Some notes about formal writing styles
by Cindy
Task 2 of an IELTS test requires to be written in formal style in which you should use:
- Passive voice, impersonal constructions
- It is argued that...; It cannot be denied that...
- A range of advanced vocabulary (verbs, adjectives, abstract nouns...)
- Formal linking words/phrases
- Furthermore, however, nonetheless...
- Complex sentences with a variety of links, dependent clauses...
- Although...which...
- Inversion
- Were this true, we would...; Never has this been more obvious...; Only if...
- Generalisations
- In most developing countries...
And you should avoid:
- Short forms (abbreviations):
- I'm, It's...
- Colloquial expressions, phrasal verbs, idioms
- Lots of, put up with, be over the moon about...
- Simplistic vocabulary
- Think, good, bad, say...
- Short sentences
- It is true. I think so...
- Repeated simple linking words
- And, but, or...
- Personal examples
- In my school, in my office...
- Strong personal opinions
- I know...
- Over generalisations
- All people, all teachers...
- Very emotional language
- I absolutely detest...