CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.2.3a
The Standard
Compare formal and informal uses of English.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students notice how word choice changes with the audience and setting. They compare casual and more polite versions of a message, then choose wording that fits.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students can label two versions of the same message and point to words that create each tone. They can rewrite a message for a different audience without changing its meaning.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think informal language is always wrong or rude. They may also assume formal language must use long words and never include contractions.
How to Assess It
- Give students two requests: “Can I borrow your pencil?” and “Yo, give me that pencil.” Ask which fits a new teacher and why.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Sort phrase cards into “talking with a friend” and “speaking to the principal,” then explain one choice.
Rewrite “Hey, gimme that book” as a request to a librarian, then discuss which words make it respectful.
Role-play audience cards and earn a point for choosing wording that fits each person and setting.
Compare a school invitation with a family text message, noticing differences in greetings, word choice, and closing.
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Printable L.2.3a Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.2.3a, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
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Where This Standard Sits
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
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Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.5.6
Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, using formal English when appropriate to task and situation.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.3c
Differentiate between contexts that call for formal English (e.g., presenting ideas) and situations where informal discourse is appropriate (e.g., small-group d...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.6
Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.4.6
Differentiate between contexts that call for formal English (e.g., presenting ideas) and situations where informal discourse is appropriate (e.g., small-group d...
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