What are You Listening to? Literary Criticisim

Research Essay Plan

Paragraph #1 - Introduction. Must include songwriter’s name and title of song. Must include a

thesis that represents a debatable (two-sided) position. Must clearly state which two

approaches to literary criticism will be used.

Short Essay #1

Paragraph #2 Introduction to first approach. Should include a preview of the 3 points to be

covered supporting the relationship between the approach and the song/songwriter.

Connection to thesis must be clearly stated.

Paragraph #3 – Specific support offered to explain relationship between lyrics and research.

Paragraph #4 – Specific support offered to explain relationship between lyrics and research.

Paragraph #5 – Specific support offered to explain relationship between lyrics and research.

Paragraph #6 – Conclusion to first approach. Should restate the 3 points covered and remind

the reader of the relationship between the approach and the song/songwriter. Connection to

thesis must be clearly stated.

Short Essay #2

Paragraph #7 - Introduction to second approach. Should include a preview of the 3 points to be

covered supporting the relationship between the approach and the song/songwriter.

Connection to thesis must be clearly stated.

Paragraph #8 – Specific support offered to explain relationship between lyrics and research.

Paragraph #9 – Specific support offered to explain relationship between lyrics and research.

Paragraph #10 – Specific support offered to explain relationship between lyrics and research.

Paragraph #11 – Conclusion to second approach. Should restate the 3 points covered and

remind the reader of the relationship between the approach and the song/songwriter.

Connection to thesis must be clearly stated.

Conclusion

Paragraph #12 and #13 – Restate thesis. Reiterate at least three points that the two

perspectives have in common. Must include lyrics here to reiterate common points

Paragraph #14 – Restate thesis again. Offer personal reaction or reflection. Answer “So what?”

Works Cited Page

Lyrics with line numbers