Listening: Understanding Natural Connected Speech B2 - Lesson 3: Recognizing Different Levels of Formality in Speech

Natural Speech: Understanding Formality CEFR Level B2 Lesson Goals In this lesson, you will learn to recognize different levels of formality in natural English speech and understand how the situation changes the vocabulary and grammar we use. Choosing the Right Style of Language Formality is about matching your language to the situation. You would speak differently to a government minister than to a close friend. Recognizing these differences is a key skill for advanced social and professional communication. 1. Making a Request Let's compare two ways to ask for help. Notice the polite phrasing and full sentence in the formal example, versus the directness and phrasal verb in the informal one. Formal (e.g., to a hotel manager) "I was wondering if you would be able to assist me?" Informal (e.g., to a friend) "Hey, can ya give me a hand?" 2. Expressing an Opinion How we share ideas also changes dramatically. The formal version is structured and cautious, while the informal ver…