Standard: 11-12.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 11-12
Subject: English Language Arts
Domain: Writing
Teacher Overview
This standard focuses on helping students establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone in their writing. This is crucial for academic and professional communication, ensuring that their writing is clear, precise, and adheres to the norms of the discipline. Students should be comfortable with different writing styles and tones, and have a good grasp of grammar and syntax. They should also understand the basics of academic and professional writing conventions.
After mastering this standard, students will be able to apply formal style and objective tone across various writing tasks, enhancing their ability to communicate effectively in academic and professional settings.
Common Misconception 1
A common misconception is that formal style requires overly complex language. This is incorrect because formal writing should prioritize clarity and precision over complexity.
Intervention 1
To address this misconception, provide students with examples of effective formal writing that uses clear and precise language. Encourage practice through writing exercises that focus on clarity.
Common Misconception 2
Another misconception is that maintaining an objective tone means avoiding any personal input. This is incorrect because an objective tone can still present well-supported arguments and insights.
Intervention 2
To remediate this, show students examples of objective writing that includes personal insights. Discuss how these insights are presented in a balanced and evidence-based manner.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should have a foundational understanding of different writing styles and tones, as well as basic grammar and syntax rules. They should also be familiar with the general conventions of academic and professional writing.
Subsequent Knowledge
After mastering this standard, students will be able to apply formal style and objective tone across various writing tasks, enhancing their ability to communicate effectively in academic and professional settings.
Instructional Activities
- Analyze examples of formal and informal writing.
- Practice writing paragraphs in a formal style.
- Peer review exercises focusing on tone and style.
- Rewrite informal texts in a formal style.
- Create a checklist for maintaining formal style and objective tone.
