Standard: 9-10.W.2e – Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline in which they are writing.
Grade level: Grade 9-10
Subject: English Language Arts
Domain: Writing
Teacher Overview
This standard focuses on helping students develop the ability to write in a formal style and maintain an objective tone, which are essential skills for academic and professional writing. These skills ensure that students can communicate their ideas clearly and effectively while adhering to the norms and conventions of the discipline they are writing in. Students should have prior experience with different writing styles and an understanding of the basic principles of formal writing. They should also be familiar with the conventions of standard English grammar and usage.
Mastering this standard will enable students to apply formal writing styles and objective tones in various contexts, enhancing their communication skills in both academic and professional settings.
Common Misconception 1
A common misconception is that formal writing requires the use of complex vocabulary and convoluted sentence structures. This is incorrect because effective formal writing prioritizes clarity and precision, often using straightforward and accessible language.
Intervention 1
To address this misconception, provide students with examples of high-quality formal writing that use clear and simple language. Encourage students to focus on clarity and precision rather than complexity in their own writing.
Common Misconception 2
Another misconception is that maintaining an objective tone means eliminating any personal voice or perspective. This is not true; an objective tone involves presenting information and arguments based on evidence and logic, not personal opinion, but it does not exclude the writer’s unique voice.
Intervention 2
To remediate this misconception, teach students how to balance an objective tone with their personal voice. Show examples of writing that successfully maintain an objective tone while still reflecting the author’s unique perspective.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should have a basic understanding of different writing styles and tones, including informal and formal writing. They should also be familiar with the norms and conventions of standard English grammar and usage.
Subsequent Knowledge
After mastering this standard, students will be able to apply formal writing styles and objective tones across various disciplines, enhancing their ability to communicate effectively in academic and professional settings.
Instructional Activities
- Analyze examples of formal and informal writing to identify key differences.
- Practice writing paragraphs in a formal style on various topics.
- Peer review exercises focusing on maintaining an objective tone.
- Rewrite informal texts into formal style.
- Create a checklist for formal writing conventions.
