Formal or friendly: matching the writing to the reader
Grade 8 Reading Worksheet - Challenge Me
Circle the best answer.
Read this first
A Recycling Program for the Cafeteria (student draft: proposal to the principal)
[1] Dear Principal Kim, our Green Team is writing to propose a recycling program for the school cafeteria. [2] Every day, the cafeteria discards hundreds of plastic bottles, milk cartons, and aluminum cans. [3] These items could be recycled instead of sent to the landfill.
[4] Honestly, it's kind of embarrassing that our school throws away so much good stuff. [5] We propose placing three labeled bins near the exit: one for plastic, one for paper cartons, and one for metal. [6] Green Team volunteers would check the bins each lunch period to make sure items are sorted correctly.
[7] If you want, you guys could announce the new program during morning announcements. [8] The recycling center on Cedar Road will take all three kinds for free, no joke. [9] We have already spoken with a custodian, who agreed to move the full bins each afternoon.
[10] We believe this program would reduce waste, teach students responsible habits, and save the school money on trash pickup. [11] We would welcome the opportunity to present our plan at a staff meeting. [12] Thank you for considering our proposal.
Pia edits sentences [4] and [7] of the recycling proposal so they fit a letter to a principal. Which revision fixes both and keeps the meaning?
- [4] It is regrettable that our school discards so many reusable items. [7] If you agree, the school could announce the new program during morning announcements.
- [4] It is regrettable that our school discards so many reusable items. [7] If you agree, the school could cancel the new program during morning announcements.
- [4] It is regrettable that our school discards so many reusable items. [7] If you want, you guys could announce the new program during morning announcements.
- [4] Honestly, it's kind of embarrassing that our school throws away so much good stuff. [7] If you agree, the school could announce the new program during morning announcements.
Ren wants sentence [8] of the recycling proposal to keep the detail about Cedar Road and fit a letter to a principal. Which revision does that?
- The recycling center on Cedar Road will take all three kinds for free, no joke.
- A recycling center accepts all three materials at no charge.
- The recycling center on Cedar Road accepts all three materials at no charge.
- The recycling establishment situated upon Cedar Road accepts all aforementioned materials gratis.
A Recycling Program for the Cafeteria (student draft: proposal to the principal)
[1] Dear Principal Kim, our Green Team is writing to propose a recycling program for the school cafeteria. [2] Every day, the cafeteria discards hundreds of plastic bottles, milk cartons, and aluminum cans. [3] These items could be recycled instead of sent to the landfill.
[4] Honestly, it's kind of embarrassing that our school throws away so much good stuff. [5] We propose placing three labeled bins near the exit: one for plastic, one for paper cartons, and one for metal. [6] Green Team volunteers would check the bins each lunch period to make sure items are sorted correctly.
[7] If you want, you guys could announce the new program during morning announcements. [8] The recycling center on Cedar Road will take all three kinds for free, no joke. [9] We have already spoken with a custodian, who agreed to move the full bins each afternoon.
[10] We believe this program would reduce waste, teach students responsible habits, and save the school money on trash pickup. [11] We would welcome the opportunity to present our plan at a staff meeting. [12] Thank you for considering our proposal. Change shown: Sentence [4] before: Honestly, it's kind of embarrassing that our school throws away so much good stuff. After: It is regrettable that our school discards so many reusable items.
The writer changed sentence [4] of the recycling proposal. Tala asks what the change does for the principal. Which reason is true?
- It tells the principal that the school wastes more than any other school.
- It makes the sentence sound smarter and more advanced.
- It makes the sentence friendlier for classmates reading the school newsletter.
- It speaks to the principal in a serious, respectful voice that fits a proposal.
Does Light Color Change Plant Growth? (student draft: science report)
[1] This report summarizes our science fair project, which tested whether the color of light affects how fast bean plants grow. [2] We placed twelve bean seedlings under each of three kinds of lights: white, blue, and red. [3] Every group received twelve hours of light per day for three weeks.
[4] We measured each plant every Monday and recorded the results in a chart. [5] The results were seriously cool, and we were totally shocked. [6] The plants under red light grew the tallest, with an average height of fourteen centimeters. [7] The plants under blue light averaged eleven centimeters, and the plants under white light averaged twelve.
