What “Standard American English” means, and whether (or how much) we should care, is a [tense](https://harpers.org/wp-content/uploads/HarpersMagazine-2001-04-0070913.pdf) and [controversial](https://journals.library.columbia.edu/index.php/TMR/article/view/5442) topic in itself. Nevertheless, if you want to work on understanding how language works, consider one of these assignments. *Check back from time to time, as I plan to keep adding to these. Suggestions welcome!* Check out the [[mentor texts about language]] for additional edification. #### [[Grammar Scavenger Hunt]] > Hunt for errors, and suggest fixes. #### [[Investigate a Mentor Text]] > Give some thought to some of the choices authors make regarding usage and mechanics. #### [[Experiment with point of view]] > Write a passage from multiple points of view or dive into an author’s POV choices. #### [[Experiment with audience]] > Write a passage for multiple intended audiences. #### [[Genre-specific language]] > Experiment with adjusting language use with regard to different genres of writing. #### [[Poetry Language Explication]] > Explore and write about choices poets make with regard to usage, structure, etc. #### [[Excelsior Online Writing Lab's Grammar Essentials]] > Work on sequential tutorials for fundamental concepts. <br> ---- [Associated standards](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G-ffffPuAtCboosZgrsnNehrBqqzRyL4_HrzhlfPRN0/edit?usp=sharing): L.11-12.5 Demonstrate contextually appropriate use of the conventions of standardized English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. Discern when and where it is appropriate to use standardized English. Appropriately use and explain the intended purpose of language choice. L.11-12.6 Demonstrate contextually appropriate use of the conventions of standardized English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing. Discern when and where it is appropriate to use standardized English. Appropriately use and explain the intended purpose.