Standard: 9-10.L.3a – Write and edit work so that it conforms to the guidelines in a style manual (e.g., MLA Handbook, Turabian’s Manual for Writers) appropriate for the discipline and writing type.
Grade level: Grade 9-10
Subject: English Language Arts
Domain: Language
Teacher Overview
This standard emphasizes the importance of adhering to specific style guidelines when writing and editing work. Mastery of this skill is crucial for producing polished, credible academic work and is applicable across various disciplines. Students should be familiar with basic writing and editing techniques and have some exposure to different writing styles and formats.
After mastering this standard, students will be able to produce well-formatted, professional academic work that adheres to the specific guidelines of their discipline.
Common Misconception 1
A common misconception is that style guidelines are optional. This is incorrect because adherence to these guidelines ensures consistency, clarity, and professionalism in academic writing.
Intervention 1
To address this misconception, teachers can show real-world examples where improper formatting led to misunderstandings or credibility issues, reinforcing the importance of following guidelines.
Common Misconception 2
Another misconception is that all style guidelines are the same. This is incorrect because each discipline has specific requirements that cater to its unique needs and conventions.
Intervention 2
Teachers can create assignments that require students to apply different style guidelines to various types of writing, helping them understand the distinct requirements of each.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should have a basic understanding of different writing styles and formats, as well as experience in writing and editing essays or reports.
Subsequent Knowledge
Students will develop advanced editing skills, an ability to critically evaluate their own work, and a deeper understanding of discipline-specific writing conventions.
Instructional Activities
- Practice formatting a bibliography in MLA, APA, and Chicago styles.
- Peer review sessions focusing on adherence to style guidelines.
- Workshops on using style manuals and citation tools.
- Assignments requiring the application of different style guidelines to various writing tasks.
