Engaging readers and inspiring writers
Assessing pupils and ensuring progress at Key Stages 1 and 2

Uptown Funk, Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars

C / Explain what type of character this song is about.
L / The songwriter misses the ‘g’ from verbs, for example ‘stylin’, willin’, livin’. Explain why he did this.
I / Who is the character singing this song to?
M / How can you tell that money is not a problem for this character? / I know this because it says
______
This means
______
B / Why do the police and firemen need to come?

Let her go, Passenger

C / This character has lost the love of his life. Do you agree or disagree. Explain fully referring to the song lyrics in your answer.
L / ‘only miss the sun when it starts to snow’.’ Explain what this means in the context of this song.
I / Why might the character think he sees ‘her’ when he falls asleep?
M / What is the main theme of this song?
a)  loss
b)  anger
c)  pride
d)  confusion
B / Why is the character staring at the bottom of his glass?

Jealous, Labryinth

C / Explain what you think this song might be about.
L / Which of these could be an alternative title for this song. Give your reason.
a)  envy
b)  green-eyed monster
c)  heart-break
d)  disillusioned / I chose ______
because
I / Explain why the character is jealous of the rain.
M / ‘as I die here another day’, is the character really dying? Explain what this means.
B / Choose your favourite line and explain why you like it.


Viva la Vida, Coldplay

C / Summarise what it was like to rule the world – refer to the text in your answer.
L / Find and copy two contrasting lines that show what it was like to rule the world.
I / Choose a Christian or Historical reference and explain why the author has used it.
M / Look at the verse beginning with ‘It was a wicked…’ How does the author use our senses to build atmosphere in this verse?
B / ‘like a puppet on a lonely string,’ explain what this suggests about ruling the world.


Roar, Katie Perry

C / Using the text in your answer, explain how the character changes in these lyrics.
L / Find and copy a group of words that show the character is proud of herself.
I / Does the character really ‘bite her tongue?’ Explain what this actually means.
M / Explain what you think ‘don’t rock the boat’ means.
B / What could be an alternative title for this song?


Somewhere only we know, Lily Allen

C / Explain what you think ‘oh simple thing’ is.
L / ‘I know the pathway like the back of my hand,’ explain what this means.
I / Find some evidence that suggests the character is determined.
M / Explain why this song is called ‘Somewhere only we know.’
B / Why does the character ask so many questions?

Hello, Adele

C / Explain why the character singing wants to meet up.
L / Find and copy a line that shows the character knows that she is selfish.
I / Explain why the characters might be running out of time.
M / Choose another title for the song and give a reason for choosing it.
a)  Guilty
b)  Trust me
c)  Every cloud has a silver lining
d)  Are you happy? / I chose ______
because
B / Explain how you know the character really wanted to say sorry.


Love Yourself, Justin Bieber

C / Explain why the character repeats ‘you should go and love yourself.’
L / Suggest a synonym for ‘vulnerable.’
I / Find and copy a line that suggests the character is feeling more positive.
M / Explain how this is an insult, ‘My mama don’t like you and she likes everyone.’
B / What is the main theme of this song? Give your reason.
a)  anger
b)  betrayal
c)  heart broken
d)  happiness / I chose ______
because


Shake it off, Taylor Swift

C / Explain what ‘shake it off’ means in this song.
L / ‘I’m lightning on my feet,’ explain what this means.
I / Look at the verse that starts with ‘My ex-man brought…’ What else might she say after ‘Oh my god!’
M / Choose another title for this song. Give a reason for choosing it.
a)  Pride before a fall
b)  Not a care in the world
c)  Follow your heart
d)  Out of sight, out of mind / I chose ______
because
B / Describe what music helps you think, ‘it’s going be alright.’


Where is the love? Black Eyed Peas

C / Summarise the main message in the third verse.
L / Look at the first verse, find and copy a word that means the same as incandescent.
I / Who is the song writer angry with?
M / Explain what ‘swept under the rug’ means in the final verse.
B / Explain why will.i.am wrote this song.