Lesson T3.3.2

T3.3.2 Formal and informal registers Quiz: KS3 English, Unit 3

20 questions

Written by Revision Ninja · Last reviewed 11 October 2026

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Lesson T3.3.2, Formal and informal registers: 20 multiple choice questions for the KS3 English (National Curriculum), Unit 3: Grammar and vocabulary, written with Revision Ninja.

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The 20 questions

  1. What distinguishes a formal register from an informal register?

    • A formal register uses standard vocabulary, full sentences and polite forms, while an informal one is relaxed.
    • A formal register uses only slang and contractions, while an informal one uses full sentences throughout.
    • A formal register uses only numbers and symbols, while an informal register uses only words and sentences.
    • A formal register is always spoken aloud, while an informal register is always written down in print.

  2. Which sentence is written in a formal register?

    • lol yeah i reckon ill be there, see u friday maybe, dunno for sure tbh
    • Yeah, I'm gonna be there on Friday, so just let me know, yeah?
    • I would be grateful if you could confirm your attendance at the meeting by Friday.
    • Hey, can u let me know if ur coming to the meeting on Friday? Cheers!

  3. Why might a writer use the first person 'I' in a formal essay?

    • It makes the essay informal, so it is used only in personal letters to friends and relatives.
    • It is always banned in formal writing, so the writer must never mention themselves at any point.
    • It is required by exam boards in every formal essay, so writers must include it at the start.
    • It is accepted in some contexts, but formal essays usually prefer impersonal or third-person structures.

  4. Which word is the most formal way to say 'start'?

    • Get going, which is a relaxed and conversational phrase used in everyday informal speech.
    • Commence, which is a formal verb suitable for an official notice or a written report.
    • Kick off, which is a casual phrase often used in conversation with friends or family.
    • Begin it, which is a plain and simple phrase with no particular formal or informal tone.

  5. Which feature is typical of a formal letter to a company?

    • Short text fragments with no punctuation, which make the letter look modern and fast.
    • Emoji and abbreviations, which make the letter feel friendly and easy to read quickly.
    • A casual greeting such as 'Hi there!' followed by a list of slang expressions and jokes.
    • Polite forms of address, full sentences and a clear, professional sign-off.

  6. Why might a teacher use formal register when speaking in an assembly?

    • It means the teacher must use only written notes, so the pupils cannot hear any spoken words.
    • It proves that the teacher is angry and wants to punish the whole school for a mistake.
    • It shows respect for the audience and matches the serious and official purpose of the occasion.
    • It makes the assembly boring, so that pupils will leave early and go back to their lessons.

  7. Which is the most appropriate register for a text message to a close friend?

    • Formal and precise, using full sentences and a formal greeting for each message sent to them.
    • Technical and specialist, using subject-specific jargon that only experts in the field would know.
    • Passive and impersonal, using constructions such as 'it has been decided' to report the news.
    • Informal and relaxed, using short sentences and familiar phrases that the friend will understand.

  8. What is a register-specific phrase?

    • A phrase that is read aloud only in churches and religious settings, as part of a service.
    • A phrase that can be used in every situation without any change in tone or level of formality.
    • A phrase that is never spoken, because it appears only in printed dictionaries and glossaries.
    • A phrase linked to a particular level of formality, such as 'I would be pleased to' or 'nah, mate'.

  9. Why is it important for a writer to match the register to the audience?

    • It helps the writing be understood and respected, and it fits the purpose of the text.
    • It is only important for exam answers, and has no effect on how real readers respond to the text.
    • It means the writer must always use the most complicated words available in the language.
    • It shows the writer is trying to impress only themselves, so the audience can ignore the message.

  10. Which example is written in a neutral register that suits many situations?

    • Hey guys, see u at the library at 4, bring stuff, cheers, catch u later!
    • Hereby, it is resolved that the convening of the library gathering shall occur at sixteen hours.
    • Yo, meet at the library at four, bring ur books and dont be late this time, yeah?
    • We will meet at the library at four o'clock, so please bring your books with you.

  11. Which sentence is written in an informal register?

    • I should be grateful if you would review the enclosed film proposal at your earliest convenience.
    • The cinematic work under consideration demonstrates considerable artistic merit and craft.
    • It is recommended that the film, which was released recently, be viewed by all members.
    • Honestly, that film was brilliant, and you have to see it before it leaves the cinemas.

  12. Which word choice shows the most formal register in a school report?

    • The pupil demonstrates consistent effort and a considerable capacity for independent study.
    • The pupil's bang on and tries loads, so they're doing quite nicely, to be fair.
    • The pupil is super keen and gets stuff done, which is cool and really helpful.
    • The pupil is well good at trying hard and doing their homework on time most weeks.

  13. A formal speech to a council begins 'Good evening, councillors'. What is the purpose of this greeting?

    • It sets a respectful, formal tone and acknowledges the audience's role.
    • It shows that the speaker does not know the councillors and is introducing themselves to them.
    • It tells the councillors that the speaker has finished and the meeting may now be closed.
    • It makes the speech casual, so that the councillors feel relaxed enough to interrupt the speaker.

  14. Which sentence uses a formal register to refuse an invitation?

    • Ta for asking, but I can't come on that day, sorry, I've already got plans booked in.
    • Thanks for the invite, but I'm not going to make it that day, so have fun without me!
    • Thank you for your kind invitation; regrettably, I am unable to attend on that date.
    • Sorry, I'm not able to come on that date, so you'll have to count me out this time.

  15. Which feature makes an email to a headteacher sound formal rather than informal?

    • Slang and a casual greeting, which show that the sender and the head are on equal terms.
    • Short fragments with no punctuation, which make the email look modern and quick to scan.
    • Emoji and abbreviations, which make the message feel warm and quick to read on a phone.
    • Full sentences, a polite greeting and a professional sign-off such as 'Yours sincerely'.

  16. Which phrase is more formal than 'sort out'?

    • Resolve, which suggests settling a problem in a clear and official way.
    • Sorted, which suggests that a problem has been dealt with informally in conversation.
    • Fix up, which suggests making something work again in a casual, practical way.
    • Patch it, which suggests a quick and temporary repair to a problem that remains.

  17. Why might a writer avoid the passive voice in a personal letter to a friend?

    • The passive voice is forbidden in all letters, including personal ones to close friends.
    • The passive voice shows that the writer is angry, which would upset the friend unnecessarily.
    • The passive voice makes the letter too short, so the friend would not understand the news.
    • It would feel stiff and impersonal, which does not suit the warm, relaxed tone of friendship.

  18. Which sentence uses formal vocabulary to express the idea 'many people'?

    • A considerable number of residents attended the consultation meeting last Thursday evening.
    • Tons of people showed up for the meeting on Thursday, so it was really packed out.
    • Loads of people turned up to the meeting last Thursday, which was pretty busy really.
    • Heaps of folks came along to the meet-up on Thursday night, which was mega.

  19. What does a formal register usually avoid?

    • Full sentences, which are considered too long and too serious for any formal writing.
    • Polite forms of address, which show respect and are therefore considered unnecessary in writing.
    • Slang, contractions and vague or casual phrases, in favour of precise and polite language.
    • Any use of the letter 'e', which is considered an unacceptable letter in formal English text.

  20. Which sentence is most suitable for a formal invitation to a school event?

    • Hey, we're having a do on Thursday, you should totally come, it'll be a laugh.
    • You are warmly invited to attend the annual awards evening on Thursday, 14 November.
    • Come along to the awards thing on Thursday, it's gonna be well good, so don't miss it!
    • Yo, the awards bash is on Thursday, be there or be square, yeah?

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