When preparing for English proficiency exams like the IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE, one key element that can significantly impact your writing score is the use of formal language. Many test-takers, especially those who are comfortable with spoken English, struggle with adopting a formal tone in their written responses. In exams designed to assess academic and professional English proficiency, informal language can detract from the clarity, precision, and appropriateness of your writing.
In this post, we’ll explore what informal language is, why it’s best avoided in exams, and practical tips for maintaining a formal tone in your IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE essays. Following these guidelines can make a substantial difference in achieving a higher score.
What Is Informal Language?
Informal language typically includes conversational phrases, slang, contractions, abbreviations, and casual expressions that are more suited for everyday speech than academic writing. For example, terms like “kids” instead of “children,” or contractions like “don’t” and “won’t” rather than “do not” and “will not,” can lower the formality of your writing. Other elements like idiomatic expressions, rhetorical questions, and personal anecdotes may also be considered informal in many academic contexts.
In exams like IELTS and TOEFL, assessors expect your writing to demonstrate academic language proficiency, which is more formal and professional. This doesn’t mean your writing should be overly complex or filled with difficult words; rather, it should reflect clear, respectful, and precise language.
Why Avoiding Informal Language Matters in IELTS and TOEFL Writing
In exams like IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE, the ability to write in a formal, academic style is critical. Informal language in your essays may suggest a limited command of formal English, potentially lowering your score in categories like Lexical Resource and Grammar and Sentence Structure (in IELTS) or Language Use and Development of Ideas (in TOEFL). By using formal language, you convey to examiners that you can communicate effectively in professional and academic settings—skills that these exams are designed to assess.
Examiners also view formal language as a sign of your familiarity with English-speaking academic standards. For students aiming for higher education or immigration opportunities, a high writing score can open doors to their future. A formal tone reflects well on your ability to understand and meet these expectations.
Key Tips for Avoiding Informal Language
Here are some practical strategies to help you avoid informal language in your IELTS or TOEFL essays:
1. Avoid Contractions
Contractions like “can’t,” “won’t,” and “it’s” are common in spoken English but should be avoided in formal writing. Instead, use the full forms: “cannot,” “will not,” and “it is.” Not only does this improve the formality of your writing, but it also demonstrates attention to detail—something examiners appreciate.
2. Replace Slang with Academic Vocabulary
Slang words and informal phrases, such as “cool,” “a lot,” “kids,” or “stuff,” should be replaced with more formal alternatives. For instance:
- Instead of “a lot,” use “a large amount” or “many.”
- Replace “kids” with “children.”
- Swap “stuff” with “materials” or “items.”
Using precise vocabulary indicates a stronger command of English and helps you convey your ideas more effectively.
3. Use Objective Language
In academic writing, subjective language and personal anecdotes should generally be avoided unless specifically requested (as in a personal statement or experience-based essay). Instead of saying, “I think the government should…,” use “It is generally believed that the government should….” This approach sounds more objective and professional, which aligns well with academic expectations.
4. Limit Personal Pronouns
While using “I” or “my” is appropriate in certain types of writing, it’s often better to maintain an objective tone in academic essays. For example, instead of saying, “I believe that education is important for personal growth,” consider writing, “Education is important for individual growth.” This approach makes the statement more universally applicable and aligns with the formal tone expected in exams like IELTS and TOEFL.
5. Avoid Colloquial Expressions and Idioms
Colloquial expressions and idioms, like “break the ice” or “over the moon,” may be charming in conversation, but they can be confusing or out of place in formal writing. Replace idioms with clear, straightforward language. For instance, instead of “break the ice,” you could say “initiate a conversation,” which is more direct and formal.
6. Be Cautious with Questions
Rhetorical questions can sometimes seem informal. While they are not strictly forbidden, using them sparingly or rephrasing them into statements is a safer choice. For example, instead of asking, “Why should we care about environmental issues?” you could say, “Environmental issues are increasingly significant due to their impact on public health and biodiversity.”
Practice Makes Perfect: Refining Your Formal Writing Skills
Practicing these strategies consistently can help you develop a more formal writing style that meets exam standards. To become confident in formal English, consider setting up writing exercises focused on eliminating contractions, replacing informal words, and rephrasing idiomatic expressions.
One effective way to practice is through immediate, targeted feedback. At EnglishWritingPrep.com, we offer instant English writing assessments tailored specifically for IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE preparation. Our assessment tool provides detailed feedback on language use, structure, and formality, helping you identify areas to improve and giving you the confidence to write at an exam-ready level. Each assessment is designed to be quick, accessible, and directly relevant to your language proficiency goals.
By using our assessment services, you can receive expert insights into your writing style, along with actionable suggestions for avoiding informal language and achieving a more formal tone. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, our platform can support your progress, guiding you toward a higher score in your next IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE exam.
In summary, avoiding informal language in IELTS and TOEFL writing is essential for scoring well and demonstrating your command of English. With focused practice and reliable feedback, you can refine your skills and approach your exam with confidence. Visit EnglishWritingPrep.com today to take advantage of our instant writing assessments, and take a step closer to achieving your academic and professional dreams.