Lesson 27
Review 5 + Writing: Form Filling
Preenchendo formulários
Today's Goal
Consolidate and practice filling forms correctly in English
•
Understand common form fields
•
Use correct format for each field
•
Avoid typical Portuguese speaker errors
What is a Form?
A structured document that asks for specific information in designated spaces
Registration forms
Job applications
Official documents
Medical forms
Form Language Register
Neutral / Formal - Never use slang or casual expressions
✓
Use standard English
First name: John | Occupation: Teacher
✗
Avoid informal language
Name: Johnny | Job: Teaching
Common Personal Fields
| Field | Meaning | Example |
|---|
| First name | Given name | John, Maria |
| Last name/Surname | Family name | Smith, Silva |
| Date of birth | Birth date | 15/03/2001 |
| Nationality | Country origin | Brazilian |
| Occupation | Job | Engineer, Student |
The Nationality Trap
Important!
Form field 'Nationality' wants the ADJECTIVE, not the country name
✗
Brazil | Portugal | Italy
✓
Brazilian | Portuguese | Italian
Name Order Convention
| Standard Format | Example |
|---|
| LAST NAME, First name | SILVA, Maria |
Tip
Always follow the specific instructions on the form
Some forms say 'First name' and 'Last name' separately
Date Format: DD/MM/YYYY
| English Format | Example |
|---|
| DD/MM/YYYY | 15/03/2001 |
✗
March 15, 2001 | 15-03-2001
✓
15/03/2001 | 05/12/1995
Phone Number Format
| Format | Example |
|---|
| +[country code] [area code] [number] | +55 11 98765-4321 |
Tip
Remove spaces if required, but include country code
+5511987654321 | +55 11 98765-4321
Email Addresses
Write exactly as it appears - NO SPACES
Important
Use lowercase letters unless the email specifically has uppercase
N/A - Not Applicable
Use N/A when a field does not apply to you
Spouse name (if single)
Company name (if unemployed)
Emergency contact relationship
Previous employment
Never
Leave blank fields that don't apply to you
Capitalization Rules
Names
Always capitalize proper nouns
Ana Silva | São Paulo University
Other Fields
Capitalize job titles, countries, nationalities
Teacher | Brazil | Brazilian
Practice Exercise 1
Fill in the personal information below:
| Field | Your Answer |
|---|
| First name: |
| Last name: |
| Date of birth: |
| Nationality: |
| Occupation: |
Practice Exercise 2
Correct the mistakes in this form:
| Field | Wrong Answer | Correction |
|---|
| Name: | maria silva | Maria Silva |
| Nationality: | Brazil | Brazilian |
| Date of birth: | March 15, 2001 | 15/03/2001 |
| Phone: | (blank) | N/A |
Complete Form Practice
Now complete this application form:
Personal Information Section
Contact Details
Professional Background
Emergency Contact
Remember
Use formal language, correct formats, and N/A when needed
Review Key Points
✓
Nationality = Adjective (Brazilian, not Brazil)
✓
Date = DD/MM/YYYY format
✓
Names = Proper capitalization
✓
Blank = Write N/A, don't leave empty
✓
Formal language only
Common Mistake Alert
Language Transfer Error
Portuguese speakers often use country names for nationality instead of adjectives
| From Portuguese thinking | Correct English form |
|---|
| Nacionalidade: Brasil | Nationality: Brazilian |
Remember: 'Nationality' field asks for the adjective, not the country name
Next Steps
Practice form filling regularly to build confidence
•
Complete online application forms as practice
•
Focus on accuracy and appropriate format
•
Remember formal register for all entries
Homework
Find an online English form and practice completing it
Lesson Complete
Form Filling Summary
You now know how to correctly fill personal information forms in English
✓
Correct field formats
✓
Proper language register
✓
Common mistake avoidance
← → arrow keys