CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.1d
The Standard
Establish and maintain a formal style.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
What This Standard Means
Students need to write arguments that sound appropriate for school or public audiences. They should avoid slang, texting language, jokes that undercut the point, and overly casual phrases. They also need to keep that tone steady from the claim through the conclusion.
Mastery looks like a clear, confident argument with precise word choice and complete sentences. Students often start formally, then slip into phrases like “I think this is dumb” or “you guys should know.” They may also confuse formal style with big words, which can make writing awkward or unclear.
Ways to Teach It
- Give pairs a casual argument paragraph and have them revise it using a formal tone checklist and a highlighter.
- Ask students to rewrite “School lunches are gross and need fixing” as a formal claim with two supporting reasons.
- Use an exit ticket where students label three sentences as formal or informal and revise one informal sentence.
- Show a city council letter or newspaper editorial, then have students list three choices that make the writing sound formal.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.1d
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.