Composition: Composing Correspondence For Opinions Complaints Or Information Requests (TEKS.ELA.6.11.D)
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Texas 6th Grade ELA › Composition: Composing Correspondence For Opinions Complaints Or Information Requests (TEKS.ELA.6.11.D)
I'm writing about the upcoming book fair. I heard there might be volunteer spots, but I'm not exactly sure how it works. I want to help, and also maybe get community service hours. I can probably do afternoons, unless I have soccer practice, and I don't know the dates yet. Could you let me know what the jobs are and if there's a sign-up? Also, my friend and I thought it'd be cool to run the checkout, if that's a thing. Please tell me the details when you can because I need to plan rides. Thanks! Have a nice day.
Which revision best improves the clarity and tone of this correspondence?
So, what's the deal with the fair? Hit me back with whatever.
Could you please share the volunteer roles, dates, and sign-up process? I am available most afternoons and can confirm times once the schedule is posted.
You need to send me the schedule ASAP because I can't wait around.
Tell me more when you get a chance.
Explanation
B is specific, polite, and audience-appropriate, clearly requesting roles, dates, and sign-up while stating availability. A is overly casual, C is too harsh, and D is vague. Extension: Draft your own request email. Scaffold: greeting, purpose, details, polite request, closing. Enrichment: compare formal vs. informal tone.
Hello, I'm writing about several lunches I bought this month that were cold or undercooked. The chicken nuggets on Tuesday were still chilly in the middle, and last week the pasta was hard and not warm. I understand the cafeteria serves many students, but I wanted to let you know because it seems to be happening a lot. Cold food makes people not want to buy lunch, and it might not be safe. Could you please check the warming equipment or timing? I appreciate your work and hope this helps improve meals for everyone. Thank you for reading and responding.
Which revision best improves the clarity and tone of this correspondence?
This food is gross—fix it now or I'm telling everyone not to buy lunch.
Do something about the meals, okay? Thanks.
Please fix the problem.
Could you please look into the heating process and let me know what steps will be taken to ensure lunches are served hot?
Explanation
D is respectful and precise, requesting an investigation and a follow-up. A is hostile, B is too casual, and C is vague. Extension: Write your own complaint with respectful tone. Scaffold: greeting, issue with examples, request for action, appreciation, closing. Enrichment: analyze how word choice affects tone.
Dear Principal, I would like to share my opinion about adding a weekly independent reading period for all grades. Many students say they enjoy reading but struggle to find time between homework, sports, and family responsibilities. A dedicated school period could help build vocabulary, reduce stress, and grow a positive reading culture. Teachers could use the time to confer with students or model reading. Our library already has diverse books, so the materials are available. I believe a thirty-minute period on Fridays would be a good start. Thank you for considering this idea and for supporting student literacy every day.
Which revision best improves the clarity and tone of this correspondence?
Dear Principal, I am writing to propose adding a weekly independent reading period for all grades to support literacy and reduce stress.
Hey, we should totally get some reading time or whatever.
You never give us time to read, and that needs to change immediately.
I have an idea about time.
Explanation
A is professional and clear, stating a specific proposal and purpose. B is overly casual, C is accusatory, and D is too vague. Extension: Draft your own opinion email. Scaffold: greeting, clear claim, reasons/evidence, polite closing. Enrichment: compare formal and informal openings.
Good afternoon, I'm contacting the City History Museum to ask about scheduling a sixth-grade field trip in November. Our social studies unit covers local history, and we think the exhibits would connect well. Could you please share group rates, available tour times, and any chaperone requirements? We are considering weekdays between November 10 and 21. We estimate about one hundred students and ten adults. If there are hands-on activities or workshops, I would appreciate details about length and cost. Thank you for your help coordinating a visit that supports our curriculum. I look forward to your response. Many thanks ahead.
Which revision best improves the clarity and tone of this correspondence?
Hey, can you hook us up with a tour and stuff sometime in November?
Respond immediately with all your prices and details.
Could you please provide group rates, tour availability, chaperone requirements, and any workshop options for November 10–21?
Please send information.
Explanation
C is courteous and specific, listing exactly what information is needed and the date range. A is too casual, B is demanding, and D is vague. Extension: Write your own information request. Scaffold: greeting, context, precise questions, thanks, closing. Enrichment: discuss tone shifts from casual to professional language.
hey whoever reads this, I was wondering about your summer reading thing. I saw a flyer but it didn't have the times and also I'm not sure if kids my age can even join. I'm kinda busy so I need to know fast. Also the flyer had a form but I lost it, oops. Can you just send me what I need and maybe sign me up if it's not too complicated? My mom might drive me, probably. Also do we get prizes or what? please reply soon, thanks, bye. From, Jayden My email is below if that's easier today.
Which revision best improves the clarity and tone of this correspondence?
Yo, can you guys just sign me up already?
Please send the meeting times and registration steps for the Summer Reading Club; I am a sixth-grade student interested in joining.
I lost a thing, so like, what do I do?
Your flyer was confusing and missing stuff; fix it quickly.
Explanation
Choice B is clear, specific, and polite, matching a formal request for information. The other options are either too casual, vague, or harsh.
Hi, this is Mia. I bought your granola bars and one was totally gross. It looked weird and tasted old. I'm pretty annoyed because I used my allowance and now I'm stuck with a bad box. I don't know who to tell, but someone should fix this. I want my money back or something, and I want to know how this even happened. Do you check the dates? I threw the bar away because it was nasty. Please do better next time. Anyway, email me back soon so I know what you're going to do about it. Thanks, I guess.
Which revision best improves the clarity and tone of this correspondence?
Your snack was gross and you owe me.
Whatever, it's fine, I'll just never buy these again.
Can someone fix this thing for me ASAP?!
I would appreciate guidance on receiving a refund or replacement for a stale granola bar; I can provide purchase details upon request.
Explanation
Choice D is specific and respectful, clearly requesting a remedy and offering details. The other options are harsh, dismissive, or vague.
Hi Ms. Patel, I'm emailing about the science report. Mine isn't finished. I thought I could get it done, but the experiment took longer than I guessed, and I also had soccer and family stuff. I don't want to turn in something messy that doesn't show my learning. Can I please have until Friday to submit it? I can share my notes and data now if that helps. I understand if there's a penalty, but I'm trying to do quality work. Please let me know what I should do next. Thank you for reading and for your help with this.
Which revision best improves the clarity and tone of this correspondence?
May I have an extension until Friday to complete the report? I can share my current data today.
I'm super busy, so I'll just turn it in whenever.
This assignment is impossible and the directions were confusing.
Could you kind of maybe give me some extra time or whatever?
Explanation
Choice A is courteous, specific, and solution-oriented. The other options are inappropriate in tone, negative, or vague.
Hello Transportation Office, My name is Luis, and my bus stop seems to have moved without warning. Yesterday the driver said a new stop is "somewhere down the block," but I didn't get a notice. I waited this morning and missed the bus. I had to get a ride and was late. I want this fixed right now because it's not fair. Where exactly is the new stop, and when does the bus come? Also, can you tell the driver to be clearer next time? Please reply fast because I don't want to be late again tomorrow. Thank you. sincerely.
Which revision best improves the clarity and tone of this correspondence?
Move the stop back or I'll keep complaining.
Where's the stop? Down the block isn't helpful.
Please confirm the exact location and time for the new bus stop; I missed the bus today and want to avoid further delays.
The driver said something, but I forgot, so just tell me again.
Explanation
Choice C is polite, specific, and focused on solving the problem. The other choices are harsh, curt, or overly casual.