CurriculumGrade 10English Language Arts

Adapting Speech to Context

Aligned to SL.9-10.6 — Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.

What this lesson teaches

Skilled speakers adjust register — word choice, tone, and formality — to the context and task, using formal English when the situation calls for it. Reading the setting matters as much as the content.

Worked example

Pitching a project to the school board, you say 'I propose we pilot the program next semester'; describing the same plan to teammates, 'let's just try it next term' fits better.

Practice questions

  1. Take one idea and state it formally, then casually.
  2. Name a situation that requires formal English and explain why.
  3. Describe how you would adjust your delivery for an audience that disagrees with you.

Watch the lesson

Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.

▶ Watch this lesson

En español

Adaptar el Habla al Contexto

Los oradores hábiles ajustan el registro — elección de palabras, tono y formalidad — al contexto y a la tarea, usando el español formal cuando la situación lo exige. Leer el entorno importa tanto como el contenido.

Ejemplo: Al presentar un proyecto ante la junta escolar dices 'propongo que probemos el programa el próximo semestre'; al describir el mismo plan a tus compañeros, 'probémoslo el otro semestre' encaja mejor.

More Speaking & Listening lessons

Leading Collaborative DiscussionSL.9-10.1Integrating and Vetting SourcesSL.9-10.2Evaluating a Speaker's ReasoningSL.9-10.3Digital Media in PresentationsSL.9-10.5

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