[8] We think these numbers are probably not perfect, so you shouldn't take them as the final word. [9] Other factors, such as temperature and the amount of water, were kept the same for every group. [10] A larger study with more kinds of plants would give stronger evidence.
[11] The LED strips we used came from the hardware store on Birch Avenue, and they cost almost nothing, believe it or not. [12] We thank Ms. Duarte for lending us her classroom for the experiment.
Zee edits sentences [5] and [8] of the light color report so they fit a science report. Which revision fixes both and keeps the meaning?
- [5] The results were surprising, and we did not expect them. [8] We think these numbers are probably not perfect, so you shouldn't take them as the final word.
- [5] The results were surprising, and we did not expect them. [8] These numbers may not be exact, so they should not be treated as final.
- [5] The results were seriously cool, and we were totally shocked. [8] These numbers may not be exact, so they should not be treated as final.
- [5] The results were surprising, and we did not expect them. [8] These numbers are exact, so they should be treated as final.
Ari wants sentence [11] of the light color report to keep the detail about Birch Avenue and fit a science report. Which revision does that?
- The LED strips we used came from the hardware store on Birch Avenue, and they cost almost nothing, believe it or not.
- The luminous diode strips employed herein were acquired at the hardware emporium on Birch Avenue for a negligible sum.
- The LED strips we used were purchased at a store and cost very little.
- The LED strips we used were purchased at the hardware store on Birch Avenue and cost very little.
Does Light Color Change Plant Growth? (student draft: science report)
[1] This report summarizes our science fair project, which tested whether the color of light affects how fast bean plants grow. [2] We placed twelve bean seedlings under each of three kinds of lights: white, blue, and red. [3] Every group received twelve hours of light per day for three weeks.
[4] We measured each plant every Monday and recorded the results in a chart. [5] The results were seriously cool, and we were totally shocked. [6] The plants under red light grew the tallest, with an average height of fourteen centimeters. [7] The plants under blue light averaged eleven centimeters, and the plants under white light averaged twelve.
[8] We think these numbers are probably not perfect, so you shouldn't take them as the final word. [9] Other factors, such as temperature and the amount of water, were kept the same for every group. [10] A larger study with more kinds of plants would give stronger evidence.
[11] The LED strips we used came from the hardware store on Birch Avenue, and they cost almost nothing, believe it or not. [12] We thank Ms. Duarte for lending us her classroom for the experiment. Change shown: Sentence [5] before: The results were seriously cool, and we were totally shocked. After: The results were surprising, and we did not expect them.
The writer changed sentence [5] of the light color report. Bo asks what the change does for the science fair judges. Which reason is true?
- It tells the judges that the experiment was repeated twice.
- It makes the sentence friendlier for classmates reading a blog.
- It gives the judges a serious, objective voice that fits a science report.
- It makes the sentence sound smarter and more advanced.
Welcome, New Sixth Graders! (student draft: welcome post)
[1] Hi, new sixth graders! [2] We are the student ambassadors, and we are here to help you feel at home on your very first day. [3] Walking into a big new school can feel a little overwhelming, but we promise it gets easier fast.
[4] Students are advised to consult the building map upon arrival at the main entrance. [5] Your homeroom teacher will be waiting to say hello and to show you your locker and your first-period room. [6] Lockers can be tricky, so we will practice the combination together during homeroom until it feels easy.
[7] Lunch is a great time to meet new friends, and we sit by the big window if you want to join us. [8] Participation in lunchtime activities is strongly encouraged for all new students. [9] Numerous extracurricular organizations, including chess, art, robotics, and gardening, are available for student enrollment.
[10] Remember that everybody feels nervous at first, and that includes us when we were new. [11] If you ever feel lost, just ask any ambassador wearing a blue badge, because we love to help. [12] We cannot wait to meet you!
Jun wants sentence [9] of the welcome post to keep the list of clubs and sound friendly to new sixth graders. Which revision does that?
- Clubs, clubs, CLUBS!!! Chess!!! Art!!! Robotics!!! Gardening!!! Join everything NOW!!!
- There are tons of clubs to try, like chess, art, robotics, and gardening!
- There are lots of clubs to try, so you can find one you like!
- Numerous clubs, including chess, art, robotics, and gardening, are available for enrollment.
