## **Learning Outcomes**

After reading this article, you will be able to identify and explain how writers select register and tone to suit different purposes and audiences (AO2), and use Standard English accurately in your own writing (AO6). You will recognise differences in formality, adjust your style to match context, and analyse examples of register and tone in exam responses. You will also learn to avoid common errors and use subject terminology confidently.

## **AQA GCSE English Language 8700 Syllabus**

For AQA GCSE English Language 8700, you need to demonstrate the following in relation to this topic:

- Explain how writers use language, including register and tone, to achieve effects (AO2)
- Use appropriate register and tone when writing for different audiences and purposes (AO5)
- Write accurately using Standard English, ensuring clarity, grammar, and correct vocabulary choices (AO6)
- Understand and comment on the effect of formality, informality, and the appropriateness of language in spoken and written texts

## **Test Your Knowledge**

_Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision._

1. What is meant by register, and how can it change depending on the audience or purpose?
2. Give an example of a formal and an informal tone in English. Which type of writing would each suit best?
3. Why is it important to use Standard English in your exam responses?
4. Identify an error in the sentence: "We was walking home and didn't done our homework, innit?"

## **Introduction**

_Whether you are analysing a source or writing your own response, register, tone, and Standard English are essential to clear, effective communication in AQA GCSE English Language 8700._
Understanding and accurately using register, tone, and Standard English are essential for both reading questions (AO2) and writing questions (AO5/AO6). This article explores how writers choose language to match audience and purpose, the effect of tone on reader response, and the requirements of Standard English for top marks.

> **Key Term: register**
> The level of formality in language chosen to suit the context, audience, and purpose of communication.
>
> **Key Term: tone**
> The feeling, attitude, or mood conveyed by the writer’s language and style.
>
> **Key Term: Standard English**
> The form of English widely accepted as ‘correct’, used in formal writing and speech for clarity and professionalism.

## **Register: Levels of Formality**

Register changes depending on who you are addressing and what your purpose is. In English, register ranges from highly formal (business letters, academic essays) to highly informal (text messages, casual conversation). Using the correct register shows skill and ensures a response is appropriate for the exam context.

### **Worked Example 1.1**

Consider the two greetings below. What is the difference in register, and when would each be used?

- "Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to express concern regarding school facilities."
- "Hey! Can you sort out the stuff at school? It's a pain."

> **Answer:**
>
> The first greeting uses a formal register with polite, precise language, suitable for an official letter or exam writing. The second greeting is informal and uses everyday language suitable for speaking to a friend, but not for a formal task.
>
> **Key Term: audience**
> The person or group who is intended to read or hear the text.
>
> **Key Term: purpose**
> The reason a text is written—such as to inform, persuade, argue, or entertain.

## **Tone: Attitude and Effect**

Tone expresses the writer's attitude about the subject, ranging from serious, enthusiastic, or angry to humorous or sarcastic. The right tone can influence the reader’s feelings or response and is an AO2 focus in the exam.

### **Worked Example 1.2**

Read the following two sentences and comment on their tone:

A) "The concert was a phenomenal display of musical talent."
B) "Well, that concert was… something. At least the seats were comfy."

> **Answer:**
>
> Sentence A uses a positive, enthusiastic tone, suggesting strong approval. Sentence B is sarcastic and dismissive, showing disappointment. The language choice ("phenomenal display") versus ("was... something") shifts the reader’s impression.

### **Exam Warning**

> Using the wrong register or tone for an exam question will limit your marks. Avoid slang, contractions, or colloquialisms in formal tasks. Always match your style to the purpose and audience given in the question.

## **Standard English: Accuracy and Appropriateness**

You must use Standard English throughout your exam responses. This means correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, and widely accepted vocabulary. Non-standard forms (e.g. "should of", "we was", regional slang) must be avoided.

> **Key Term: non-Standard English**
> Varieties of English (slang, dialect, or incorrect forms) not accepted as correct in formal speech or writing.

### **Worked Example 1.3**

Identify and correct the non-Standard English in this sentence:

"I ain't never done nothing wrong."

> **Answer:**
>
> The sentence contains a double negative and informal word choice. In Standard English, it should read: "I have never done anything wrong."

### **Revision Tip**

> For the writing questions in both papers, set aside a few minutes at the end to check your work for non-Standard English, spelling, and punctuation errors. Examiners penalise repeated mistakes.

## **Applying Register, Tone, and Standard English in Exam Writing**

Always check the context of the task and adjust your response:

- **Formal, objective register** (e.g. newspaper articles, reports, letters to authority)
- **Neutral or semi-formal register** (e.g. personal statements, informative leaflets)
- **Personal, informal register** only if the question specifies a less formal audience (rare in the exam)

Use a tone that matches the purpose:

- **Persuasive**: confident, direct ("We must act now...")
- **Descriptive**: vivid, emotive ("The air crackled with anticipation...")
- **Advisory**: calm, reassuring ("You should check your equipment regularly...")

Maintain Standard English throughout by avoiding contractions, regional colloquialisms, and incorrect grammatical forms.

### **Worked Example 1.4**

You are asked: Write a letter to your headteacher arguing against a new school uniform policy. Which opening is correct?

A) "Yo, I don't get why we gotta wear blazers. It's dead annoying."
B) "I am writing to express my disagreement with the proposed uniform policy, as I believe it restricts students' individuality."

> **Answer:**
>
> Option B uses appropriate register, tone, and Standard English for a formal writing task.

## **Summary**

Register, tone, and Standard English affect the meaning, formality, and effectiveness of every exam response. Top marks depend on selecting appropriate language for the audience and purpose, maintaining clear tone, and using Standard English throughout.

## **Key Point Checklist**

_This article has covered the following key knowledge points:_

- Register is the level of formality—choose it to suit context, purpose, and audience.
- Tone expresses the writer’s attitude and must match the task’s requirements.
- Standard English is required in all formal exam responses—avoid slang or regional forms.
- Adjust register and tone for different tasks and audiences as instructed in the question.
- Check for non-Standard English, especially in your writing tasks (AO6).

## **Key Terms and Concepts**

- register
- tone
- Standard English
- audience
- purpose
- non-Standard English


Interaction and response - Register, tone, and Standard English