Register and Style: English ЕГЭ 2025 Preparation

Understanding register and style is essential for effective communication in English. This guide will help you recognize and use different levels of formality and stylistic features appropriately in various contexts, which is crucial for success in the ЕГЭ English exam. You'll learn how to adapt your language to different situations and purposes, enhancing both your reading comprehension and writing skills.

Theory for Exam Preparation

Register in language refers to the level of formality and the choice of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation that is appropriate for a particular context or situation. Style refers to the distinctive manner of expression—the way language is used to achieve specific effects or serve particular purposes. In the ЕГЭ English exam, you will encounter texts written in various registers and styles, and you will be expected to demonstrate your ability to comprehend these differences and to produce writing in an appropriate register and style. This guide will explore the different levels of formality in English, from formal academic writing to informal conversational language, and will examine how various stylistic features contribute to effective communication. By understanding register and style, you will be better equipped to interpret texts accurately and to express yourself appropriately in different contexts, which is essential for achieving a high score in the exam.

Understanding Register in English

What is Register?

Register refers to the level of formality in language and the choice of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation that is appropriate for a particular context or situation. Register is influenced by:

Levels of Formality

Formal Register

Formal register is used in official, serious, or academic contexts. It is characterized by:

Examples of contexts requiring formal register:

Semi-formal Register

Semi-formal register is used in professional or educational contexts where there is some familiarity between participants. It is characterized by:

Examples of contexts requiring semi-formal register:

Informal Register

Informal register is used in casual, everyday contexts with friends, family, or close acquaintances. It is characterized by:

Examples of contexts using informal register:

Register Markers

Vocabulary Choices

FormalSemi-formalInformal
Commence Begin Start
Sufficient Enough Plenty
Purchase Buy Get
Inquire Ask Want to know
Reside Live Crash/Stay

Grammatical Features

FeatureFormalSemi-formalInformal
Contractions It is not possible It isn't possible It's not possible
Phrasal verbs Postpone Delay Put off
Voice The matter was discussed We discussed the matter We talked about it
Pronouns One must consider We should consider You should think about
Sentence structure Despite the challenges faced, the project was completed successfully. Although we faced challenges, we completed the project successfully. We had problems, but we got it done.

Understanding Style in English

What is Style?

Style refers to the distinctive manner of expression—the way language is used to achieve specific effects or serve particular purposes. Style includes:

Common Stylistic Features

Descriptive Style

Descriptive style aims to create vivid images and sensory experiences for the reader. It is characterized by:

Example:

"The ancient oak tree stood majestically in the center of the garden, its gnarled branches reaching toward the azure sky like arthritic fingers. Its rough bark, etched with the scars of centuries, whispered stories of bygone eras to those who paused to listen."

Narrative Style

Narrative style tells a story or recounts events. It is characterized by:

Example:

"As Sarah entered the dimly lit room, she immediately sensed something was wrong. The papers on her desk had been disturbed, and the window she always kept locked was slightly ajar. She froze, listening intently for any sound that might reveal an intruder's presence."

Expository Style

Expository style explains or informs. It is characterized by:

Example:

"Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy. During this process, plants use carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen. The glucose serves as food for the plant, while the oxygen is released into the atmosphere."

Persuasive Style

Persuasive style aims to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint or to take a specific action. It is characterized by:

Example:

"Isn't it time we took climate change seriously? The evidence is overwhelming: rising temperatures, melting ice caps, and increasingly severe weather events. Yet some still deny the reality of this existential threat. We cannot afford to wait any longer. We must act now to reduce carbon emissions and protect our planet for future generations."

Analytical Style

Analytical style examines complex issues by breaking them down into components. It is characterized by:

Example:

"The economic downturn of 2008 resulted from multiple interconnected factors. First, the housing bubble, fueled by subprime mortgages, created an unsustainable market. Second, financial institutions engaged in risky lending practices without adequate oversight. Third, credit default swaps and other complex financial instruments obscured the true level of risk in the system."

Register and Style in Different Text Types

Academic Texts

Academic texts typically use formal register and expository or analytical style. They are characterized by:

Example:

"The research indicates a significant correlation between sleep deprivation and cognitive performance. Participants who received less than six hours of sleep demonstrated impaired decision-making abilities compared to the control group. These findings are consistent with previous studies (Smith et al., 2018; Johnson, 2020) that have established a causal relationship between inadequate sleep and reduced executive function."

Journalistic Texts

Journalistic texts typically use semi-formal register and a mix of narrative and expository styles. They are characterized by:

Example:

"LONDON (AP) — The British government announced new climate initiatives yesterday, pledging to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030. Prime Minister Johnson described the plan as 'ambitious but necessary' during a press conference at 10 Downing Street. Environmental groups have welcomed the announcement, though some critics question whether the targets are achievable without significant economic disruption."

Literary Texts

Literary texts can use various registers and styles depending on the genre, purpose, and audience. They are often characterized by:

Example:

"Mrs. Dalloway said she would buy the flowers herself. For Lucy had her work cut out for her. The doors would be taken off their hinges; Rumpelmayer's men were coming. And then, thought Clarissa Dalloway, what a morning—fresh as if issued to children on a beach." (from "Mrs. Dalloway" by Virginia Woolf)

Business and Professional Texts

Business and professional texts typically use formal or semi-formal register and expository or persuasive style. They are characterized by:

Example:

"Dear Mr. Thompson, I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Manager position advertised on your company website. With over five years of experience in digital marketing and a proven track record of increasing customer engagement, I believe I am well-qualified for this role. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience align with your requirements. Please find my resume attached for your consideration. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Jane Smith"

Social Media and Digital Communication

Social media and digital communication typically use informal register and a mix of styles. They are characterized by:

Example:

"Just finished my first marathon! 🏃‍♀️🥇 Exhausted but so proud! #RunningGoals #NeverGiveUp Thanks to everyone who supported me through the training—couldn't have done it without you! 💕"

Adapting Register and Style

Factors to Consider

When choosing an appropriate register and style, consider:

Common Register Shifts

Formal to Informal

Formal: "I would be grateful if you could provide me with information regarding the upcoming event."

