CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.1e
The Standard
Recognize variations from standard English in their own and others' writing and speaking, and identify and use strategies to improve expression in conventional language.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
What This Standard Means
Students need to notice when a sentence or spoken response does not match formal, conventional English. They should be able to name the issue in plain language, such as subject-verb agreement, pronoun case, verb tense, double negatives, or informal wording.
Mastery looks like revising with purpose, not just fixing random errors. Students can explain why a change improves clarity or fits the setting. They often get stuck when home language, slang, or texting habits meet school writing expectations. Avoid framing dialect as wrong. Teach audience and purpose.
Ways to Teach It
- Hands-on activity: Give pairs sentence strips with informal or nonstandard wording, and have them sort, revise, and label the change they made.
- Discussion prompt: Ask students, “When would you say this to a friend, and how would you write it to a principal?”
- Quick assessment: Project five sentences, have students rewrite two in conventional English, then circle the exact words they changed.
- Real-world connection: Compare a text message, a sports interview quote, and a school email, then identify which language fits each audience.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.1e
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.3
Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.3
Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.3.3b
Recognize and observe differences between the conventions of spoken and written standard English.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.3
Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.