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Newton South High School Mission Statement

Newton South High School, a community of students, parents, faculty, and staff

(1) Is dedicated to equality and opportunity for all; (2) Expects integrity; responsibility; and respect for self, others, and the environment; (3) Creates a climate of safety and kindness; (4) Encourages communication and personal connections; (5) Nurtures curiosity, creativity, and a passion for learning; (6) Fosters self-confidence and success for all learners.

Exploratory/Analytical Essay:

Exploring Songwriting Influence through Three Songs

ASSIGNMENT: In 1200-1500 words (approx. 4+ pages) [honors—1500+ words (5+ pages)], explore your interest in songwriting by discussing three meaningful or influential songs, linked either by songwriter/performer, theme/topic, musical style, or by some other way that you feel will guide your own songwriting interest during this course. Include song lyrics to all songs in the appendix.

TOPIC DEVELOPMENT (CLOUT—Say something meaningful; give it clout, significance.)

Content

1. appropriate to the topic—the essay explores a meaningful element of the work

2. sophistication, consequence—reveals a fresh, unique look; subtle organization and expression

3. fullness—fully and thoughtfully explained, not rushed or skimpy

4. details—clearly support the thesis

5. quotations—appropriately and effectively used for support

PARAGRAPH ORGANIZATION (CLARITY—Say it clearly.)

Introductory and Concluding Paragraphs

[title--interesting and/or descriptive; provocative; includes the work’s title in addition to an indication of the thesis]

1. hook/lead—interesting, provocative, stylish phrasing

2. thesis—a clear thesis is presented

3. roadmap—contains clear references (a roadmap) to the points covered in order to defend the thesis

Body Paragraphs

1. topic sentence—the topic sentence clearly identifies the important point or points to be made

2. supportive details—clear and relevant support is presented

3. transition words--the writer guides the reader with transition words (first, next, then, also, etc...); the paragraph progresses logically

4. concluding sentence ("clincher")--wraps up the paragraph in a satisfying way; may serve as a transition to the following paragraph

5. UNITY--maintains a singular focus throughout. Every supporting sentence serves (advances) the topic sentence.

STYLE (CLASS—Say it with flair.)

1. word choice / vocabulary—clear, exact, rich language; powerful verbs, strong adjectives

2. sentence variety--a rich, sophisticated balance of sentence types (simple, compound, complex) and sentence lengths; unique phrasing

3. voice—a unique tone of the writer; enthusiastic, expressive, sincere

WRITING CONVENTIONS (CLEANLINESS—Be clean; follow the rules.)

Mechanics

1. quotations—correctly cited

2. spelling--words are properly spelled

3. capitalization--words in need of capitalization are capitalized

4. punctuation--sentences are properly punctuated

5. usage--words are used properly, e.g., subject/verb agreement, pronoun reference

6. sentence completeness--sentences are complete--no run-ons or fragments

Format

course guidelines are followed--double spacing; readable, 12-pt. conventional font; 1-1.25 in. margins; proper heading; contains writing process components (pre-writing, first draft, final draft)