CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.2e
ELA7th GradeText Types and Purposes
The Standard
Establish and maintain a formal style.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
What This Standard Means
Students need to write informational pieces that sound appropriate for school, public, or academic audiences. They should avoid slang, texting language, jokes that undercut the topic, and chatty phrases like “I’m going to tell you.” They also need to keep that tone steady from start to finish.
Mastery looks like clear, precise wording, complete sentences, and a consistent serious tone that fits the topic. Students often get stuck when they mix formal and casual language, use vague words like “stuff,” or switch into a conversational voice in the conclusion.
Ways to Teach It
- Give pairs a casual paragraph and highlighters, then have them revise slang, contractions, and vague words into formal academic language.
- Ask students to explain which sentence sounds more formal and why: “Kids need sleep” or “Adolescents require adequate sleep.”
- Use a three-sentence exit ticket where students rewrite one informal sentence, then circle the exact words they changed.
- Show a school board letter or news article excerpt, then have students list five word choices that create a formal tone.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.2e
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.