In this lesson you will learn:

To use words that create “movies” for the reader; your words will enhance the overall

meaning of your writing.

PrefaceTo enjoy the media clips that are part

of this assignment, you will need Windows Media Player. Mac users may experience difficulties with parts of this

presentation.

Pre-Assessment

Before we get started, please take a minute to answer the following questions. Please write your answers in the text box below.

Pre-assessment

In the text box below, write:

“Pre-assessment,” the question number and your answer. EXAMPLE???

1. Do you listen to music for the way the music sounds, for the words, or both?

(Pre-assessment, con’t)

How does a video help or hurt a song?

a) Give an example of a song that you LOVED when you saw the video.

b) What is another example that you HATED when you saw it.

Words and Imagery

Part I

Why are lyrics important? They paint a picture of what’s

happening.

They reveal the artist’s message.

What are other reasons why lyrics are important?

Words

There are lots of reasons why words are important. Without words, we would draw

pictures and grunt like cavemen.

Phrases that paint picturesRead these descriptions. One of them might make

you hungry.

1. Pizza.

2. Pepperoni and pineapple pizza.

Can you see a difference?

3. Pepperoni and pineapple pizza, with hot, melty cheese, extra sauce, and a tall, cold,icy soda.

3.(Your description here) pizza.

How did the description make you crave pizza? Describe it in the text box below. Take 2 minutes.

The Artist: Common Song: “The People”

The Artist: Common Song: “The People”

Read the first verse and chorus lyrics to “The People.”

This is a challenging song to read and understand. Don’t worry about every word. Try to get a general idea of what the song is about.

I’m all ears Listen to the song and read the words

at the same time.

Elements to consider: style, content of lyrics, themes, imagery, connections, rhythm, repetitions, etc.

Pair workWith a partner, talk about the questions and answers. Write your answers in the

text box below.

1. Who is the singer? Is he in love? His he talking about his Nike shoes?

1. What is the song about?

(Pair Work, con’t)

3. How do you know that’s what the song means?

3. How does the artist tell his story? What words convey meaning?

What do you think it means? Draw a picture, explain or tell how it connects to you.

Example: Quote: This is street radio, for unsung heroes. Ridin in they regal, tryin' to stay legal

In the text box below the Powerpoint, write what YOU think this line from the song means.

One possible interpretation Example: Quote: This is street radio, for unsung heroes. Ridin in they regal, tryin' to stay legal

Music for real people

Everyday unnoticed heroes

Cruising and staying out of trouble

Quote and what it might mean

Quote 1:

And the struggles of the brothas and the folks With lovers under dope, experiment to discover hopes; Scuffle for notes, the rougher I wrote, times was harder. Went from rocky starter to a voice of a martyr.

Life is really hard

People sometimes do things to escape

He started off bad, but now wants to be remembered for something good

What do you think it means? Draw a picture, explain or tell how it

connects to you.

Quote 2: Why white folks focus on dogs and yoga While people on the low end tryin’ to ball and get over.

In the text box below the Powerpoint, write what YOU think this line from the song means.

A possible interpretationQuote 2: Why white folks focus on dogs and yoga While people on the low end tryin’ to ball and get over.

Why do white people have it so easy and it’s so difficult for everybody else?

End of Part I

Take the quiz before continuing to Part II.