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Outline:

Introduction ………………………………………………………………………….3

1. Definition formality……………………………..…………………………….…3

2. Levels of formality……………………………………………………………….3

2.1 Formal …………………………………………………………….…..3

2.2 Semi-formal ……………………………………………………………3

2.3 Informal ………………………………………………………………..3

3. Formality and tone …………………………………………………………..…..4

4. Importance of formality ………………………………………………………….4

5. Tips to write in academic method ……………………………………………….5.6

Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………………6

References ……………………………………………………………………………..7
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Introduction

It is important to use language that is suitable for a given task or assignment. So there

is a time for conversational spoken language and there is a time for more formal written

language. Now with an academic piece of writing like in the situation of a student who is

preparing to write a research proposal, some features must be respected in one’s writing. One

of these features is called formality, which is highly required in any academic writing. Thus,

being able to write with a sufficient formality is the key of success and perfection.

Definition

Formality is a style of writing used for such purposes where the writer is very careful

about the choice of words and structure, it is the use of technical terms, abstract vocabulary

with the avoidance of personal voice (coffin et all, 2003)

Levels of formality

The level of formality used in writing should be determined by the audience.

There are three levels of formality: Formal, semi-formal, and informal.

The formal level is the one that should be used in academic writing. For instance, textbooks,

official reports, academic articles, essays, business letters, contracts. Semi-formal level is

used in books, and popular magazines. It is also used in daily interaction with colleagues and

teachers and when talking to people in authority. Informal level is used in interaction with

friends. (Maria, 2015)

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Formality and tone

Social situation exist in various contexts informal social situation requires informal attire

while formal social situation requires formal attire and since academic writing is formal,

context matters in writing too. After the writer figure out what to say, how to write for an

audience and with a purpose, they need to figure out how to say it. The writer try to choose a

language that seems appropriate for that audience and the degree of formality should be

height.

Tone refers to the writer's voice in a written work. It is what the reader or hearer might

perceive as the writer's attitude, bias, or personality. Many academic writers mistake a

scholarly tone for dull, boring language or a mixture of jargon and multisyllabic, "intelligent-

sounding" words. Academic writing, however, does not need to be complicated nor lacking in

style (APA, 2010, section 3.07); instead, it can be both engaging and clear.

Tone vs. Voice: anything written should have writer’s voice: something that makes writing

sound uniquely like the writer. The tone in writing can vary with the situation while the voice

is essential.

Tone in speech vs Tone in academic writing: tone exists in speech, too, but when you are

speaking to someone else, your body language and vocal inflections give cues about your

attitude, so misunderstanding are less frequent. But writing lacks those cues ; with only the

words on the page, the writer have to make his/her attitude clear to the readers. This is no

simple feat, and it might take some practice.(Silvia, Paul J, 2007)

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Importance of formality in academic writing

Formality is very important in academic writing. It helps to make writing more

professional and knowledgeable. Formal style is often associated with the use of Standard

English, in addition to the application of a careful specialized vocabulary. A formal academic

tone helps to strengthen the presented arguments, which makes the readers more likely to

perceive them, moreover, writing in a style that your audience expects and that fits the

purpose is the key to successful writing. (Hartley, James, 2008)

Tips to write in a formal way

Academic writing requires a writer to avoid the followings:

Colloquial / informal words expression: using slang, and general English terms should be

avoided in academic writing style.

Contractions: all contracted forms need to be in full forms

Example: it’ll, it will / it’s, it is / there’s, there is

Phrasal verbs: In academic writing it is necessary to avoid phrasal verbs, the later are verbs

requires a preposition for a meaning. There is usually a formal alternative.

Informal adjectives: Some adjectives are seen as informal

Idioms: are often seen as informal and personal

(Every coin has two sides / on the other hand)

Metaphors:  (a rocky road ahead / the bottom line)

Personal pronouns (I, you, he, she, you, they)

Use ‘There’ as a subject; e.g. ‘There is a serious risk of…’

Use ‘It’ as a subject; e.g. ‘It is impossible to…’

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Use ‘One’ as a subject; e.g. ‘One may ask whether…’ (‘One’ is a formal version of ‘You’

[plural] in general)

Numbering and Bullet points: In academic writing essays, numbering and bullets points

should be avoided because they used only if a narrative dictates a need for clarity, for

example ‘ there are eight main features of academic writing’ here there will be a list of those

features but it must be followed by an explanation for each item.

Numbering and bullets are well used in Reports rather than essays in academic writing.

Sub-headings In academic writing, a writer must be precise to convey the right meaning. So

s/he should avoid sub-headings because they might mislead the readers.

Run-on sentences: In writing this run on sentences become distracting and hard to follow

Avoid using just an author’s first name and also avoid starting sentences with coordinating

conjunctions FANBOYS.

Asking questions: in a formal piece of writing, direct questions should not be used since they

are considered as an informal style.

Active construction: it is better to use passive construction because it helps to make the

writing less personal

Informal Verbs: some verbs are considered informal and there are more formal alternatives

 Noun phrases: long noun subjects or objects are common in academic writing

We analyzed the data and we found evidence.../Analysis of the data provided evidence….

Conclusion

Academic writing style refers to the rules and conventions for producing written texts in

academic contexts. One of its rules is formality which is concerned with the acceptable

language in an appropriate context for specific audience.

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References

Manchester Metropolitan University .Writing-formality in academic writing. (2018, Sep13).

Video posted to https://youtu.be/QVi8PmymFpY

Shaun Macleod. (2012, Nov15).Formal Writing. Video posted to

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2gYq6KbhfA&feature=share

McMurray, David,’19.Bullets and Numbered lists’

http://digitalcommons.Kennesaw.edu/oertechcomm/19.

Peder,Jones.(2002).College writing skills. Northern Arizona University

Baiely,S(2006).Academic writing: a handbook of international second

Edition.London,UK:Routledge

Tips-for-Academic-Writing-andOther-Formal-Writing.pdf

http://studyskills.curtin.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/

Silvia,Paul J.how to write a lot:a practical Guid to productive Academic writing

Washington,DC: American psychological Association,2007;style,diction,tone and voice

http://libguides.usc.edu/writing

Using Headings and Subheadings in Social Science Writing. University of Washington

http://depts.washington.edu/pswrite/Handouts/Subheadings.pdf
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Koutraki,Maria.(2015).Complexity and formality as features of academic writing. Helleni

Republic: University of Crete.

http://opencourses.uoc.gr/courses/course/view.php?id