Standard: 6-8.WHST.2e – Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone.
Grade level: Grade 6-8
Subject: English Language Arts
Domain: Writing: History, Science & Technical Subjects
Teacher Overview
This standard focuses on helping students establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone in their writing. This is crucial for producing clear, professional, and credible written work, especially in academic and professional contexts. Students should have a foundational understanding of sentence structure, grammar, and the differences between formal and informal writing styles.
After mastering this standard, students will be able to write with an advanced level of clarity and precision, effectively argue points, present complex ideas clearly, and adapt their writing style to different audiences and purposes.
Common Misconception 1
A common misconception is that formal writing requires the use of overly complex words and sentences. This is incorrect because effective formal writing prioritizes clarity and precision.
Intervention 1
To address this misconception, provide students with examples of formal writing that use straightforward language and emphasize the importance of clarity and precision.
Common Misconception 2
Another misconception is that maintaining an objective tone means not expressing any opinion. This is incorrect because an objective tone involves presenting information fairly and without bias, not avoiding all opinions.
Intervention 2
To remediate this misconception, show students examples of objective writing that present arguments fairly and without bias, and teach them how to do the same.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should have a basic understanding of sentence structure, grammar, and the differences between formal and informal writing styles.
Subsequent Knowledge
Students will develop advanced writing skills, including the ability to effectively argue a point, present complex ideas clearly, and adapt their writing style to different audiences and purposes.
Instructional Activities
- Analyze examples of formal vs. informal writing
- Practice rewriting informal texts in a formal style
- Create a research report with an objective tone
- Peer review exercises focusing on tone and style
- Writing prompts that require formal and objective responses
