Identify the Differences Between Spoken and Written English

In this worksheet, students will develop their understanding of the differences between written and spoken English and how to reflect this in their writing.

Key stage: KS 3

Year: Year 9 English worksheets

Curriculum topic: Writing

Curriculum subtopic: Purpose and Audience Awareness

Difficulty level:

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Worksheet Overview

Spoken and written English are very different - even though they are the same language.

When we use spoken English, we use things like tone and inflection, as well as stressing certain words - all of which adds up to convey meaning in our words. Spoken English is narrative, event-based and action-based and is used for scripts and news reports. Spoken English is mostly informal and colloquial.

Written English is text-based and uses punctuation and sentence structure to control pace and show emphasis. It also uses specific grammar to convey meaning. Written English is much more permanent and complex. Written English is mostly formal.

In this activity, you will look at some of the differences between spoken and written English and see how to reflect this in your writing.

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woman writing

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