Welcome, New Sixth Graders! (student draft: welcome post)
[1] Hi, new sixth graders! [2] We are the student ambassadors, and we are here to help you feel at home on your very first day. [3] Walking into a big new school can feel a little overwhelming, but we promise it gets easier fast.
[4] Students are advised to consult the building map upon arrival at the main entrance. [5] Your homeroom teacher will be waiting to say hello and to show you your locker and your first-period room. [6] Lockers can be tricky, so we will practice the combination together during homeroom until it feels easy.
[7] Lunch is a great time to meet new friends, and we sit by the big window if you want to join us. [8] Participation in lunchtime activities is strongly encouraged for all new students. [9] Numerous extracurricular organizations, including chess, art, robotics, and gardening, are available for student enrollment.
[10] Remember that everybody feels nervous at first, and that includes us when we were new. [11] If you ever feel lost, just ask any ambassador wearing a blue badge, because we love to help. [12] We cannot wait to meet you! Change shown: Sentence [4] before: Students are advised to consult the building map upon arrival at the main entrance. After: Grab a building map when you walk in the front door.
The writer changed sentence [4] of the welcome post. Kira asks what the change does for new sixth graders. Which reason is true?
- It makes the sentence more formal for the members of the school board.
- It speaks to new sixth graders in a plain, friendly voice, so the first step is easy to follow.
- It tells new students that maps are free at the front desk.
- It makes the post sound more modern and fun.
The Paper Airplane Contest (student draft: post for classmates)
[1] Get ready, because the school paper airplane contest is coming up on Friday! [2] Anyone in grades six through eight can enter, and every plane must be made from a single sheet of regular paper that is the same size as everyone else's. [3] You can fold your plane any way you like, as long as you do not use tape, glue, or staples.
[4] Contestants must submit their aircraft to the judges' table prior to the commencement of the event. [5] The judges will measure how far each plane flies in three tries, and they will use the average of the three flights to choose the winner. [6] The plane with the longest average flight wins a trophy shaped like a gold paper airplane.
[7] There will also be a prize for the most creative design. [8] It is anticipated that participants will exhibit a high level of sportsmanship. [9] The Math Club has produced a flight chart displaying which wing shapes remain airborne longest.
[10] You can practice at lunch in the gym on Wednesday and Thursday, and the gym teacher will be there to help. [11] Bring your best plane and your best throwing arm, and do not forget to write your name on the wing. [12] See you there!
Milo wants sentence [9] of the paper airplane post to keep the details about the flight chart and sound friendly to classmates. Which revision does that?
- The Math Club made a chart that shows some things about planes.
- The Math Club made a flight chart that shows which wing shapes stay in the air longest.
- OMG, the Math Club made a SUPER-DUPER flight chart of wing shapes that stay in the air FOREVER!!!
- The Math Club has produced a flight chart displaying which wing shapes remain airborne longest.
The Paper Airplane Contest (student draft: post for classmates)
[1] Get ready, because the school paper airplane contest is coming up on Friday! [2] Anyone in grades six through eight can enter, and every plane must be made from a single sheet of regular paper that is the same size as everyone else's. [3] You can fold your plane any way you like, as long as you do not use tape, glue, or staples.
[4] Contestants must submit their aircraft to the judges' table prior to the commencement of the event. [5] The judges will measure how far each plane flies in three tries, and they will use the average of the three flights to choose the winner. [6] The plane with the longest average flight wins a trophy shaped like a gold paper airplane.
[7] There will also be a prize for the most creative design. [8] It is anticipated that participants will exhibit a high level of sportsmanship. [9] The Math Club has produced a flight chart displaying which wing shapes remain airborne longest.
[10] You can practice at lunch in the gym on Wednesday and Thursday, and the gym teacher will be there to help. [11] Bring your best plane and your best throwing arm, and do not forget to write your name on the wing. [12] See you there! Change shown: Sentence [8] before: It is anticipated that participants will exhibit a high level of sportsmanship. After: We hope everybody cheers for each other and plays fair.
The writer changed sentence [8] of the paper airplane post. Noah asks what the change does for classmates. Which reason is true?
- It tells classmates that the judges will give a prize for fair play.
- It talks to classmates in a warm, plain voice, so the hope for fair play feels like an invitation.
- It makes the sentence sound more fun and modern.
- It makes the sentence more official for the contest judges.