Practise them in the browser with instant feedback on every answer.

  1. Which sentence is written in formal style?

    • AYeah, everything's going brilliantly
    • BThe project is progressing successfully
    • CProject's going pretty brilliantly
    • DYo, project's absolutely booming

    Answer: Formal writing uses complete words, proper grammar, and professional tone.

  2. Which of these would be appropriate for a text message to a friend?

    • AI would greatly appreciate your immediate attention to this matter
    • BThis is to inform you of an urgent matter
    • CCan u lmk when ur free? Thx
    • DPlease accept my deepest sympathies

    Answer: Casual abbreviated language is appropriate for informal texting with friends.

  3. Which is most appropriate for a business email?

    • AHey [Name], wassup? Fancy a quick catch-up sometime?
    • BDear [Name], I am writing to discuss our upcoming meeting.
    • CBTW [Name], can we have a chat about the meeting at some point?
    • DSo like, we should maybe talk about the meeting stuff sometime

    Answer: Business emails require formal tone, greetings, and clear purpose statements.

  4. Which sentence uses too much informal language for a formal report?

    • AThe evidence clearly supports this conclusion
    • BThe findings indicate a significant increase
    • CThe data kinda shows stuff went up, you know?
    • DResults demonstrate substantial growth

    Answer: Phrases like 'kinda', 'stuff', and 'you know' are too informal for reports.

  5. Which style would be most appropriate for a friendly blog post?

    • AHey everyone! Here's what the weather's been like this week
    • BIt is respectfully submitted that climatic phenomena manifested
    • CPursuant to meteorological observations, precipitation occurred
    • DThe meteorological conditions exhibited precipitation characteristics

    Answer: Blog posts can use conversational, informal language to engage readers.

  6. What is the main difference between formal and informal writing?

    • AFont, font size, or the page layout chosen
    • BThe length of the text and its paragraphs
    • CWhether it's handwritten or typed
    • DTone, vocabulary, and style of address

    Answer: Formal writing uses professional tone and vocabulary; informal is conversational.

  7. Which statement is most appropriate for a resignation letter (formal)?

    • APeace out [Name], it's been absolutely brilliant working here
    • BI am writing to formally resign from my position effective [date]
    • CI'm absolutely finished with this job as of [date], cheers
    • DI quit, and honestly I would rather not explain myself

    Answer: Resignation requires formal tone and clear communication of intent.

  8. Which would be appropriate for a social media post?

    • AOMG, just had the best coffee ever!!
    • BWith reference to the aforementioned matter
    • CIt is hereby declared that caffeine has been consumed
    • DConsuming beverages of caffeinated nature

    Answer: Social media allows casual, enthusiastic, informal language.

  9. Which style should be used in a formal letter of apology?

    • AMy apologies, that mistake was unfortunate but unavoidable
    • BDear [Name], apologies for any inconvenience possibly caused
    • CI sincerely apologise for my actions and accept responsibility
    • DNo worries, these things happen to everyone now and then, honestly

    Answer: Formal apologies require sincere, respectful, and professional language.

  10. What do contractions suggest about writing style?

    • AThey have no effect on tone
    • BThey make writing more professional
    • CThey indicate more informal writing
    • DThey are always wrong

    Answer: Contractions like 'don't' and 'isn't' are more casual and informal.

  11. Which audience would appreciate formal writing?

    • ASocial media followers and casual online browsers
    • BYoung children and primary-school pupils
    • CProfessional colleagues in a business context
    • DClose friends exchanging informal messages

    Answer: Professional contexts require formal, respectful tone and language.

  12. Which sentence mixes formal and informal inappropriately?

    • AThe analysis indicates that profits are declining significantly
    • BThe data suggests profits are falling
    • CWe have determined that revenues are decreasing substantially
    • DOur findings show that stuff is getting worse moneywise

    Answer: 'Stuff' and 'moneywise' are too informal for a formal analysis.

  13. What role does audience play in choosing formal vs. informal style?

    • AWriters choose whichever style they happen to prefer
    • BIt determines the appropriate level of formality
    • CIt affects the layout or design but not the wording
    • DIt can change the length of a text rather than its tone

    Answer: Audience determines whether formal or informal style is appropriate.

  14. Which would be appropriate for a cover letter with a job application?

    • AHi [Name], I would like to work for you because it seems like a cool place
    • BI am writing to express my strong interest in the position of [Title]
    • CSo like, I'd love to work at your place and I reckon I'd be good at it
    • DI really want the job because I need the money and my rent is due soon

    Answer: Job applications require formal, professional tone and language.

  15. Which best describes when to use informal writing in a workplace?

    • AAlways use strictly formal language whoever you are writing to
    • BNever use formal language once you have actually met someone
    • CUse informal only in casual messages with colleagues you know well
    • DInformal writing is never appropriate at work in any kind of message

    Answer: Informal language is acceptable in casual workplace communication but not formal documents.

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