(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 __**


 * INFORMAL || FORMAL ||
 * * 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 ||

Active voice is direct and lets the reader know who is doing the action. It focuses on the subject not on the action. It is often used in informal communication, e.g. personal letters. The passive voice is used to: Passive sentences are generally used in formal writing including in reports. 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. //Example:// Data management systems can //help out// users to diagnose problems. Data management can //assist// users to diagnose problems. To help improve the clarity and effectiveness of your writing, use clear and concise verbs.
 * __ ACTIVE VERSUS PASSIVE VOICE __**
 * 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.
 * __CLEAR AND CONCISE VERBS__**

The use of personal 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 in academic writing. Impersonal third person pronouns are used instead, e.g. it.
 * __ PRONOUNS __**

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.
 * __ IMPERSONAL LANGUAGE __**

**__Source :__** Coursepack number 1