Interpretation of a Song: Analytical Essay Scoring Guide
* Be sure to see annotated example.
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Format
-12 font
-typed, double-spaced
-1-inch margins
-Times New Roman
-5 paragraph essay format
-introduction
-body (three paragraphs)
-conclusion
-comes “full circle”
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Thesis Statement
-Topic
-Opinion
-Three Main Points
-Restatement of Thesis in the Concluding Paragraph
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In-Text Citations/Evidence from the Text
-when referring to each literary term, the specific lyric is referenced
correctly
-you must have evidence from the text for each of the literary terms mentioned in
your thesis
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Interpretation of Lyrics
It’s not just enough to mention the lyrics and the literary terms; you need to interpret
what the song means. How do the literary terms used in the song help to deliver its message?
What is the message of the song? What is the tone/mood of the song? How does the speaker feel
about the topic of the song? How do you know that? What are the lyrics about? Why? Who cares
(Who is the intended audience?) What’s literal and what’s figurative in the song?
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Grammar/Mechanics/Usage
-capitalization
-sentences (Are they complete? Are you varying your sentence structure? Do you
use the proper punctuation?)
-spelling (use spell check!)
-subject/verb agreement, parallel structure, and all the other grammar issues…
-use of transition sentences and words (Next, In addition to, Similarly, Finally,
Last, etc.)