Style

Word Choice and Arrangement

Informal Style

• 1st and 2nd person pronouns, slang, contractions

• Subjective tone: focuses on the writer’s experiences, emotions, personality

• Personal narratives and essays, journals, poetry, etc.

Formal Style

• 3rd person pronouns, no slang, no contractions• Objective tone: focuses on writer’s ideas about

a topic• Academic essays, research papers, etc.

Examples• My best friend Jessica’s house provides a relaxing

escape from the everyday pressures of life and is a place where I can just be myself.

• I have many wonderful memories of my time playing sports at the old City Park baseball complex.

• The tourist attractions at Wisconsin Dells are OK, but, if you really want to experience the Dells, you have to explore nature.

• A lot of really cool stuff goes on that doesn’t take place at any other time of the year.

• The landscape is truly amazing!