1)+Style+and+Formality

Different types of writing require different levels of formality. A report, a project, an assignment are generally written in a formal style.
 * __ Formal versus Informal Language  __**

|| Formal || **__ Active versus Passive Voice  __** The active voice is direct and lets the reader know who is doing the action. It focuses on the **subject** and the **action**. It is often used in informal communication, e.g. personal letters.
 * Informal
 * * Use of active voice
 * Use of personal pronouns, e.g. I, you, we
 * Verbs that show feelings, e.g. I think, we feel, I am pleased || *  Use of passive voice
 * Few personal pronouns
 * Neutral verbs are used, i.e. non-emotive verbs ||

The passive voice is used to: Passive sentences are generally used in formal writing including in reports. **__ Clear and Concise Verbs  __** In reports, it is important that your writing does not sound too casual. The use of clear and concise verbs instead of verb phrases is one way of making your writing more concise as well as more formal. **__ Pronouns  __** The use of personal I pronouns makes writing more personal and informal. It is as though you are talking directly to the person yourself which makes the writing informal, e.g. a personal letter. Personal pronouns are generally **NOT** used. Impersonal third person pronouns are used instead, e.g. //it.// **__ Impersonal Language  __** Essays and reports should be written in the third person singular. Avoid personal terms such as ‘I’ or ‘We’; the word ‘It’ should be used instead.
 * Focus on issues/information/processes rather than the subject or doer of the action, and
 * Avoid a personal tone and eliminate the use of personal pronouns, e.g. I, you and we.
 * Source: **  Course pack number 1