Language Standards: Using Language for Effect and Recognizing Formal vs. Informal English (CCSS.L.3.3)
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Common Core 3rd Grade ELA › Language Standards: Using Language for Effect and Recognizing Formal vs. Informal English (CCSS.L.3.3)
Version 1: We're cleaning our playground on Saturday at 9 in the morning. Please bring gloves and a water bottle. We'll pick up litter, pull small weeds, and make our school look great. Come help for two hours! Version 2: A voluntary environmental beautification event shall commence on Saturday at 9 a.m. Participants are encouraged to procure protective hand coverings and hydration devices. Activities include refuse collection and botanical maintenance to enhance campus aesthetics. Attendance of approximately two hours is requested.
Which version is clearer for a classroom flyer to classmates?
Version 1, because it uses simple, friendly words classmates easily understand.
Version 2, because it sounds very formal and important.
Version 2, because it is longer and has bigger words.
Either one, because both say exactly the same thing with the same tone.
Explanation
Version 1 matches the audience and purpose: a flyer for classmates should use simple, direct words so everyone understands quickly.
Version 1: Hey, I'm kinda stuck on the fractions stuff. I keep mixing up the steps, and it's making my brain feel mushy. If you've got a minute, can we go over a few problems after class tomorrow? Thanks a bunch! Version 2: Hello, Ms. Rivera. I am having trouble with fractions and would appreciate extra practice. If you are available, could we review a few problems after class tomorrow? Thank you for your time and help. I want to get better.
Which version is best for an email to your teacher?
Version 1, because it sounds casual like texting a friend.
Version 1, because it is longer and uses extra words like a bunch.
Version 2, because it is polite and matches the formal tone for a teacher email.
Either, because teachers prefer jokes and casual talk in emails.
Explanation
Version 2 matches the audience and purpose: a message to a teacher should be polite, clear, and respectful.
Version 1: Put the book on the middle shelf with the other animal books. Slide it in next to the lion book. Turn the spine so the words face out, and make sure it stands straight. Keep a little space so it's easy to pull out. Version 2: Please proceed to situate the aforementioned volume upon the appropriate storage apparatus, ensuring alignment consistent with customary display orientation and adjacency to related thematic materials. Optimization of spatial arrangement is recommended to enhance aesthetics.
Which version is clearer for a younger sibling to follow?
Version 2, because formal words show you are serious.
Version 1, because it is specific and uses simple, clear steps.
Version 2, because it is shorter and leaves room for guessing.
Either, because the shelf will be fine no matter what.
Explanation
Version 1 fits the audience and purpose: a younger sibling needs concrete, simple directions to do the task correctly.
Version 1: Practice is moved to Field B today because Field A is muddy. Bring your water and shin guards. We start at 4:00. Meet by the benches. Coach will set up cones. Don't be late. Version 2: Due to inclement field conditions, practice has been relocated to Field B. Participants are advised to ensure possession of hydration and appropriate protective equipment. Commencement will occur at 4:00 near the bench area. The coach will arrange equipment prior to initiation.
Which version fits a quick spoken announcement to your soccer team before practice?
Version 2, because big words make it sound extra important for a quick shout-out.
Version 2, because it's vague and lets teammates guess the plan.
Either one, because spoken announcements and formal notes should sound the same.
Version 1, because it is short, direct, and easy to say out loud to teammates.
Explanation
Version 1 matches the audience and purpose: a quick spoken announcement should be brief and clear so teammates know what to do.
Two ways to send the same message to a friend: Version 1: Due to unforeseen circumstances, my arrival at the park will be delayed approximately fifteen minutes; please accept my apologies for any inconvenience. Version 2: Running late to the park—about 15 minutes. Sorry! See you soon. Both sentences tell the friend you will be late and when you'll arrive. One sounds formal and long, and the other sounds short and friendly. They share the same idea.
Which version is clearer for a quick text to a friend?
Both versions
Version 2
Version 1
Neither version
Explanation
Version 2 is brief and friendly, which fits a quick message to a friend. Version 1 is too formal and wordy for texting.
Two ways to explain a science result: Version 1: The plant did good and got taller because we watered it a bunch and it was happy. Version 2: In our experiment, the plant grew 4 centimeters after one week because it received daily water and six hours of light. Both say the same idea. One is casual and vague, and the other is precise and fits school writing. Notice which sounds right for a report.
Which version is best for a science report?
Version 1
Both versions
Neither version
Version 2
Explanation
Version 2 uses clear measurements and a formal tone, which fit a report. Version 1 is vague and too casual for school writing.
Two ways to give a hallway reminder: Version 1: Walk, please. Stay on the right. Hold the rail on the stairs. Version 2: It is incumbent upon all students to ambulate in a cautious manner within the corridor environment, maintaining rightward orientation while ascending or descending. Both share the same idea. One is short and clear for kids who are moving, and the other is very formal and long. Think about what works on a school sign.
Which version is clearer for a hallway sign?
Version 1
Version 2
Both versions
Neither version
Explanation
Version 1 is short and direct, which fits a hallway sign people read quickly. Version 2 is too formal and wordy.
Two ways to write a thank-you message to a teacher: Version 1: Yo, thanks a ton! That book choice was epic and totally made my day. Version 2: Thank you for recommending that book. I enjoyed it and learned a lot from reading it. Both share the same idea. One sounds casual and slangy, and the other sounds polite and warm. Think about what fits a thank-you card to an adult at school. Both are clear in meaning.
Which version fits a thank-you card to a teacher?
Neither version
Version 1
Version 2
Both versions
Explanation
Version 2 is polite and respectful, which fits writing to a teacher. Version 1 is too informal and slangy for that audience.
Version 1: Dear Principal, Our class enjoys recess, but the two swings are often busy. Could the school add two more swings so more students can play safely and take turns? We will help follow any new rules. Thank you for your time and for helping us keep recess fair for everyone.
Version 2: Yo, the swings are always taken and it's super annoying. Can you, like, get more stuff? We just want more fun and not all that waiting forever.
You are writing a polite email to the principal. Which version is clearer and fits the audience?
Version 1—it is polite and clear for a principal.
Version 2—it is too formal.
Version 1—it is very wordy and confusing.
Version 2—it is casual and kind of vague.
Explanation
Version 1 matches the purpose and audience: it is polite, specific, and clear for a principal. Version 2 is informal and vague.
Version 1: Dear Librarian, Thank you for helping me find animal books for my project. Your suggestions made my report stronger, and I learned new facts. I appreciate your time and kindness. I will return the books on time. The charts and pictures helped me understand. Thank you for being patient when I had questions.
Version 2: Thanks for the book stuff! You're awesome! It was cool and everything, and my project was, like, good. Anyway, yeah, thanks! Really!
You are writing a thank-you card to the librarian. Which version is clearer and fits the audience?
Version 1—it is too formal for a librarian.
Version 2—because it is short and vague.
Version 1—it is long and confusing.
Version 1—it is polite and specific for a thank-you note.
Explanation
Version 1 matches the purpose and audience: it politely explains what the librarian did and why it helped. Version 2 is too informal and vague.