Kentucky Reading and Writing L.11-12.1

L.11-12.1 is a cluster heading. These are the individual standards under it.

• L.11-12.1.a

  Demonstrate the understanding that usage is a matter of convention, can change over time and may be contested.

01

What Students Need to Do

Students recognize when a word or grammar choice depends on audience, purpose, and current usage. They check a dictionary usage note or style guide, then choose wording they can explain in speech or writing.

02

What Mastery Looks Like

A student can check a usage note before using singular they in a school notice. They can explain why another writer might choose different wording without calling it wrong.

03

Common Misconceptions

Students may think singular they is always wrong because an older handbook says so. They may also treat a dictionary label such as “informal” as a ban in every setting.

04

How to Assess It

Give students a printed usage note on singular they. Ask them to choose “Each applicant should bring their ID” or “Each applicant should bring his or her ID” for a school notice and explain their choice.

1. 01

   Give pairs sentence strips using singular they and his or her; have them sort by audience and check a printed dictionary usage note.

2. 02

   Ask students to write two sentences on whether a school newsletter should use singular they for an unknown person, citing a usage note.

3. 03

   Play usage referee: teams edit five sentences using who, whom, or singular they, then defend their choices with a reference.

4. 04

   Have students draft a volunteer signup notice for a local food pantry, then check a usage note before choosing how to refer to applicants.

• L.8.1

  The 8th Grade version of this standard.

• L.9-10.1

  The Grades 9–10 version of this standard.

• L.6.1

  The 6th Grade version of this standard.

• L.7.1

  The 7th Grade version of this standard.