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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.