South Dakota ELA 8.L.3.b
The Standard
- 8.L.3
- Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
Recognize variations from standard or formal English in writing and speaking, determine their appropriateness for the intended purpose and audience, and make changes as necessary.
South Dakota English Language Arts Standards (2025)
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students spot language that differs from formal English in speech and writing. They decide whether it fits the audience and purpose, then revise it when needed.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can explain why 'gonna' fits a text to a friend but not an email to a principal. They can rewrite the email without changing its meaning.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may call every informal phrase wrong, even when it fits the situation. Others replace slang in a formal message but leave a demanding tone.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Rewrite 'Yo, send me the homework. I can't make it tomorrow' as an email to a teacher. Name two changes and explain why they fit the reader.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Pairs sort printed 'Yo, send the notes' and 'Could you share the notes?' cards by recipient, then rewrite one for the other recipient.
Ask: Would 'That's wild' fit a class chat or an essay for the principal? Have students explain their choice in two sentences.
Play audience switch: Display 'I need your help ASAP'; teams rewrite it for a friend and for a school counselor.
Have students draft an email to the local library asking about volunteer hours, then compare its wording with a text to a friend.
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