CIR Final: Holden’s Playlist
Playlist: Make a 2-song playlist for Holden Caulfield, as if he were around today. Compile a written list
of the songs, including title, artist and lyrics for each. This assignment must be typed, Times New
Roman, 12 point font.
With this project there are three additional written assignments:
1. Letter: In a letter to Holden, tell him the 2 songs you have chosen for his playlist and explain why
you have chosen the 2 songs on the playlist. You may choose to write from the point of view of a
character in the story (Ackley, Stradlater, Jane, Sally, Mr. Antolini, etc.) or write from your own
point of view.Write at least a page that reveals something about the songs, why they apply to
Holden, and why he should care. As any good letter writer knows, it is useful to take into account the
dispositions, values, and feelings of the receiver (Holden).
Writer’s Voice: Informal—“I” voice and contractions acceptable
Length: 1 page
Points possible for this section: 20 points
2. Rationale Paragraphs: For each song, write a detailed paragraph describing why you chose this
song. Connect the lyrics of the songs to themes, scenes and situations from the book.
Each paragraph should be written like a mini-essay. As in our TTTC essay, each paragraph must
have a topic sentence, give the context of the book and the song, give concrete details, and give in
depth commentary about how the song relates to the theme, scene or situation. (20 Points Each)
*Please note: I had you read the comments on your TTTC paper to learn what you did well and what
you needed to work on. Many people needed work on either adding more context or adding more
commentary. Learn from your past mistakes.
Writer’s Voice: Academic/formal—NO “I”, “we”, “you” voice or contractions
Length: 1.5-2 pages
Points possible for this section: 40 points (20 points per paragraph)
3. Works Cited Page: For your playlist, you must provide a Works Cited Page using MLA
documentation; remember to alphabetize. (5 pts. Each). The format is below:
Pattern:
Artist (Last Name, First Name). “Song Title.” Title of Album. Distributor, Year of Issue, Print.
Example:
Holiday, Billie. “God Bless the Child.” The Essence of Billie Holiday. Columbia, 2004. Print.
Writer’s Voice: Not applicable
Length: 1 page (separate page/ titled works cited.)
Points possible for this section: 10 points (5 points per citation)
Note: All parts of this assignment (playlist/lyrics, letter, rationales, and MLA documentation) are
required. I will not grade your assignment without MLA Documentation. Should be a total of about
5 pages.
Due Dates:
Dec. 6—Song choices need to be picked by Thursday 12/6; bring them to class for credit.
Dec. 6—Lab time/rough draft writing time. This will be the only lab time you will have; all other
writing must be done outside of class! Periods 4 & 6 meet in Lab 200; Period 5 meet in Lab 503.
Dec. 10—Rough Draft needs to be complete; bring to class for peer review/editing.
Dec. 11—Final draft due; study for final quiz for CIR.
Dec. 12—Final Quiz on CIR.
Rubric
Excellent (A)
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Proficient (B)
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Needs
Improvement
(C/D)
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Unsatisfactory
(F)
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Clear Letter to Holden explaining song choices and relates them to themes you will discuss in rationale
paragraphs.
Song choices show clear connection to themes, situations, & symbols in book.
Rationale paragraphs contain clear topic sentences, good context of both song and book, concrete details
and in-depth commentary.
Uses sentence variety & strong verbs; eliminates wordy constructions
Contains no spelling, punctuation, or grammar errors. Paragraphing is correct.
Correctly uses MLA formatting and citation guidelines.
Contains well written letter to Holden; explains song choices and relates them to themes you will discuss
in rationale paragraphs.
Song choices show connection to themes, situations, & symbols in the book.
Rationale paragraphs contain topic sentences, gives adequate context of both song and book, give
concrete details and adequate commentary.
Mostly uses sentence variety & strong verbs; eliminates wordy constructions
Contains few spelling, punctuation, or grammar errors. Paragraphing is correct.
Correctly uses MLA formatting and citation guidelines.
Contains letter to Holden; attempts to explain song choices and shows a connection to themes you will
discuss in rationale paragraphs.
Most song choices show connection to themes, situations & symbols in the book.
Rationale paragraphs contain topic sentences, and attempt to give context of both song and book, tries to
give concrete details and gives some commentary
Sentence variety attempted, but may be incorrect; many wordy constructions.
Contains spelling, punctuation, or grammar errors. Paragraphing used, but may be incorrect.
MLA formatting and/or citation is used, but may be incorrect.
Contains letter to Holden, but doesn’t adequately explain song choices or show connection to themes to
be discussed in rationale paragraphs.
Song choices are not connected to themes, situations & symbols in the book.
Rationale paragraphs have poor topic sentences, contain scant context, concrete details and commentary.
No sentence variety used and contains wordy constructions
Contains many spelling, punctuation, and/or grammar errors. Paragraphing is incorrect.
No attempt at MLA formatting or citation.