Free VCE English Language Flashcard Review

Careful articulation, full vowel pronunciation, reduced contractions, and standard stress patterns. Example: lawyer says 'going' rather than 'gonna', fully pronounces 'that' rather than glottal stop.

Relaxed articulation, vowel reduction (schwa insertion), frequent contractions, assimilation across words. Example: 'gonna', 'wanna', 'd'ya' instead of 'do you'.

Latinate and Greek prefixes/suffixes (un-, pre-, -tion, -ity, -ous) create longer, more technical words. Examples: 'unprecedented', 'methodology', 'comprehensiveness' in academic or professional texts.

Diminutives, blends, and conversion (using verbs as nouns). Examples: 'arvo' (afternoon), 'Aussie', 'that's a bit dodgy' (dodgy = adjective formed from noun).

Complex sentences with subordinate clauses, passive voice, nominal groups instead of verbs. Example: 'The implementation of new procedures was deemed necessary' (passive, nominalised).

Shorter clauses, parataxis (and/but connections), active voice, direct address. Example: 'We did the job and it was good' or 'You know what? It was brilliant.'

Abstract, technical vocabulary; euphemism; precise denotation over connotation. Examples: 'terminate employment' (formal) vs 'fire' (informal); 'remuneration' vs 'pay'.

Concrete, everyday vocabulary; direct reference; slang and colloquialisms; emotional connotation. Examples: 'heaps good', 'mate', 'reckon', 'that's sick' (meaning excellent).

Standard typography, consistent formatting, formal fonts (Times New Roman, Arial), proper spacing, justified text. Absence of abbreviations or casual symbols (no emojis, no txtspeak).

Variable typography, creative fonts, line breaks, abbreviations (lol, omg), emojis, hashtags, varied capitalisation. Often reflects spontaneity and personality.

Turn-taking is regulated; minimal overlap; careful topic maintenance; explicit transitions ('Furthermore', 'In conclusion'). Interruptions avoided; floor-holding devices used formally.

Overlapping talk, backchannelling ('mm-hmm', 'yeah'), topic-hopping, fillers ('like', 'you know', 'sort of'). Repair and self-correction visible; humour and shared cultural references.

Indirect requests, high 'distance' markers (please, would you mind), formal titles and forms of address (Ms., Dr.), deference. Avoids personal pronouns; uses impersonal constructions.

Direct requests, low 'distance' (mates can say 'pass the salt'), nicknames and first names, solidarity markers. Personal pronouns frequent; casual imperatives acceptable.

Creates authority, credibility, and professional distance. Used in legal documents, medical reports, job interviews, academic papers to signal competence and institutional power.

Builds solidarity, trust, and equality. Used among friends, family, and in-groups to signal belonging, authenticity, and reduced social distance.

Deliberate movement between formal and informal registers depending on audience, purpose, or setting. Example: lawyer speaks formally in court but informally with colleagues in the break room.

Speakers adjust formality based on who they're addressing. Higher status, less familiar, or larger audiences trigger more formal language; peers and intimates trigger informal language.

Formality is shaped by setting and communicative purpose. High-stakes or institutional contexts (court, hospital, classroom) require formal language; casual or private contexts permit informality.

Formal language increases perceived power and social distance (e.g., superior to subordinate). Informal language reduces distance and signals equality or solidarity (peer to peer).