CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.6
The Standard
Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Speaking and Listening Standards
What This Standard Means
Students need to adjust how they speak based on audience, purpose, and setting. They should know when casual language works, when formal English is expected, and how to shift word choice, tone, volume, pacing, and body language.
Mastery looks like a student giving a clear, formal response in a presentation, then using a different tone in a small group without sounding careless. Students often get stuck by reading stiffly from notes, using slang in formal tasks, or not matching their voice to the listener.
Ways to Teach It
- Give pairs three audience cards, principal, friend, younger student, and have them explain the same school rule three different ways.
- Ask students to write: How would your language change when disagreeing in a debate versus disagreeing at lunch?
- After a one-minute speech, have students self-score tone, word choice, eye contact, and whether formal English fit the task.
- Compare a job interview answer with a group chat message, then revise one casual answer for the interview setting.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.6
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.6
Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and communicative tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.6
Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.