Informal Speaking

Notes

Informal Speaking-Simulated Conversation

It is important that to recognize the context in any simulated conversation occurs. You must understand the context and instantly recall vocabulary and grammatical forms you will need to express yourself in any situation.

Familiarize yourself with a list of useful expressions for Informal Speaking

This list should or may include the following conversational expressions for the subtopics:

a) Accepting an invitation

b) Turning down an invitation

c) Expressing apathy

d) Expressing agreement/disagreement

e) Expressing probability

f) Expressing surprise/regret

g) Expressing an alternative

h) Asking for permission

Informal English is used in everyday conversations and in personal letters. 

Here are the example of formal English you might come across in a book.

-As the price of five dollars was reasonable, I decided to make the purchase without further thought.

The same thought would be expressed quite differently in informal English. Here's an actual example from a young American.

-It was, like, five bucks, so I was like, "okay".

You need informal English to be able to understand and communicate with English speakers in everyday situations. Where else, you will need formal English to be able to read a book, give a business presentation or write an official letter.

Exercises

Exercise 1

Instruction: Talk about the topics given below, spontaneously, by inculcating the hints given. 

a) Festivals in Malaysia
Hints: Chinese New Year / Deepavali / Hari Raya / Christmas

b) Say "NO" to Racism
Hints: Equality / Respect / Harmony / Peace / Unity

c) Historical Places Around Malaysia
Hints: Malacca / A'Famosa / Kuala Kangsar / Wars

d) Malaysia, My Country
Hints: Independence / Flag / Cultural customs / Religions / Beliefs 

Exercise 2

Instruction: Complete the blanks in the dialogues below while talking to your partner spontaneously.

Ali, Muthu and Lim Swee are school friends. During the weekends they decided to go to the bookstore to get some revision book for their upcoming term papers. So, on the way to the bookstore they were talking about ……..

Ali & Muthu : Hello Lim Swee ! How are you doing?

Lim Swee: Well, I’m doing ……….. Ali and Muthu , how you both have been?

Ali : Ermmm, im okay but been so bored at home because my brother Imran have gone for a short trip with his friends.

Muthu: Actually, I have been busy help my mom at her shop making ………………………..due to the holidays session where there is a lot of customers in my shop.

Ali & Lim Swee: ………………………………………………………………………………….

Muthu : Yes..

Lim Swee: Ali, have completed all the preparations for Hari Raya which is in a week then?

Ali: Hmm, my mother and sister is busy baking some cakes and biscuits for now.

Muthu : Eh Ali, I wan ketupat , I love eating it with rendang .. So delicious!

Lee Swee : Muthu , what else you know other than food?

Muthu : Nothing much , but yes, I know that Malay people usually gives Ang Pau to people during Hari Raya just like we Hindus and Chinese people.

Ali: You are so funny Muthu. Don’t worry, I be inviting you guys to my house for Hari Raya.

Muthu & Lee Swee: ………………………………………………………………………………...

Ali : Yes. Okay, I think we are getting late to the bookstore. Shall we?

Muthu & Lee Swee : ………………………………………………………………………………..

Exercise 3

Instructions : Students are required to prepare a sketch on “Rainbow Nation” whereby the students are supposed to act out a role which shows out the different cultures and customs we have in our country Malaysia.

"Malaysia is for all! "

Assessment