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All 14 Flashcards — Register & audience
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Question
register
Answer
how formal or informal the language is
Question
audience / reader
Answer
the person you write to — the one who sets the register
Question
informal register
Answer
relaxed, friendly English for friends and peers ("Hi", contractions)
Question
formal register
Answer
polite, careful English for officials, teachers and companies ("Dear…", no slang)
Question
greeting
Answer
how a text opens ("Hi Sam" informal vs "Dear Mr Patel" formal)
Question
sign-off
Answer
how a text closes ("See you soon" informal vs "Yours faithfully" formal)
Question
What markers signal the informal register?
Answer
"Hi…", contractions (I'm, can't) and a warm sign-off like "See you soon".
Question
What markers signal the formal register?
Answer
"Dear Sir or Madam", no contractions or slang, and "Yours faithfully" / "Yours sincerely".
Question
Which register do you use for a company or a teacher?
Answer
The formal register.
Question
What are the four moves for register?
Answer
Identify the reader → Choose formal or informal → Match greeting/sign-off/words → Keep it consistent.
Question
Which markers move together when you switch register?
Answer
The greeting, the request/word choices, the thanks and the sign-off — change all four or none.
Question
What's the most common register mistake?
Answer
Mixing formal and informal in the same answer — usually hidden in contractions, slang and the sign-off.
Question
Which criterion does a consistent register protect?
Answer
Criterion C (Conceptual understanding) — register matched to the reader and held throughout.
Question
How do you catch register drift before finishing?
Answer
Re-read for contractions, slang and a clashing sign-off, checking each against your chosen register.
Read the notes
Full study notes for Register & audience
Topic 4.2 hub
Writing skills
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English B exam skills
Paper structures & tips
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