Rhetorical Devices and Tone in Song Lyrics Project
Rhetorical Devices are techniques used in writing to produce a specific effect. Most devices help the audience to focus on particular words or phrases in order for the writer to get his or her point across. They can be found in all types of texts.
Most people love to listen to music, and to help you understand how common rhetorical devices are, and how they work, this project will focus on rhetorical devices and how they help to relate the tone in songs. This project is an opportunity for you to reacquaint yourself with key rhetorical devices that will be discussed throughout the year and in future English courses.
You will work with a group of 3-4 people to create a presentation with examples for each of the assigned rhetorical devices and tone words.
DIRECTIONS:
1. You will select a (classroom-appropriate) song(s) of your choice to present to the class. The music must have a minimum of 5 rhetorical devices. For each song you utilize you will need to utilize your tone words by discussing what tone the songwriter’s words convey. (Although you may duplicate the TYPE of rhetorical device, you MAY NOT duplicate phrases or lines in your song for your examples and as part of your analysis.)
2. Find the lyrics online at one of the following websites:
http://www.azlyrics.com http://www.azlyrics.com/ http://www.metrolyrics.com/
Print out a copy of the lyrics. This will be submitted with your project.
Copy and paste your song lyrics onto a PowerPoint. You will need to annotate the rhetorical devices and set the timing on the slides so that they match the music. This presentation will provide an example of the devices and tone, as well as explain the purpose of using that particular rhetorical device in the song.
· Identify and label all the rhetorical devices in your song(s). Label the device as well as a definition of the device.
· Identify the tone within the song(s). Highlight the words that reflect the tone of the song.
3. Fill out the Song Project Form for each song you will be using. (if you are using a mash-up, just include the lyrics you are using)
4. You will also need to create small posters for each of the rhetorical devices that you identify in your song(s). Each device should be on a separate small poster with the term, definition, song title, artist, lyrics where it appears. This needs to be visually appealing. You will display these posters as you present your song(s).
5. Practice your presentation at home and in class! Prepare your lip synch routine.
6. Presentation Day:
· You will play your song, or compilation of songs, in class as we watch your PowerPoint that explains your literary devices and analysis.
· Lip Synch Battle: As your songs are playing and your PowerPoint is showing the devices and tone throughout you will battle it out lip synch style.
Remember:
• Make sure the font of the song lyrics is big and clearly written/in a readable font (so all students can see the lyrics)
• Spellcheck your words.
• Make sure to write down thename of the websiteand the URL of where
you found your lyricsat the bottom of the page to avoid plagiarism)
• Be sure to email a copy of your presentation to Mrs. Soelberg no later than
• Bring a classroom appropriate (no profanity or disrespectful lyrics) audio version of the song(s) to class. If you are using more than one song it needs to be combined and made into one mix version.
Please Note: Each inappropriate word or phrase seen or heard will reduce your overall grade by 10 points. Even if it is metaphorically inappropriate.
Sample Rubric:
PointsPossible / Points
Earned / Comments
Visual Representation –Posters
Song presentation is visually appealing and engaging to the audience. Text is easy to read and examples are large enough to read. The theme of the song can easily be seen. / 25
Presentation – PowerPoint
All members of the group MUST explain a portion of the song. Graded on presentation skills: voice projection, eye contact, posture, and body language. / 25
Song Lyrics
Song Lyric Chart needs to be typewritten and submitted on project due date.
Copy of song lyrics needs to be submitted. / 20
Works Cited Page – Proper MLA Format / 15
Lip Synch Battle – (Participation) / 15
TOTAL SCORE / 100