Seventh graders learn the difference between formal and informal language, when each one fits the audience and situation, and sort real phrases into the two registers.
Students will be able to…
You speak to a friend and a principal differently, and so does your writing. What separates formal from informal language, and when does each fit?
Project this and sort each phrase into formal or informal — tap a phrase, then tap where it belongs.
Tap any phase to open the teacher moves and student actions.
You would not text your friend the way you write an essay. What makes language formal or informal, and when does each fit?
Students sort formal and informal phrases.
Students shift the register.
Students write for two audiences.
Students reflect on register.
Aligned to the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.
Choose language that fits the task and audience.
Produce writing appropriate to purpose and audience.
Adapt speech to context, using formal English when needed.
Use grammar knowledge to write and speak well.
Preview the three formative checks. Tap “Sample answer” to see what mastery looks like — hide them before you print for students.
Have students take one message and write it two ways, once for a friend and once for a teacher, so the two registers become clear. A printable formal-and-informal worksheet is in the English Language Arts library.
Tap a card to flip it, then rate whether you knew it. Built from this lesson’s vocabulary.
A quick self-check with instant feedback, drawn from this lesson’s key terms.
A print-and-go review sheet with a built-in answer key. Tap “Show answer key” to reveal answers, or print the clean version for students.