Grade 5 · English Language Arts · Unit 8 of 12
Write for Your Reader
Match your words to who is reading
What your child practises
Writing to inform, persuade or entertain; formal and informal voice; and picking details, openings and word choices that suit the reader.
Alberta Curriculum learning outcome: Analyze and reflect on ways to write effectively for different audiences and purposes. · choosing words, tone and details for the reader and the purpose
Sample questions
A taste of this unit. In the app, questions change every time and get easier or harder to match your child.
Question 1
Which is an example of informal writing?
- Report on the water cycle, Section 2.
- Hi Sam! Can't wait for the sleepover. See you soon!
- Minutes of the student council meeting.
- Dear Mayor Lopez, I respectfully request a meeting.
Show answer
Hi Sam! Can't wait for the sleepover. See you soon!
Hint: Informal writing sounds like friendly talking, with short phrases and exclamation marks.
Question 2
Mina is writing to persuade her principal to add a bike rack. Which opening fits best?
- Once upon a time there was a bike.
- Bikes have two wheels and a chain.
- Hey whatever, bikes are cool lol.
- Our school needs a bike rack, and here are three reasons why.
Show answer
Our school needs a bike rack, and here are three reasons why.
Hint: To persuade, state your opinion clearly and promise reasons.
Question 3
What should a writer do first before starting a piece of writing?
- Add the title page
- Choose the font
- Hand it in
- Think about the purpose and who will read it
Show answer
Think about the purpose and who will read it
Hint: Knowing your audience and purpose helps you decide what to say and how.
Question 4
Which title best suits a news article about a school food drive?
- A Poem About Soup
- Cans Are Round
- What I Did Last Summer
- Students Collect 500 Cans for the Food Bank
Show answer
Students Collect 500 Cans for the Food Bank
Hint: A news title tells readers the most important fact.
Question 5
Amir wants to convince readers to visit Elk Island National Park. Which fact would help most?
- The park is home to a large herd of plains bison that visitors can see.
- Amir has a hat.
- Parks have trees.
- The park exists.
Show answer
The park is home to a large herd of plains bison that visitors can see.
Hint: Choose evidence that gives readers a reason to act.
Question 6
A paragraph jumps between pizza, hockey and homework. What should the writer fix?
- Take out all the periods
- Keep the paragraph about one main idea
- Add more topics
- Make the sentences shorter
Show answer
Keep the paragraph about one main idea
Hint: Each paragraph should stay focused on one idea.