Writing The Middle Paragraphs a nd Explication: The Final Draft Unit: Wealth and Poverty

1. Writing The Middle Paragraphs and Explication: The Final Draft Unit: Wealth and Poverty English 4A

2. Review of Terms • Explication • An analysis which describes the possible meanings and relationships of the words, images, and other small units that make up a poem.

3. Assignment Overview: The Middle Paragraphs • There are two parts to this assignment • Part 1: The Middle Paragraphs, 50 points • In this assignment, you will write a five-paragraph explication of a poem • You will be graded primarily on following the directions and completing the explication • Part 2: Explication: The Final Draft, 100 points • After getting teacher feedback on The Middle Paragraphs, you will edit and revise your essay • You will be graded on the 6+1 Writing Traits Rubric

4. Assignment Overview: The Middle Paragraphs • The poem you are explicating is Ballade of Worldly Wealth by Andrew Lang Money taketh town and wall, Fort and ramp without a blow; Money moves the merchants all, While the tides shall ebb and flow; Money maketh Evil show Like the Good, and Truth like lies: These alone can ne'er bestow Youth, and health, and Paradise. Money maketh festival, Wine she buys, and beds can strow; Round the necks of captains tall, Money wins them chains to throw, Marches soldiers to and fro, Gaineth ladies with sweet eyes: These alone can ne'er bestow Youth, and health, and Paradise. Money wins the priest his stall; Money mitres buys, I trow, Red hats for the Cardinal, Abbeys for the novice low; Money maketh sin as snow, Place of penitence supplies: These alone can ne'er bestow Youth, and health, and Paradise.

5. The Middle Paragraphs – Paragraph 1 • Before writing the first paragraph, make sure you have read the poem and can answer the questions who, what, when, where, why and how. This is the overall big picture of the poem. • The text of the first paragraph should include: • The subject of the poem • The tone and/or mood of the poem • The speaker of the poem • The audience of the poem • The setting of the poem • The form of the poem • A paraphrase of the poem (tell the story of the poem in your own words) • Make sure to go back and review these terms if you are unsure

6. The Middle Paragraphs – Paragraphs 2-4 • These paragraphs will include a line-by-line analysis of the poem • Examine the sound, structure, and meaning of the poem • Look for elements of poetry and patterns that have been discussed in the course • Read the poem aloud and listen for the rhythms you may not hear by reading it silently • Make sure each paragraph has a topic sentence and is focused on that topic

7. The Middle Paragraphs – Paragraph 5 • This is a concluding paragraph, revealing the theme of the poem as discovered through your explication, and evaluating the effectiveness of the poem • Summarize your analysis • Reveal the theme • Explain, still in third person, how effective you think the poem is

8. Submitting The Middle Paragraphs • Make sure you have: • Completed all the steps • Documented any and all sources used • Put your name at the top of the essay • Then submit the assignment on the submission page for The Middle Paragraphs

9. Assignment Overview: The Final Draft • In this assignment, you will review your Middle Paragraphs essay and revise it. • It will be graded based on the 6+1 Writing Traits rubric.

10. The Final Draft • Make sure to review any feedback on The Middle Paragraphs given by your instructor • Review your essay, looking for errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling • You may want to print your essay to read it on paper instead of on the screen • It is also a good idea to read your paper aloud, as it may help you to hear errors in your writing • You might consider having a friend proofread your essay as well

11. The Final Draft • Review the 6+1 Writing Traits Rubric to see where else you can improve your writing • Make sure to pay attention to all parts of the rubric • Ideas/Content, Organization, Sentence Fluency, Conventions, Voice, Word Choice, Presentation

12. 6+1 Writing Traits • Ideas/Content • The writer has narrowed the focus to a manageable level, making a strong and clear point and supporting it with solid information. Information that is not on topic has been excluded. The reader gets a clear and persuasive message.

13. 6+1 Writing Traits • Organization • The essay has a clearly defined beginning that introduces the topic well, a supporting middle, and end that brings the essay to a satisfactory close. Paragraphs are organized around clear topics, and they contain material that is closely related. The paragraphs flow from one to another in a sequence that makes sense in supporting the main idea. Transitions within the paragraphs and between paragraphs help define the organization.

14. 6+1 Writing Traits • Sentence Fluency • The sentences are varied in length and structure. They help support the meaning and build reader interest. The writing has a cadence, or a sound that moves the reader along.

15. 6+1 Writing Traits • Conventions • The writing is generally free of errors in spelling, usage, and grammar. The few errors that exist can be fixed easily through editing and do not interfere with communication.

16. 6+1 Writing Traits • Voice • The writer speaks directly to the reader in a way that is individual, compelling, and engaging. The writing is appropriate to both the audience and purpose of the writing.

17. 6+1 Writing Traits • Word Choice • Words convey the intended message in a precise, interesting, and natural way. The words are powerful and engaging. Striking language and lively verbs enhance reader interest, and the words chosen are accurate and precise in meaning.

18. 6+1 Writing Traits • Presentation • The appearance of the writing is attractive and does not confuse the reader. In this assignment, the writer will use an appropriate and consistent font, font size, color, and margins.

19. Submitting The Final Draft • When you are satisfied that you have made sufficient revisions to the assignment, submit it on the submission page for The Final Draft