CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.4.6
The Standard
Differentiate between contexts that call for formal English (e.g., presenting ideas) and situations where informal discourse is appropriate (e.g., small-group discussion); use formal English when appropriate to task and situation.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Speaking and Listening Standards
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students decide whether a speaking situation calls for formal or informal English. They adjust their tone, word choice, and sentence structure to match the task and audience.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students adjust their word choice, sentence structure, and tone for the audience and purpose. They use complete sentences and clear language during presentations, while speaking more casually in partner or group talk.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think formal English means using long words or sounding unnatural. They may also use slang, fragments, or a very casual tone during presentations, or speak too formally with classmates.
How to Assess It
- Give students two situations: presenting a science finding to the class and planning a game with a partner. Ask them to write one appropriate sentence for each and explain the difference.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs situation cards, such as class presentation or playground talk, and have them role-play each using an appropriate speaking style.
Ask students to explain how they would tell a principal and a close friend about the same lost backpack.
Play a speech-sorting game where teams label sample statements formal or informal, then revise any statement that does not fit its setting.
Have students draft two requests for a school event, one to a friend and one to the principal, then compare language choices.
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Printable SL.4.6 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.4.6, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
Download the worksheetLearning progression
Where This Standard Sits
See the whole path on the Speaking & Listening progression map.
Before This Standard
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What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
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Related Standards
- 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.7.6
Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
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