Standard: 6.W.1d – Establish and maintain a formal style.
Grade level: Grade 6
Subject: English Language Arts
Domain: Writing
Teacher Overview
This standard focuses on helping students establish and maintain a formal writing style, which is crucial for academic and professional success. Understanding formal writing techniques will enable students to communicate more effectively in various contexts. Before tackling this standard, students should know the differences between formal and informal language and have basic grammar and punctuation skills.
Once students master this standard, they will be able to apply formal writing techniques to more complex tasks and adapt their writing style to various audiences and purposes.
Common Misconception 1
A common misconception is that formal writing requires the use of overly complex words. This is incorrect because formal writing prioritizes clarity and precision over complexity.
Intervention 1
To address this misconception, provide students with examples of clear and precise formal writing and emphasize the importance of clarity.
Common Misconception 2
Another misconception is that formal writing is always stiff and impersonal. This is incorrect as formal writing can be engaging and dynamic while maintaining a professional tone.
Intervention 2
Show students examples of engaging formal writing and discuss how tone and style can be adapted to different contexts while remaining formal.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should understand the differences between formal and informal language, have basic grammar and punctuation skills, and be able to structure a paragraph effectively.
Subsequent Knowledge
After mastering this standard, students will be able to apply formal writing techniques to more complex writing tasks, such as argumentative essays and research projects. They will also be able to adapt their writing style to different audiences and purposes.
Instructional Activities
- Analyze examples of formal and informal writing
- Write a formal letter to a local official
- Create a research paper on a chosen topic
- Draft a business email to a potential employer
- Compose a persuasive essay on a relevant issue
