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ϊ{pκ\»wο Ivwpκ\»€xζ 17 pΆ[T
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English Usage and Style No.17 Synopsis
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Formal / Informal Styles in EFL Paragraph Composition
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| Many of the EFL studentsf mistakes in paragraph writing are related to their failure to express the formality of language. This study tries to determine whether it is because of their general lack of attention to stylistic differentiation or whether it is due to their inability to express the linguistic subtleties in their target language. The battery of comprehension tests and production tests conducted have shown that, concerning most features of formal/informal styles, Japanese students are conscious of the existence of formal vs. informal styles in English, but their English skills are not advanced enough to fully express them. Statistically, this tendency is particularly prominent with such grammatical items as formal vocabulary, passive voice (formal style), the deletion of a conjunction, and the use of like (informal style). The results of the study also suggest that EFL teachers should pay special attention to the subjunctive mood and final-position interjections when teaching informal, spoken English. |
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