CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.6

ELAGrades 9–10Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas

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 choose the right speaking style for the situation. They should know when casual language works, when formal English is expected, and how to adjust word choice, tone, pace, and body language for the audience and task.

Mastery looks like a student shifting smoothly from a small-group chat to a formal presentation or interview answer. Common trouble spots are sounding too casual in academic settings, reading word-for-word, using filler words, or changing vocabulary without changing tone and delivery.

Ways to Teach It

Have students deliver the same one-minute book recommendation to a friend, a principal, and a scholarship panel, changing tone and wording each time.
Use the prompt, “When does informal speech help you sound real, and when does it hurt your credibility?” for a five-minute written response.
Give students three audience cards and ask them to revise one sentence aloud to match each audience.
Connect the skill to job interviews by having students practice answering, “Tell me about a time you solved a problem.”

Before This Standard

If students are struggling here, check these first.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.6
Grade 8 practice adapting speech and using formal English carries directly into the same speaking expectation in grades 9 and 10.

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The Standard

What This Standard Means

Ways to Teach It

Before This Standard

Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.6

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