B2 Stage 4: Full paragraph

Write in a formal style

Formal style in writing at B2

You can write a paragraph in a calm, formal style, with full forms and no chatty words.

This guide is for B1 writers moving to B2. It is a stage 4 skill: write one full paragraph (110-170 words).

When to use formal style

When you write to a council, a school, a company or a newspaper, in an essay, or in any text where you want the reader to take you seriously.

Formal style: how to do it

A formal paragraph sounds calm and polite. Do not use chatty words (kids, stuff, a bunch of, super, gonna), short forms (don't, it's, can't) or exclamation marks. Use neutral words instead: children, things, a number of, do not, it is, cannot. Keep a clear point and a reason: formal style is not empty style. Do not use 'you' for people in general; say 'people'. Keep 'I' for your own opinion and use it only a few times. In an essay (not a letter), a mild word that judges, such as 'useful' or 'worrying', is fine; strong feeling words such as 'amazing' or 'terrible' still sound too personal. Use a few words beyond the most basic ones (essential, a growing number of, as a result) and do not repeat the same word for the same idea.

Useful language for formal style

It would be helpful if ...
It is important that ...
A number of ...
I would like to suggest that ...
In addition, ...
Therefore, ...

Example of formal style

The town council should improve the lighting in the park. At present, several paths are very dark after sunset, and a number of residents have said that they do not feel safe walking there. This is a serious problem, because people who avoid the park lose a valuable place to relax and exercise. Better lighting would also help older visitors, who cannot easily see uneven ground in poor light. The cost of new lamps would not be high, since modern lamps use little electricity. I would therefore like to suggest that the council begin with the main path, which is used by most visitors. This simple change would make the park safer and more welcoming for everyone.

Topic: Better lighting in the park

How the BetterWrite coach checks formal style

The BetterWrite coach checks 5 points for this skill, plus accuracy and staying on topic, and quotes your own words when one is not there yet.

Try it

Write one paragraph (110-170 words) in a formal style, as if you were writing to the local council, about better cycle paths in your town. Say what you want and why.

Write 110-170 words (one full paragraph).