Unit 1, Lesson 1
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Register (Formal/Informal)

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Precision in language:
Formal AND INFORMAL REGISTER




SESSION 1 (80 min) ANTICIPATION

Part 1 (10 -15min)

Anticipation: “The Dial Turn” Scenarios
Introductory Question: “How does shifting your register(formal to informal) change whether you get banned from a server, texting or talking to your friends, or get an extension on a school deadline?”

Ask them to brainstorm different scenarios where they would use informal and formal register.

As anticipation, the class takes part in : “The Dial Turn,” a 10-minute activity where students “re-code” a blunt statement into three distinct registers.

Step 1: Small groups are created and are required to re-write (re-code) the original sentence into a different register. Level 1 is an informal, hyperbolic “viral tweet,” while Level 2 is a highly nuanced academic argument that utilizes hedging and abstraction to build credibility.

Step 2: Introduce sample sentences as examples.

Level 1 : Playing multiplayer games with your squad after school is way better for your mental health than doing mindless worksheets.”

Level 2 (C1 Advanced/Formal): “Engaging in collaborative digital environments post-instruction may facilitate cognitive decompression, whereas repetitive static assignments arguably yield diminishing educational returns.”

Step 3: Introduce a level one sentence both teams need to re-code.

Level 1 (Casual/Informal): “Waking up early for class is completely ruining our sleep schedules and making everyone fail their morning quizzes.”

Becomes —>

Level 2 (C1 Advanced/Formal): “Early academic session initiation tends to exacerbate adolescent sleep deprivation; conversely, shifting schedules to align with biological rhythms would appear to optimize cognitive performance during formative assessments.”

The activity concludes with a brief class reveal where students compare their versions to see how register functions as a tool for precision. This highlights that high-level English isn’t just about using “big words,” but about using sophisticated structures—such as moving from I think” to “Evidence suggests”—to make an argument more defensible.

Part 2: Vocabulary Development (15-20 min)

The teacher explicitly introduces key vocabulary needed for the lesson, ensuring students clearly understand meaning and use. The words include:

  • To a certain extent: Use this to partially agree while preparing to offer a counter-argument.
  • With respect to / Regarding: A formal way to introduce a specific topic or pivot the conversation.
  • It is widely asserted that: Useful for citing a general opinion or theory without taking personal “blame” for the claim.
  • Notwithstanding: A sophisticated way to say “despite” or “in spite of” (e.g., “Notwithstanding the costs, the benefits are clear”).
  • To advocate for: A stronger, more professional alternative to “to support” or “to be for” something.
  • Implicit in this argument is…: Used to point out an underlying assumption in someone else’s point.
  • To exacerbate: Use this instead of “make worse” when discussing problems or trends.
  • In light of recent developments: A formal transition used to introduce new context or evidence.
  • It would appear that: A classic hedging phrase to avoid making a blunt, possibly incorrect, factual claim.
  • Conversely: A high-level transition used to introduce a contrasting idea, replacing the more casual “on the other hand.”

These phrases help students move away from the “I think/I feel” structure and toward the objective, evidence-based tone required for advanced argumentation.

Encourage students to create a sentence out loud with any of the vocab words.

Part 3: Role Play Prep (35 min)

Students are placed into groups and act out different formal / informal contexts using appropriate language and register as well as vocabulary.

Ex: 1. Addressing a Teacher to turn in later homework

2. Interaction with a person with a high level of authority ( like the principle)

3. Hanging out with friends ( required to research or apply everyday slang)

4. The Creator vs. The Sponsor (Formal vs. Informal)

  • The Setup: A student is a popular gaming streamer who accidentally used inappropriate language on a live stream. They must have a formal negotiation with their main tech sponsor (played by another student) to save their funding using words like exacerbate, notwithstanding, and in light of recent developments.

Each group will be assigned 3 or 4 words from the vocab that needs to be applied within their dialogue.

Roleplay Rubric:

Criteria4 – Exceptional3 – Proficient2 – Developing1 – Beginning
Register & ToneConsistently uses the correct formal or informal tone. Transitions between registers are seamless and appropriate for the audience.Mostly uses the correct register. Only 1-2 minor slips in tone (e.g., using slang in a formal setting).Struggles to maintain the correct register. Tone often feels inconsistent with the scenario.Language is inappropriate for the context or shows no distinction between formal/informal.
Vocabulary UsageNatural and accurate use of 5+ words from the vocab list. Words are used in the correct grammatical context.Accurate use of 3-4 words from the vocab list. Meanings are clear, though maybe slightly forced.Uses 1-2 words from the vocab list, or uses several words incorrectly/out of context.No vocabulary from the list was used, or usage was entirely incorrect.
Communicative FluencySpeech is fluid and natural. Interaction feels like a real conversation with appropriate responses to the partner.Speech is mostly clear with minor hesitations. Able to maintain the conversation without much help.Frequent pauses or “uhms” that break the flow. Relies heavily on notes or simple sentences.Speech is fragmented and difficult to follow. Cannot sustain a conversation.
Non-Verbal CuesBody language, eye contact, and gestures perfectly match the chosen register (e.g., professional posture for formal).Uses good eye contact and gestures, though they may not always align with the specific register.Limited use of gestures or eye contact. Body language is stiff or indifferent.No attempt at non-verbal communication; student may be reading directly from a script.
Task CompletionFully addresses the roleplay prompt and reaches a logical conclusion within the time limit.Addresses the main points of the prompt, though the ending may feel slightly rushed.Only partially addresses the prompt; key details of the scenario were missed.Did not follow the prompt or the roleplay was too brief to evaluate.

Part 1 – Role Play Presentations (30-40 min)

Students present their role plays to the class and then engage in a whole class discussion peer reviewing their use of language in their distinct contexts!

Part 2 – Feedback and Reflection (25-30 min)

After each performance, the teacher provides brief, constructive feedback, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement. Peers are also encouraged to identify correct examples of the target structure. To close the session, students reflect by answering the question: What have you learned about change in register in different social contexts? How does use of formality influence in the way one is perceived? This reinforces both language and content understanding.

NEE – Agregar el tipo de adaptaciones curriculares

Principio II: Pautas 6.1 – 6.3 – 6.4 
Principio III: Pautas 7.1 – 8.1 – 9.1
ALUMNO 1: Constante monitoreo. Dar tiempo adicional para el desarrollo de la actividad y se reduce el número de ejercicios o se modifican los ejercicios con un nivel de dificultad reducido, de acuerdo con sus necesidades académicas. 
ALUMNO 2: Constante monitoreo, Dar tiempo adicional para el desarrollo de la actividad y se reduce el número de ejercicios o se modifican los ejercicios con un nivel de dificultad reducido, de acuerdo con sus necesidades académicas.
ALUMNO 3: Constante monitoreo. Corroborar que el contenido entregado en clase haya sido comprendido por la estudiante mediante retroalimentación.