Writing practice questions.

Which greeting is appropriate for a FORMAL email to someone whose name you do not know?

• Hey!
• Dear Sir or Madam,
• Yo,
• Hiya,

Answer: Dear Sir or Madam,

'Dear Sir or Madam,' is a correct formal greeting when the recipient's name is unknown. 'Hey!', 'Yo,' and 'Hiya,' are informal.

Which closing best suits an INFORMAL email to a close friend?

• Yours faithfully,
• Best regards,
• See you soon,
• I remain, Sir,

Answer: See you soon,

'See you soon,' is friendly and informal. 'Yours faithfully,' and 'I remain, Sir,' are formal, and 'Best regards,' is a neutral closing suited to work emails.

Which sentence is the most FORMAL?

• Wanna grab a coffee?
• Would you like to have a coffee?
• Fancy a coffee?
• Coffee?

Answer: Would you like to have a coffee?

'Would you like to have a coffee?' is polite and formal. 'Wanna grab a coffee?', 'Fancy a coffee?' and 'Coffee?' are informal or elliptical.

In a formal report, which of these openings is most appropriate?

• So, I just wanted to quickly tell you all about the traffic round here, which is honestly completely crazy right now!
• The aim of this report is to examine the causes of increased traffic in the town centre.
• Hey everyone, let's chat about why there are so many cars around.
• Guess what? The traffic situation is a total nightmare these days.

Answer: The aim of this report is to examine the causes of increased traffic in the town centre.

A report uses an impersonal, purpose-stating opening; the other options are informal and conversational.

Which sentence uses the most appropriate connector to introduce a contrasting argument in an opinion article?

• For example, some people argue that cars are still necessary in rural areas.
• As a result, some people argue that cars are still necessary in rural areas.
• On the other hand, some people argue that cars are still necessary in rural areas.
• In addition, some people argue that cars are still necessary in rural areas.

Answer: On the other hand, some people argue that cars are still necessary in rural areas.

'On the other hand' signals a contrasting point of view; the others introduce examples, consequences or additions.

Which sentence is written in an appropriately formal register for a letter to a newspaper editor?

• I'm writing 'cause I'm really annoyed about the green spaces thing.
• Just wanted to say I hate that there's no parks around here anymore.
• Look, the green spaces situation is driving me up the wall.
• I am writing to express my concern about the lack of green spaces in our town.

Answer: I am writing to express my concern about the lack of green spaces in our town.

A letter to an editor requires formal register: 'I am writing to express my concern' is polite and impersonal, unlike the contracted, slangy alternatives.