Although this page focuses on formal language and formal voice, it also relates to all forms of voice in all genres. Teaching students about voice in writing is valuable; teaching students how to use formal language in writing is essential.
Interestingly, I approach this by connecting formal language to the Six Traits of Writing, framing it as “formal voice.” This connection builds on what students already know, making the concept less intimidating and rigid. I emphasize that formality has degrees. This helps students understand that they are not losing their voice but instead learning to control and adapt it.
Understanding Formal Voice in Writing
The term “voice” in the “Six Traits of Writing” model helps students see that learning formal language is about expanding their writing skills. Students passionate about writing often feel restricted by formal language, so it’s helpful to show them that formal voice is just another tool in their repertoire. The reality is that formal voice relates to several or most of the Six Traits in one way or another. Equally important is that it relates to GENRE, which is a passion of mine. Here is a brief explanation of how formal language relates to traits and genre.
1. Conventions and Grammar: Conventions and grammar are the rules that guide formal writing. They ensure that your language is clear, precise, and professional. This makes readers more likely to understand and take your message seriously.
2. Voice: Voice in formal writing is about adapting your unique style to fit a professional tone. It’s not about losing your personal touch but adapting it to meet the expectations of your audience. A strong formal voice maintains your individuality while aligning with the standards of professional clarity.
3. Genre: Genre shapes how formal language is used in writing. Different genres have different expectations for formality. Whether crafting a business report or an academic essay, understanding the genre helps you apply the right level of formality, ensuring your writing fits its purpose and respects your audience.
Please note that I think of genre in the way that Netflix, Rotten Tomatoes, and Wikipedia do. There is a primary genre, and we add adjectives to specify, clarify, and identify exactly what a piece of writing is. We also use these specific genres to target our readers’ expectations and requirements. Various genres require formal voice. Others don’t. Many eschew it.
How to Teach Formal Voice to Students of Different Skill Levels
Due to wide reading, some students naturally understand the correct voice, tone, and style for many types of writing. They can easily differentiate and mimic various writing styles. Many students prefer a colloquial or conversational voice and resist changing it, viewing formal writing as dull. Some students don’t grasp formal voice, while others rebel against it.
To meet the needs of students with differing skill levels, understandings, and beliefs about writing, I use engaging activities that illustrate the use and relevance of formal voice. Through various examples and interactive exercises, I show them how formal language can be dynamic and powerful. By demonstrating formal voice in engaging activities, students see it as a valuable and essential tool rather than a constraint.
Let’s take a look at some of these exercises!
Effective Instruction: Using Comparison and The Rule of Three
Comparing only two styles of writing can be limiting. Using three comparisons provides a broader understanding of formality. This technique is echoed in storytelling, where three examples create a clearer picture:
- Goldilocks and the Three Bears
- The Three Little Pigs
- Three Billy Goats Gruff
Research That Supports Teaching Formal Voice
Studies have shown that explicit instruction in voice and style significantly improves students’ writing abilities. A study by Graham and Perin (2007) found that writing instruction focusing on specific traits, such as voice, improves writing performance across various genres. Another study by Fisher and Frey (2013) emphasizes the importance of modeling and practice in teaching formal writing skills, highlighting that students benefit from seeing and practicing different levels of formality.
Practical Strategies and Techniques for Teaching Formal Voice
We will look at two groups of activities. The first group focuses on exploring and understanding voice, tone, and style. The second set of activities addresses formal voice more directly.
1. Writing from Different Perspectives
Have students write about an experience or describe something from three different age perspectives. This can be as short as a sentence or a paragraph.
Example: Describe a day at the park from the perspective of a child, a teenager, and an older adult.
Example: Write about a visit to a museum from the viewpoint of a young child, a college student, and a retired historian.
2. Historical Comparisons
Read about a historical figure or event from three sources aimed at different audiences, such as an encyclopedia, textbook, and a student-generated article.
Example: Compare accounts of Abraham Lincoln’s presidency from a children’s book, a high school history textbook, and a scholarly article.
Example: Examine descriptions of the Apollo 11 moon landing from a kid’s science book, a high school textbook, and a NASA astronaut’s autobiography.
3. News Comparisons
Show three news sources covering the same story, illustrating a range from professional to wacky.
Example: Compare news coverage of a current event from CNN, BuzzFeed, and The Onion.
Example: Look at different reporting styles for a major weather event from BBC News, The Daily Mail, and the Today Show.
4. Video Comparisons
Use three different video learning sources with varied styles and target audiences, such as a documentary, a kid’s educational series, and a cartoon or entertaining science show.
Example: Watch a National Geographic documentary, a Bill Nye the Science Guy episode, and a SciShow video on YouTube about the same scientific topic.
Example: View an in-depth lecture from a university professor, a Ted-Ed animated lesson, and a fun, quirky explanation from CrashCourse on the same historical event.
More Strategies and Techniques for Teaching Formal Voice
1. Model Identification
Students find a model for the voice they want to use in their report writing (e.g., a news anchor) and write a paragraph describing the observed voice, tone, and style. Then, they read their paragraph in that voice.
