Complete the writing prompt, adapted from Springboard page 18, provided below.

Write a short essay comparing and contrasting what the two poems “I Hear America Singing” and “I, Too, Sing America” mean in referring to singing. Think about the denotative and connotative meanings of the world sing. In your writing, be sure to:

• Begin with a clear thesis that states your position about what the two poems mean by the word sing.
• Include examples of diction and imagery from both texts to support each specific claim you make about similarities and differences in meaning.
• Include clear transitions between points and a concluding statement that reinforces your thesis.

Goals are to demonstrate critical analysis of language (the word sing); thoughtfully select and explore evidence; demonstrate ability to write and support a clear thesis; transition between ideas/paragraphs; and write conclusions that provide sufficient closure in a response no shorter than three paragraphs in length.
Exemplary Work uses quotes as part of paragraph, is thorough, and demonstrates control of conventions.