8th Grade Common Core | Writing Worksheets - Free Printable

Here’s the completed worksheet with each sentence labeled as Formal or Informal, along with a clear explanation for each.

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✔ Completed Worksheet:

1. Can you pass the potatoes please? → Formal
*Explanation:* This is polite, uses complete grammar (“Can you”), and includes “please.” It’s appropriate in polite conversation or at a formal dinner.

2. I am having a very good day today. → Formal
*Explanation:* Uses full verb form (“am having”) instead of contractions, and complete sentence structure — typical of formal speech or writing.

3. Yo, look at that zebra in the cage! → Informal
*Explanation:* Starts with “Yo” (slang greeting), no punctuation after “Yo,” and uses casual tone — common in texting or talking with friends.

4. Your hair looks very nice today. → Formal
*Explanation:* Polite compliment using complete sentence structure. No slang or contractions — suitable for professional or polite settings.

5. That movie was awesome! → Informal
*Explanation:* Uses “awesome,” which is slang/exaggerated praise; exclamation mark adds casual enthusiasm — common in everyday speech.

6. Dude, where’s my car? → Informal
*Explanation:* Starts with “Dude” (very casual address), uses contraction “where’s” — clearly conversational and informal.

7. Are you going to the rehearsal dinner tonight? → Formal
*Explanation:* Grammatically correct, no contractions or slang. Appropriate for invitations or polite inquiries.

8. I haven’t eaten a thing for awhile. → Informal
*Explanation:* Uses contraction “haven’t” and “awhile” (which should technically be “a while,” but even if corrected, the tone is casual). Common in spoken English.

9. Holla if you hear me! → Informal
*Explanation:* “Holla” is slang (from hip-hop/casual culture); phrase is playful and not used in formal contexts.

10. Good morning, my name is John. → Formal
*Explanation:* Standard polite greeting + full sentence. Used when meeting someone professionally or formally for the first time.

11. Mornin’ sir, nice to see ya. → Informal
*Explanation:* Contractions (“Mornin’”, “see ya”), casual greetings — appropriate with friends or in relaxed settings, not formal.

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📝 Summary Table:

| Sentence | Label |
|----------|-----------|
| 1 | Formal |
| 2 | Formal |
| 3 | Informal |
| 4 | Formal |
| 5 | Informal |
| 6 | Informal |
| 7 | Formal |
| 8 | Informal |
| 9 | Informal |
| 10 | Formal |
| 11 | Informal |

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💡 Key Takeaways:

- Formal English = complete sentences, no contractions, polite tone, proper grammar.
- Informal English = contractions, slang, abbreviations, exclamations, casual greetings (“yo,” “dude,” “holla”).

This helps students recognize how context and audience affect language choice — essential for writing letters, resumes, emails, or speaking in interviews vs. chatting with friends.

Let me know if you’d like a printable version or flashcards for practice!