Standard: 6.W.2e – Establish and maintain a formal style.
Grade level: Grade 6
Subject: English Language Arts
Domain: Writing
Teacher Overview
This standard focuses on teaching students to establish and maintain a formal style in their writing. It’s important because formal writing is a key skill in academic and professional settings. Mastering this standard will help students communicate effectively in various contexts and prepare them for future writing tasks. Students should understand the difference between formal and informal language, have basic grammar and punctuation skills, and be able to organize their thoughts coherently in writing.
After mastering this standard, students will be able to write more complex texts with a consistent formal style, understand the importance of audience and purpose in writing, and apply formal writing skills in various contexts such as high school assignments and real-world communications.
Common Misconception 1
A common misconception is that formal writing is simply about using big or complex words. This is incorrect because formal writing is actually about clarity, precision, and appropriateness for the audience.
Intervention 1
To remediate this misconception, provide students with examples of effective formal writing that uses clear and straightforward language. Emphasize the importance of clarity and precision over complexity.
Common Misconception 2
Another misconception is that formal writing cannot include any personal voice or style. This is incorrect because formal writing can still reflect the writer’s voice while maintaining a certain tone and structure.
Intervention 2
To address this, show students examples of formal writing that are engaging and unique. Explain how writers can maintain formality while still being expressive.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should understand the difference between formal and informal language, have basic grammar and punctuation skills, and be able to organize their thoughts coherently in writing.
Subsequent Knowledge
After mastering this standard, students will be able to write more complex texts with a consistent formal style, understand the importance of audience and purpose in writing, and apply formal writing skills in various contexts such as high school assignments and real-world communications.
Instructional Activities
- Have students write a formal letter to a government official on a topic of their choice.
- Assign an essay where students must maintain a formal style throughout.
- Create a mock job application process where students write a resume and cover letter.
- Organize a speech-writing activity for a school event.
- Assign a report on a historical event, focusing on maintaining a formal style.
