Virginia SOL 10.C.2.A.i
The Standard
Choosing vocabulary, language, and tone appropriate to the topic, audience, and purpose.
Virginia Standards of Learning for English · Speaking and Presentation of Ideas
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students decide how formal, direct, or persuasive their speech should sound before they present. They choose clear words and adjust their delivery for specific listeners and goals.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can give a clear oral report or opinion using words the audience will understand. The student keeps a consistent tone and can explain how specific language choices support the speaking goal.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think formal speech requires long words or a stiff delivery. They may use slang with an unfamiliar audience, shift tone midway, or ignore whether they are informing or persuading.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Give a 30-second recommendation to the principal about one school policy, using a respectful, formal tone. Name two word choices that fit the audience.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give groups phrase cards ranging from casual to formal, then have them build a one-minute announcement for a named audience.
Write three versions of a request for a friend, a teacher, and the school board, then discuss which words changed and why.
Play Audience Switch: students draw a listener and goal card, then revise one prepared sentence before speaking.
Record two 30-second public service messages about safe driving, one for new drivers and one for parents.
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Printable 10.C.2.A.i Worksheet
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Related Standards
- 6.C.2.A.iii
Using language, vocabulary, and style appropriate to the audience, topic, and purpose.
- 9.C.2.A.i
Choosing vocabulary, language and tone appropriate to the topic, audience, and purpose.
- 12.C.2.A.ii
Choosing appropriate vocabulary, language, and tone for a selected topic, purpose, context, and audience when speaking and presenting.
- 11.C.2.A.ii
Choosing diction and tone appropriate to the topic, audience, and purpose.
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