Virginia SOL 9.C.2.A.ii
The Standard
Using listening and speaking strategies effectively with awareness of verbal and nonverbal cues (e.g., using body language to indicate attentiveness, and giving appropriate feedback).
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 speak clearly about a topic, text, or position and organize their points for listeners. They listen actively, notice verbal and nonverbal cues, and respond appropriately.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student gives a focused, organized presentation with clear speech, steady eye contact, and purposeful posture. The student notices audience reactions, responds to questions, and gives specific feedback when listening.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think eye contact means staring, active listening means staying silent, or useful feedback means saying only "good job." They may ignore pace, posture, facial expressions, and signs that listeners are confused.
How to Assess It
- Give each student 60 seconds to explain a claim about a class text while a partner uses one verbal and one nonverbal response. Ask the speaker to identify both responses.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs cue cards labeled confused, interested, or impatient; one student presents for 30 seconds while the listener acts the cue.
Write for three minutes: How can a speaker show respect while disagreeing, and how can a listener signal attention without interrupting?
Play Feedback Freeze: speakers pause when the teacher calls freeze, then identify one audience cue and adjust their next sentence.
Watch a two-minute school board comment and list how the speaker's voice, posture, and eye contact shape the message.
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Printable 9.C.2.A.ii Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 9.C.2.A.ii, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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Related Standards
- 11.C.2.A.iii
Using a variety of active listening and speaking strategies, with awareness of intent and impact of verbal and nonverbal cues.
- 11.C.1.A.i
Applying a variety of strategies to listen actively and speak purposefully and respectfully.
- 10.C.1.A.i
Applying a variety of strategies to listen actively and speak purposefully and respectfully.
- 10.C.2.A.ii
Using active listening and speaking strategies effectively with awareness of verbal and nonverbal cues (e.g., appropriate facial expressions and posture).
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