Virginia SOL 6.C.2.A.iii
The Standard
Using language, vocabulary, and style appropriate to the audience, topic, 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, tone, and details that fit their listeners and their reason for speaking. They adjust how they speak when the audience or purpose changes.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can adjust word choice, tone, and detail for different listeners. The student uses clear terms, explains unfamiliar words, and keeps the delivery suited to the goal.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think formal words are always better, even when they confuse listeners. They may use slang, unexplained terms, or a tone that does not fit the audience or goal.
How to Assess It
- Ask students to give two 30-second openings about school recycling, one to inform classmates and one to persuade the principal. Have them name one language choice they changed.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs audience and purpose cards, then have them sort sample speech lines and revise two lines that do not fit.
Ask students to rewrite one lunch policy message for a principal, a younger student, and a close friend.
Play Audience Switch, where students draw a new audience card mid-speech and adjust their words and tone immediately.
Have students create a one-minute announcement for a real school event, using language suited to students, families, or staff.
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Printable 6.C.2.A.iii Worksheet

A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 6.C.2.A.iii, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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Related Standards
- 4.C.2.A.iii
Using language (formal or informal) and style as appropriate to the audience, topic, or purpose.
- 9.C.2.A.i
Choosing vocabulary, language and tone appropriate to the topic, audience, and purpose.
- 10.C.2.A.i
Choosing vocabulary, language, and tone appropriate to the topic, audience, and purpose.
- 3.C.2.A.iii
Using language (formal or informal) and style as appropriate to audience, topic, and purpose.
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