Adapting Speech to Context · seed 1 · A4, ink-friendly. The answer key prints on its own page for grown-ups.

Same Story, Different Audience

English · Speaking & Listening · ages 10-11
Name ______________________   Date ____________

  1. Which sentence is the most FORMAL?

    • I would like to thank the committee for this opportunity.
    • Thanks a bunch, this is awesome.
    • Yo, thanks for havin' me.

  2. Which listener would you most likely need FORMAL speech for?

    • A judge at a school science fair
    • Your best friend at lunch
    • Your younger sibling during a game

  3. You should speak the exact same way to a teacher and to a close friend.

    Circle one:   True   False

  4. Which change shows you're adjusting speech for a formal audience?

    • Using longer, complete sentences instead of short slangy ones
    • Talking louder than usual
    • Speaking faster than usual

  5. Maria explains her art project to the judges, then tells her friend about it later. What is most likely to change?

    • The facts about her project
    • The words and tone she uses
    • Whether her project is good

  6. Deshawn tells his little cousin about a book, then explains it to his teacher for a grade. Which is TRUE?

    • He should keep the same simple words both times
    • He can use simpler words with his cousin and more careful words with his teacher
    • He should only use formal words in both talks

  7. You must explain the class trip rules to both the principal and your classmates in two separate talks. What is the SMARTEST plan?

    • Write one exact script and read it word for word both times
    • Keep the same key facts, but use formal language for the principal and relaxed language for classmates
    • Use slang both times so everyone feels comfortable

  8. During a formal class presentation, Priya says, 'So basically, um, this thing is like really cool, y'know?' What should she fix?

    • Speak louder so everyone can hear
    • Replace casual filler words with clear, formal language
    • Add more slang to sound relaxed
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Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

Same Story, Different Audience W1-mt_bkvB7QYKwg-s1

  1. I would like to thank the committee for this opportunity. · The first sentence uses complete words and no slang, which sounds the most formal.
  2. A judge at a school science fair · Judges are formal audiences you don't know well, so careful, formal English fits best.
  3. False · Different listeners often need different styles. Formal for a teacher, informal is fine with a friend.
  4. Using longer, complete sentences instead of short slangy ones · Formal speech usually uses fuller sentences and careful word choice, not just volume or speed.
  5. The words and tone she uses · The facts stay true, but her word choice and tone shift for each listener.
  6. He can use simpler words with his cousin and more careful words with his teacher · Matching your words to the listener works both ways: simpler for a young cousin, more careful for a teacher.
  7. Keep the same key facts, but use formal language for the principal and relaxed language for classmates · Good speakers keep their facts steady but shift vocabulary and tone to match each audience.
  8. Replace casual filler words with clear, formal language · Filler words and slang like 'y'know' don't fit a formal presentation. Clear, careful language works better.
Worksheet · LightMySky