Virginia SOL 9.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 plan and deliver a short oral report or opinion with a clear purpose. They adjust word choice, level of formality, and tone for the audience and topic.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can explain the same idea differently to classmates, younger students, and school leaders. The student uses precise words, defines unfamiliar terms, and keeps a fitting tone. Choices sound intentional rather than copied or overly formal.
Common Misconceptions
- Students often think formal speech requires long words, or that casual speech can be careless. They may confuse tone with volume and use slang, sarcasm, or unexplained jargon that does not fit the audience. Some focus on content and never adapt their language to the purpose.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Give a 30-second opinion supporting a later school start, first for classmates and then for the school board. Name two language or tone changes you made and why.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give groups audience cards and phrase cards; have them sort each phrase by audience, then revise two poor matches.
Ask students to write two openings on phone limits, one for friends and one for families, then discuss the changed words.
Play Audience Switch: students speak for 20 seconds, draw a new audience card, and repeat with adjusted language and tone.
Have students record a one-minute announcement for a school event, using clear terms and a tone suited to students and caregivers.
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Related Standards
- 6.C.2.A.iii
Using language, vocabulary, and style appropriate to the audience, topic, 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.
- 11.C.2.A.ii
Choosing diction and tone appropriate to the topic, audience, and purpose.
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