Modern Ballad Analysis
Following the example we did in class (“House of the Rising Sun”), you are to work
with your group to explore a modern ballad and decide if it successfully fulfills the
characteristics of a Medieval Ballad. This information will then be shared with your
classmates.
1. Select a ballad from those in class, or find one you would like to explore on your
own. (avoid “slow songs”… the term ballad is usually a misnomer)
2. Print a copy of the song lyrics.
3. Hit the web to see what you can learn about your song’s writer, history, content,
meaning, etc. Some places to begin:
www.learningfromlyrics.com
www.songfacts.com
4. Complete the chart worksheet. Be sure to include explanations as to why the song
does or does not meet the characteristic.
5. Develop a 5 minute presentation for the class.
a. play the song
b. show the lyrics
c. explain the content/story it tells
d. share what characteristics it does/does not meet
Turn in to teacher:
 Copy of lyrics
 Chart worksheet
 2-3 paragraph write up of song meaning/content
 References
 Group Evaluation Sheet
 Rubric
Dramatization
of a Single
Incident
Little
Reflection or
Expression of
Sentiment
Dialogue or
Questions and
Answers
Strong, Simple
Beat and
Uncomplicated
Rhyme Scheme
Use of Refrain
Tendency to
Suggest
(Rather than
directly state)
Story Based on
Actual Events
Medieval Ballads Rubric
Mrs. Frantzen
12 CP English
CATEGORY
Preparedness
X2
Collaboration with
Peers
X1
Content
X4
Time-Limit
X1
Total:
/32
4
Group is
completely
prepared and has
obviously
rehearsed.
3
Group seems
pretty prepared but
might have needed
a couple more
rehearsals.
2
The group is
somewhat
prepared, but it is
clear that rehearsal
was lacking.
1
Group does not
seem at all
prepared to
present.
Almost always
listens to, shares
with, and supports
the efforts of others
in the group. Tries
to keep people
working well
together.
Shows a full
understanding of
the topic and all
criteria met.
Usually listens to,
shares with, and
supports the efforts
of others in the
group. Does not
cause \\\"waves\\\"
in the group.
Often listens to,
shares with, and
supports the efforts
of others in the
group but
sometimes is not a
good team
member.
Shows a good
understanding of
parts of the
topic/some criteria
missing.
Rarely listens to,
shares with, and
supports the efforts
of others in the
group. Often is not
a good team
member.
Presentation is 5-6
minutes long.
Presentation is 4
minutes long.
Presentation is 3
minutes long.
Presentation is less
than 3 minutes OR
more than 6
minutes.
Shows a good
understanding of
the topic and all
criteria met.
Does not seem to
understand the
topic very well/
criteria not met.