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Knowledge and Skills Statement

Response skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and thinking using multiple texts. The student responds to an increasingly challenging variety of sources that are read, heard, or viewed.

Task students with writing two emails or letters. One piece of writing is addressed to a friend and the other to a teacher. Then, have students note the differences in the two emails or letters and explain why they chose different kinds of language. Student responses should include how they determined vocabulary, tone, and voice that is appropriate for the context and audience.

Note:

This activity does not have to be limited to email or letters. The ultimate goal should be to identify the language and style necessary to reach the audience.
 

Further Explanation

This SE requires students to demonstrate their understanding of effectively communicating a message and tailoring it to the occasion and audience. As students consider the recipient of the ideas they are trying to convey, they must adjust how formal or informal the delivery should be, the words that will best resonate with the audience, the most effective way to express their attitudes toward the subject or topic, and how to capture their unique perspectives in the style of their responses. Ample opportunities should be provided for students to refine their response skills both orally and in writing.

the degree of formality in language (e.g., formal, informal, academic, etc.)
Students at this grade level should understand that communication can be more effective when the message or information is tailored to the occasion and audience. When students consider the recipient of the ideas they are trying to convey, they can adjust how formal or informal the delivery should be; the words that will best resonate with the audience; the most effective way to express their attitude toward the subject or topic; and how to capture their unique perspective in the style of their response.
the reflection of an author’s or speaker’s particular attitude, either stated or implied, toward the subject
a familiar set of words within a person’s written and oral language; usually developed over time and serves as a tool to communicate and acquire new knowledge
the distinctive way the writer expresses ideas with respect to style, form, content, purpose, etc.; the distinctive features of a person’s writing or speech patterns