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English: register and purpose

Register is how formal or informal writing is; purpose is why it was written (to inform, persuade, entertain or instruct). Clues in word choice, punctuation and tone tell you both.

What is tested

  • Formal vs informal language
  • Identifying text type from an extract
  • Purpose: inform, persuade, entertain, instruct

Worked example

'Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to formally request a refund.' What kind of writing is this?

  1. 'Dear Sir or Madam' and 'formally request' are formal.
  2. It asks for something in writing.
  3. It is a formal letter of complaint.

Answer: a formal letter of complaint

Exam-day checklist

  • Look at greetings, contractions and slang for register.
  • Imperative verbs (mix, add, fold) signal instructions.
  • Emotive words and questions suggest persuasion.
  • Facts and figures suggest information.

Common mistakes

  • Choosing a text type because of one word rather than the whole extract.
  • Confusing persuade with inform.
  • Ignoring the audience.

Try it yourself

1. 'Mix the flour and butter until it looks like breadcrumbs.' What is the purpose?

Show answer

to instruct

The imperative verb tells the reader what to do.

2. 'OMG guess what happened today!!' What register is this?

Show answer

informal

Slang, abbreviations and exclamation marks are informal.

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