Question 1
"Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to express my concern regarding..."
💡 The full opening address and careful phrasing signal formal register.
Year 5 — Writing
Register
Recognise and control REGISTER — how formal or informal your writing sounds — and match it to your audience and purpose.
Understand
REGISTER is how FORMAL or INFORMAL a piece of writing sounds. FORMAL register uses full words, no slang, and careful sentence structure (e.g. a letter to a headteacher). INFORMAL register uses contractions, casual phrasing, and everyday words (e.g. a text to a friend).
“Formal: "I am writing to request permission to attend the trip." Informal: "Can I come on the trip? Would be amazing!"”
Both sentences ask the same thing, but the formal version uses complete phrasing and no contractions, while the informal version uses a contraction-free but casual, exclamatory tone suited to a friend, not an authority figure.
Spot it
Is this formal or informal register?
Question 2
"Hey! You won't believe what just happened!"
💡 The casual greeting and exclamation mark signal informal register.
Question 3
"The committee has concluded that further investigation is required."
💡 Precise, impersonal phrasing signals formal register.
Think about it
Why might using an informal register in a formal letter (or vice versa) undermine your writing, even if the ideas themselves are good?
Try it
Identify the register.
You are writing to your local council about a broken playground.
Question 1
Which sentence uses the appropriate formal register for this letter?
💡 Look for the option using full, careful phrasing appropriate for an official letter.
Practise
Identify the register, or choose the appropriate one.
Question 1
"Gonna be there in five, can't wait!"
Question 2
"We would be grateful if you could confirm your attendance at your earliest convenience."
Question 3
Which register suits a text message to a close friend?
Question 4
In one word, what term describes how formal or informal writing sounds?
💡 It's the title of this lesson.
Question 5
Which register suits a letter applying for a job?
Question 6
Why should register match audience and purpose?
Apply
Read the passage, then answer the questions below.
Dear Headteacher, I am writing on behalf of Year 5 to request that the school library remains open during lunchtimes. Many students, myself included, would benefit greatly from this additional quiet study time. I would be happy to discuss this further at your convenience.
Question 1
What register does this letter use, and why is it appropriate?
💡 Consider who the letter is addressed to and what relationship that implies.
Question 2
Which phrase best demonstrates the formal register?
Question 3
What is the writer requesting the library remains open during?
💡 It's stated in the first sentence.
Challenge
Rewrite this informal message in formal register: "Hey, can we get more time for the school trip? It's way too short and everyone's annoyed."
Review
A quick mastery check — 3 questions.
Question 1
"To whom it may concern, I am writing regarding..." uses which register?
Question 2
"Ugh, can't believe this happened again!" uses which register?
Question 3
Register should always be chosen based on...