Virginia SOL 1.W.2.A.i
The Standard
Identifying the audience and purpose of the writing (e.g., letters, stories, journals, etc.).
Virginia Standards of Learning for English
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students decide who will read or hear their writing and why they are writing. They use talk, drawing, lists, or a simple organizer to gather ideas before drafting or dictating.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can name a reader, such as a friend or family member, and choose a clear reason to write. The student's plan and draft include details that fit that reader and reason.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may name the teacher as the reader for every piece or confuse the topic with the reason for writing. They may begin drafting immediately or make a drawing that does not help plan the message.
How to Assess It
- Give students this prompt: “Plan a note asking the principal for a longer recess.” Have them name the reader and reason, then draw or list two details.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs picture cards of readers and purposes; students match cards, choose one pair, and sketch a plan for that message.
Ask, “How would a birthday message change for your friend, your teacher, and your grandparent?” Record students’ examples.
Play Audience Detective: read short messages aloud, and students hold up cards naming the likely reader and purpose.
Have students plan and dictate a thank-you note to a school worker, including one specific reason for the thanks.
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Printable 1.W.2.A.i Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 1.W.2.A.i, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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Related Standards
- 3.RI.2.C
Identify the author’s purpose for writing, including what the author wants to answer, explain, or describe.
- K.W.1
Modes and Purposes for Writing
- K.W.2.A.i
Identifying the audience and purpose of the writing (e.g., letters, stories, “all about” book, etc)
- 2.W.2.A.ii
Identifying the audience and purpose of the writing.
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