Virginia SOL 11.C.2.A.ii
The Standard
Choosing diction 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 choose words and a speaking tone that fit their subject, listeners, and goal. They shift between formal, informal, neutral, and persuasive language when the situation changes.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students can give a clear oral report or opinion using precise words and a consistent tone. They can adjust the same message for different audiences and explain why their choices fit.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may treat tone as only volume or emotion, rather than an effect created by word choice and delivery. They may assume formal speech requires long words or that one tone fits every audience.
How to Assess It
- Ask students to give a one-minute opinion on school start times for either classmates or the school board. They must name the audience and explain two word choices afterward.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs audience cards, such as principal, younger student, or friend, and have them revise and deliver the same short message.
Write two openings about the same topic, one for classmates and one for community leaders, then explain the diction changes.
Play Tone Match by having students draw tone cards and deliver one sentence so classmates can identify the intended tone.
Rewrite and deliver a school announcement for freshmen and then for parents, changing diction and tone while keeping the facts.
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Printable 11.C.2.A.ii 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.
- 10.C.2.A.i
Choosing vocabulary, language, and tone appropriate to the topic, audience, and purpose.
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