Sound right for your reader

English · Writing Composition · ages 14-16

Name ______________________ Date ____________

Why must a report define terms like kilobyte?
- To fill one full page
- To avoid all numbers
- Outsiders can follow
What does register control mean?
- Using big words everywhere
- Holding one formality level for your reader
- Writing as fast as possible
A deliberate register break needs no explanation.
Circle one: True False
You spot gonna inside a formal draft. What is it?
- A technical term
- Casual slip, fix it
- A required quotation
Which line fits a formal sympathy card?
- Accept our condolences
- Hey, tough break, huh
- No worries about your loss
You switch to slang for one joking line in a speech. What makes it work?
- Nobody in charge notices
- Slang is always fine
- You explain the deliberate effect
A student claims register means sounding fancy throughout. What is the flaw?
- Fancy words are banned
- Readers never matter
- Register means fitting the reader, not fanciness
Two writers shift tone mid-piece. Ann shifts once and explains the payoff. Ben drifts often with no reason. Who shows control?
- Ann, because her shift is designed
- Ben, because more shifts show range
- Both show equal control

Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

Outsiders can follow · Technical terms need plain definitions for outsiders.
Holding one formality level for your reader · One reader, one purpose, one steady level.
False · Designed breaks explain their payoff. Drift explains nothing.
Casual slip, fix it · Casual phrasing in formal dress is drift, not design.
Accept our condolences · Formal grief needs formal words, steady throughout.
You explain the deliberate effect · A flagged, explained break is design. Silent ones are drift.
Register means fitting the reader, not fanciness · A plain note to a friend can show perfect register.
Ann, because her shift is designed · One explained shift beats many accidental ones.