CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.5.6
The Standard
Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, using 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 adjust their word choice, tone, and sentence structure for different audiences and purposes. They speak more formally during presentations, interviews, and other school situations that call for it.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students can present the same idea differently to classmates, younger children, and adults. They use clear formal English for presentations and interviews, while choosing a more relaxed style for casual talk.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think formal speech means using long words or sounding unnatural. They may use slang with every audience or avoid contractions in casual conversation. Some change vocabulary but forget to adjust tone, volume, and sentence structure.
How to Assess It
- Give each student one minute to explain a class rule to a principal, then to a close friend. Check whether word choice, tone, and sentence structure fit each audience.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs audience cards, such as principal and teammate, then have them deliver the same request in two fitting ways.
Ask students to write how they would explain a missed deadline to a friend, teacher, and school principal.
Play Audience Switch, where students speak on a topic and immediately adjust when you reveal a new audience card.
Have students role-play ordering food, giving a morning announcement, and asking a coach for help, using suitable language each time.
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Printable SL.5.6 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.5.6, 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
If students are struggling here, check these first.
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
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Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.6
Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
- 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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