Standard: 6-8.WHST.1d – Establish and maintain a formal style.
Grade level: Grade 6-8
Subject: English Language Arts
Domain: Writing: History, Science & Technical Subjects
Teacher Overview
This standard emphasizes the importance of students being able to write in a formal style appropriate for academic and professional contexts. Mastery of this skill is crucial as it prepares students for high school, college, and future careers where formal writing is often required. Students should already understand basic grammar rules, sentence structure, and the differences between formal and informal language. They should also have some experience writing essays and reports.
After mastering this standard, students will be able to write with clarity and precision in various formal contexts, adapting their style to suit different audiences and purposes.
Common Misconception 1
One common misconception is that formal writing requires the use of overly complex and sophisticated language. This is incorrect because formal writing should prioritize clarity and precision over complexity.
Intervention 1
To address this, provide students with examples of effective formal writing that uses clear and precise language. Encourage them to focus on the message rather than the complexity of their vocabulary.
Common Misconception 2
Another misconception is that formal writing eliminates any personal voice or style. This is not true, as writers can still convey their unique perspective while maintaining a formal tone.
Intervention 2
To counter this, show students examples of formal writing that successfully incorporate a personal voice. Discuss how tone and word choice can reflect individuality without compromising formality.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should have a basic understanding of sentence structure, paragraph organization, and the differences between formal and informal language.
Subsequent Knowledge
Students will learn to refine their writing for clarity and conciseness, adapt their style for different audiences, and incorporate advanced research techniques.
Instructional Activities
- Analyze excerpts from formal texts in history, science, and technical subjects.
- Practice rewriting informal texts in a formal style.
- Peer review exercises focusing on maintaining a formal tone.
- Writing assignments that require formal structure, such as research papers or lab reports.
