Method: Comparison & Contrast

Topic Assignment: Choose 2 songs from the approved list that reflect or present the same or a similar theme and compare or contrast how the writer treats the theme (Anti-War, a girl’s "Coming-of-Age," Personal Freedom, Dreams, Religion or Philosophy of Life, Love & Marriage, other.

Sample Question: How is the idea of personal freedom treated in Joni Mitchell’s "Song to a Seagull" and Tom Rush’s "The Dreamer?"

Sample Working Thesis: The concept of personal freedom is presented as an antithesis of two choices in Tom Rush’s song "The Dreamer" in contrast to Joni Mitchell’s singular expression of peaceful solitude in her lyrical ballad "Song to a Seagull."

Introduction: Provide background info. + Identify two songs + state thesis

Body: Strategy: Identify 3 to 5 elements of comparison or contrast, then discuss them in turn for each song

1. Tom Rush discusses personal freedom in his song in the following ways: (Present and discuss each element of comparison in a separate paragraph and provide examples and quotations from the lyrics for each.)
2. Joni Mitchell presents her viewpoint and philosophy by showing us that . . . discuss her lyrics according to the same list of points of comparison or contrast—use a separate paragraph for each element of comparison or contrast.

Conclusion: Rephrase the thesis + Summarize each writer’s main theme and methods of expressing personal freedom + add your own final comments.