Informal: "Could you let me know about the upcoming event?"

Informal to Formal

Informal: "Hey, I was wondering if you guys are gonna have that meeting tomorrow?"

Formal: "I would like to inquire whether the meeting is scheduled for tomorrow."

Technical to General

Technical: "The patient presented with acute myocardial infarction requiring immediate percutaneous coronary intervention."

General: "The patient had a heart attack and needed emergency treatment to unblock their arteries."

Style Adaptation Strategies

Register and Style in the ЕГЭ English Exam

Reading Comprehension

In the reading section, you may encounter texts with different registers and styles. Understanding these differences can help you:

Writing Tasks

In the writing section, you will need to demonstrate your ability to use appropriate register and style. This includes:

Common Exam Tasks Related to Register and Style

Practice Examples

Identify the register (formal, semi-formal, or informal) of each text and explain your reasoning.

  1. "Hey! Just wanted to let you know I'm gonna be a bit late for coffee. Traffic's crazy! See you in 10. 😊"
  2. "Dear Mr. Thompson, I am writing to express my interest in the position of Marketing Manager as advertised on your company website. Please find my resume attached for your consideration."
  3. "The study examined the effects of caffeine on cognitive performance. Participants who consumed 200mg of caffeine demonstrated significantly improved reaction times compared to the control group."

Answers:

1. Informal register. Indicators include: contractions ("I'm," "gonna"), colloquial expressions ("crazy"), abbreviations ("10" instead of "ten minutes"), emoji usage, incomplete sentences, exclamation marks, and a casual, friendly tone appropriate for communication between friends.

2. Formal register. Indicators include: formal greeting with title and surname, complete sentences, formal vocabulary ("express my interest," "for your consideration"), no contractions, standard business letter format, and a professional, respectful tone appropriate for job applications.

3. Formal register. Indicators include: technical/academic vocabulary ("cognitive performance," "participants," "significantly improved reaction times"), passive voice ("was examined"), third-person perspective, no contractions, precise measurements ("200mg"), and an objective, impersonal tone typical of academic or scientific writing.

Rewrite each sentence in the specified register.

  1. Informal to formal: "Hey, can you help me out with this problem?"
  2. Formal to informal: "I would be most grateful if you could provide me with your assistance regarding this matter."
  3. Semi-formal to formal: "We need to look into this issue as soon as possible."
  4. Formal to semi-formal: "The aforementioned proposal necessitates further consideration prior to implementation."

Answers:

1. Informal to formal: "I would appreciate your assistance with this problem."

2. Formal to informal: "Could you help me with this?"

3. Semi-formal to formal: "This issue requires immediate investigation."

4. Formal to semi-formal: "We need to consider this proposal more carefully before implementing it."

Identify the style (descriptive, narrative, expository, persuasive, or analytical) of each passage and explain your reasoning.

  1. "The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in brilliant hues of orange and pink. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, carrying the sweet scent of jasmine through the garden."
  2. "Global warming is primarily caused by the increase in greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane. These gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to a rise in average global temperatures."
  3. "We must act now to address the climate crisis. Every day we delay, we put our planet and future generations at greater risk. The evidence is clear, and the solutions are available—all that's missing is the political will."

Answers:

1. Descriptive style. This passage uses rich sensory details to create a vivid image of a sunset scene. It includes visual details ("brilliant hues of orange and pink"), tactile sensations ("gentle breeze"), and olfactory descriptions ("sweet scent of jasmine"). The focus is on creating a sensory experience rather than telling a story or presenting information.

2. Expository style. This passage explains the cause-and-effect relationship of global warming in a clear, straightforward manner. It presents factual information about greenhouse gases and their effects without attempting to persuade the reader or analyze complex issues. The tone is objective and informative.

3. Persuasive style. This passage aims to convince the reader that immediate action on climate change is necessary. It uses emotional appeals ("future generations at risk"), assertive language ("must act now"), and a call to action. The tone is urgent and compelling, designed to motivate the reader to support climate action.

Match each text type with its typical register and style features.

  1. Academic research paper
  2. Personal blog post
  3. Business email
  4. News article

Features: a) Informal register, narrative style, personal pronouns, conversational tone; b) Formal register, expository or analytical style, specialized terminology, third-person perspective; c) Semi-formal register, expository style, concise language, inverted pyramid structure; d) Semi-formal to formal register, clear and direct language, professional vocabulary, action-oriented content

Answers:

1. Academic research paper - b) Formal register, expository or analytical style, specialized terminology, third-person perspective

2. Personal blog post - a) Informal register, narrative style, personal pronouns, conversational tone

3. Business email - d) Semi-formal to formal register, clear and direct language, professional vocabulary, action-oriented content

4. News article - c) Semi-formal register, expository style, concise language, inverted pyramid structure

Key Points to Remember

Exam Tip!

In the ЕГЭ English exam, you may be asked to:

Remember that there is no "best" register or style—the appropriate choice depends on the specific context and purpose of the communication. Always consider who you are writing for, why you are writing, and what conventions are expected for that type of text.