Writing skills for applications: Concept 3: Functional: Grade 6 to Grade 12

Writing skills particular to the applications listed here may be taught across the curriculum, although some applications may lend themselves more readily to specific content areas. It is imperative that students write in all content areas in order to increase their communication skills, and ultimately to improve their understanding of content area concepts.  When appropriate, other content standards are referenced to show interdisciplinary connections.

Concept 3: Functional

Functional writing provides specific directions or information related to real-world tasks. This includes letters, memos, schedules, directories, signs, manuals, forms, recipes, and technical pieces for specific content areas.

Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8
PO 1.  Write a variety of functional texts (e.g., directions, recipes, procedures, rubrics, labels, posters, graphs/tables).

(See R06-S3C2; M06-S2C1)

PO 1.  Write a variety of functional texts (e.g., directions, recipes, procedures, rubrics, labels, posters, graphs/tables).

(See R07-S3C2; M07-S2C1)

PO 1.  Write a variety of functional texts (e.g., directions, recipes, procedures, rubrics, labels, posters, graphs/tables).

(See R08-S3C2; M08-S2C1)

PO 2.  Write a friendly letter that includes a:

a.     heading

b.     salutation

c.     body

d.     closing

e.     signature

PO 2.  Write a friendly letter that includes a:

a.     heading

b.     salutation

c.     body

d.     closing

e.     signature

PO 2.  Write a friendly letter that includes a:

a.     heading

b.     salutation

c.     body

d.     closing

e.     signature

PO 3.  Write a formal letter that follows a conventional business letter format. PO 3.  Write a formal letter that follows a conventional business letter format.

PO 3.  Write a formal letter that follows a conventional business letter format.

PO 4.  Address an envelope for correspondence that includes:

a.     an appropriate return address

b.     an appropriate recipient address

PO 4.  Address an envelope for correspondence that includes:

a.     an appropriate return address

b.     an appropriate recipient address

PO 4.  Address an envelope for correspondence that includes:

a.     an appropriate return address

b.     an appropriate recipient address

High School: Grade 9
PO 1.  Write a business letter that:

a.     presents information purposefully and succinctly to meet the needs of the intended audience

b.     follows a conventional business letter format (e.g., block, modified block, email)

Example:  Write a letter of complaint expressing a consumer problem you’ve experienced.

PO 2.  Address an envelope for correspondence that includes:

a.     an appropriate return address

b.     an appropriate recipient address

High School: Grade 10
PO 1.  Write a business letter and/or memo that:

a.     presents information purposefully and succinctly to meet the needs of the intended audience

b.     follows a conventional format (e.g., block, modified block, memo, email)

Example:  Write a letter requesting an informational interview with a person in a career area that interests you.

PO 2.  Address an envelope for correspondence that includes:

a.     an appropriate return address

b.     an appropriate recipient address

Concept 3: Functional

Functional writing provides specific directions or information related to real-world tasks. This includes letters, memos, schedules, directories, signs, manuals, forms, recipes, and technical pieces for specific content areas.

High School: Grade 11
PO 1.  Write a work-related document (e.g., application, minutes, memo, cover letter, letter of application, speaker introduction, letter of recommendation, technical manual) that:

a.     presents information purposefully and succinctly to meet the needs of the intended audience

b.     follows a conventional format

Example:  Complete a job application form for a part-time job and attach a memorandum outlining the particular skills you have that fit the job description.

Concept 3: Functional

Functional writing provides specific directions or information related to real-world tasks. This includes letters, memos, schedules, directories, signs, manuals, forms, recipes, and technical pieces for specific content areas.

High School: Grade 12
PO 1.  Write a work-related document (e.g., resume, application essay, minutes, memo, cover letter, speaker introduction, letter of recommendation, technical manual) that:

a.     presents information purposefully and succinctly to meet the needs of the intended audience

b.     follows a conventional format

Example:  Write a resume outlining job experience, extra-curricular activities and other skills, formatted for the intended audience.