the contender soundtrack project
TRANSCRIPT
The Contender Soundtrack Project The Contender is a book about a young boxer who struggles to find his place
in life. Eventually, Alfred realizes being a contender is more than winning a match. Being a contender is about fighting for things that you want in life and not giving up. Many real people find themselves in Alfred’s shoes. They realize that there are things worth fighting for. Many singers and songwriters have written songs about their fight to be contenders.
In this assignment we will be comparing song lyrics to quotes from The Contender. Each student will select three different songs to compare with three different quotes from The Contender. The student will then write three full paragraphs comparing two quotes per paragraph.
Here is an example outline of what will eventually be turned in:
1) Paragraph a) Topic Sentence b) Introduce Quote 1 c) Quote 1 d) Explanation of Quote 1 e) Transition to Quote 2 f) Introduce Quote 2 g) Quote 2 h) Explanation of Quote 2
2) Paragraph a) Topic Sentence b) Introduce Quote 3 c) Quote 3 d) Explanation of Quote 3 e) Transition to Quote 4 f) Introduce Quote 4 g) Quote 4 h) Explanation of Quote 4
3) Paragraph a) Topic Sentence b) Introduce Quote 5 c) Quote 5 d) Explanation of Quote 5 e) Transition to Quote 6 f) Introduce Quote 6 g) Quote 6 h) Explanation of Quote 6
When finding songs for your paragraphs, remember to choose the “clean” lyrics for songs. This assignment will be typed. However, before you type your assignment all students will be required to complete the pre-writing packet.
Topic Sentence: Each body paragraph must provide a topic sentence. Since a paragraph is a group of sentences that share a single idea. Introduce quote, detail, or evidence: put the quote into a context for your reader to understand how this quote will relate to your analysis later. Quote: provide your quote. Analyze: Explain to your reader the importance of the quote and how it supports your topic sentence. This is where you are providing your own, original thoughts that are uniquely yours. This should take several sentences!!
Example: Topic Sentence: In the novel, The Contender main character Alfred Brooks is a hopeful boxer trying to become a contender. Throughout the story Alfred suffers from a lot of doubt and heartache. Introduce quote: At one point in the story Alfred decides to quit the gym. As he packs his locker up, he asks Mr. Donatelli. Quote: “If… I had wanted to, would I have you know, been a contender?” (Lypsyte 139) Mr. Donatelli then responds, “Anyone can be taught how to fight. A contender that you have to do yourself.” (139) Analyze: Alfred shows that he doubts himself. At this point in the story he is giving up and quitting boxing. However, before he officially clears out his locker he hesitates. He decides to ask Mr. Donatelli if he ever had a chance to be a contender. This shows that Alfred is not completely confident in his decision to quit. He wants some recognition from Donatelli. Donatelli responds that only Alfred can know whether or not he is a contender. Mr. Donatelli is trying to explain to Alfred that being a contender is more than the ability to throw a punch. A contender is someone who keeps trying, no matter the odds. He also explains that only Alfred can know if he is a contender. Eventually, Alfred decides to stay at Donatelli’s gym and try to become a contender. Transition: Alfred’s decision to continue to fight shows that in the end he is determined to try and be a contender. Alfred’s drive to become a contender is similar to the journey of “The Boxer” in Simon and Garfunkel’s classic song.
The Boxer By Simon and Garfunkel I am just a poor boy Though my story seldom told I squandered my resistance For a pocket full of mumbles such are promises All lies and jests Still a man hears What he wants to hear And disregards the rest When I left my home and my family I was no more than a boy In the company of strangers In the quiet of the railway stations running scared Laying low seeking out the poor quarters Where the ragged people go Looking for the places Only they would know Asking only workman's wages I come looking for a job But I get no offers Just a come on From the whores on seventh avenue I do declare there were times When I was so lonesome I took some comfort there Then I'm laying down my winter clothes And wishing I was home going home Where the New York City winters Aren't bleeding me, leading me going home In the clearing stands a boxer and a fighter by his trade And he carries the reminder of every glove that laid him down And cut him till he cried out in his anger and his shame I am leaving I am leaving but the fighter still remains
Writing Outline Paragraph 1
Topic Sentence:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Introduce Quote:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Quote: Citation:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Explain Quote:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________ Transition:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Introduce Quote:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Quote: Citation:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Explain Quote:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Paragraph 2
Topic Sentence:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Introduce Quote:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Quote: Citation:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Explain Quote:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________ Transition:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Introduce Quote:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Quote: Citation:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Explain Quote:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Paragraph 3
Topic Sentence:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Introduce Quote:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Quote: Citation:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Explain Quote:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________ Transition:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Introduce Quote:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Quote: Citation:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Explain Quote:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Final Draft Checklist Before you turn in your essay always read it over. Proofreading is a very important part of writing. When proofreading you need to keep some things in mind. Below is a checklist of things that can help you during the proofreading process. Check off every item on the list before you turn in your essay. Done
Heading is in the upper left corner.
Double-‐space your essay.
Paper should be in Times New Roman 12 point font.
Your paper should be justified to the left.
Run spell check.
Read your essay OUT LOUD. You will be surprised at the mistakes you have missed
Make sure all quotes have MLA citations.
There should be 6 quotes in your essay
Your pre-‐writing packet is turned in with your final draft.
You have used at least 3 songs and 3 different quotes from The Contender