Text 1 is informal because:
- Sentences are short and are mostly Subject – Verb – Object structures.
- Informal vocabulary and slang are used (kids, mums, dads, cool, yell)
- Contractions are used (e.g. can’t, won’t, doesn’t)
- Informal phrasal verbs are used (find out, stress out)
- A researcher is mentioned, but not named or cited/referenced
Text 2 is formal and academic because:
- A citation from an academic source is references as evidence (note that this is a fictional source given as an example only).
- Sentences are longer and ideas have been carefully linked
- Ideas are linked with formal linking words/phrases (there are several reasons, Firstly, Secondly, consequently, Finally)
- Formal words/phrases are used (According to, had a negative effect, concerned, frequently a negative effect, lacked opportunities, consequently, disinterested, unaware
- Noun phrases are common (the results of recent research, the difficulties faced by young Chinese students when learning English, the behaviour of some concerned parents, stress for young learners, a negative effect on their English, opportunities to speak or write about topics of interest to them, motivation to learn, the benefits of being able to speak English. See nominalisation
- Informal words, contractions and informal phrasal verbs are avoided