Example: Write about a news report in Walter Cronkite’s voice, using his formal tone, style, and concise language.
Example: Mimic the reporting style of Diane Sawyer, focusing on her balanced, professional, and engaging delivery.
2. Role-Playing
In small groups, students read writing samples using their chosen formal voice.
Example: Read a speech excerpt in the style of Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on his formal and impactful delivery.
Example: Perform a section of a presidential address by John F. Kennedy, emphasizing his formal yet approachable tone.
3. Imaginary Panel
Encourage students to imagine a panel of British-accented advisors guiding them to write formally. Teachers can join in with their best British accents as a fun model.
Example: Write a letter to a business as if it were composed by Jane Austen and Charles Dickens.
Example: Compose an essay as if Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth 1 stood over your shoulders, commenting on your style.
These methods make learning formal voice engaging and fun, helping students see it as an exciting challenge rather than a constraint.
The Importance of Formal Writing and Its Connection to Voice in the Six Traits of Writing
Research and Significance
The significance of formal writing extends beyond the classroom. It prepares students for various academic and professional settings where formal communication is essential. Research supports the benefits of teaching formal writing. Graham and Perin (2007) highlight that students who receive direct instruction in writing strategies, including formal voice, show marked improvement in their writing quality. Additionally, Applebee and Langer (2013) found that consistent practice and exposure to formal writing enhance students’ ability to convey complex ideas effectively.
Formal writing also plays a critical role in developing students’ critical thinking skills. According to a study by Hillocks (2010), formal writing tasks encourage students to organize their thoughts, make logical connections, and present arguments coherently. This process not only improves writing proficiency but also enhances overall cognitive development.
Connecting Formal Writing to Voice in the Six Traits of Writing
Voice is a central component of the Six Traits of Writing model, which includes ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions. The voice trait focuses on the writer’s unique style and personality in their writing. When students learn to write formally, they are not suppressing their voice but instead adapting it to suit a specific audience and purpose.
Teaching formal writing within the framework of the Six Traits helps students understand that voice can be versatile. They learn to adjust their tone, style, and level of formality based on the context. This adaptability is crucial for effective communication across different genres and settings.
For example, a student might use a casual, conversational voice in a personal narrative but switch to a formal, authoritative voice in a research paper. Understanding these distinctions empowers students to make conscious choices about their writing style to strengthen their writing competence.
Moreover, formal writing instruction aligns with the voice trait by emphasizing clarity, precision, and appropriateness of language. Students learn to craft sentences that convey their intended message with the right level of formality, ensuring their voice remains strong and clear.
How Formal Writing and Voice Relate to Conventions and Grammar in the Six Traits of Writing
Understanding Conventions and Grammar
The conventions trait in the Six Traits of Writing model covers the mechanical correctness of writing, including grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization. Proper use of conventions ensures that the writing is clear and readable, which is crucial for effective communication. Grammar, specifically, involves the rules that govern the structure of sentences, the correct use of words, and the syntax that helps express meaning accurately.
The Relationship Between Formal Writing, Voice, and Conventions
Formal writing and voice are inherently linked to conventions and grammar because they all contribute to the overall quality and clarity of the writing. Here’s how they interconnect:
1. Consistency and Clarity: A consistent and appropriate voice is essential in formal writing. This consistency is supported by proper conventions and grammar, ensuring that the writing is understandable and error-free. For instance, a formal research paper should consistently use academic language and correct grammar to create credibility and clarity.
2. Precision and Professionalism: A formal voice often requires precise language and sophisticated sentence structures, which demands a firm grasp of grammar and conventions. Using correct punctuation, for example, helps convey the intended meaning clearly and professionally, creating a formal tone.
3. Reader Expectations: Audiences have different expectations for different genres of writing. Formal writing must meet high grammar standards for readers to take it seriously. This respect for rules reflects the writer’s respect for the audience and the subject matter.
4. Voice Authenticity: Even in formal writing, the writer’s voice should be authentic and engaging. Proper use of grammar and conventions allows the writer’s voice to shine through without being overshadowed by errors. This is particularly important when trying to balance formality with personal style.
Practical Examples
To illustrate the connection between formal writing, voice, and conventions, consider these examples:
Example 1: Academic Essay
Voice: The essay maintains a formal, authoritative voice appropriate for an academic audience.
Conventions and Grammar: The essay uses proper grammar, punctuation, and academic vocabulary to ensure clarity and credibility. Errors in these areas could undermine the formal voice and distract the reader.
Example 2: Business Report
Voice: The report has a formal and professional tone, which is essential for business communication.
Conventions and Grammar: Correct use of conventions, such as bullet points, headings, and proper sentence structure, enhances readability and professionalism. Using these conventions supports the formal voice required in business contexts.
Conclusion
Teaching formal writing through the lens of voice in the Six Traits of Writing model provides students with a comprehensive understanding of how to adapt their writing to different contexts. It prepares them for academic and professional communication while strengthening their ability to express themselves clearly and effectively.
Formal language, voice, conventions, and grammar are interconnected components of using formal voice. Teaching students to master these elements prepares them for various writing tasks, guaranteeing they can communicate effectively and appropriately in any writing situation.
