Rating 2023 music releases with Standards Based Grading

ANYWHERE ELSE I’D BE A TEN: “I’m Just Ken” is not getting a perfect score here, and should probably focus on developing complete arguments before complaining about how he’s never good enough for Barbie. (Rikkie Gunawan)

“I’m Just Ken” by Ryan Gosling, from the “Barbie” movie soundtrack

I can write a theme that is universal and conveys a meaningful message and its significance.

2: Theme is not clearly defined, but instead developed throughout the paragraph. Reader has to infer the theme and therefore the argument is weak. (Is “I’m just Ken, anywhere else I’d be a ten” your theme statement? Significance?)

I can select concrete details that illustrate, symbolize or represent an idea that supports my argument with insight.

4: Concrete details are tastefully selected and integrated into context. (“I’m always number two,” “Where I see love she sees a friend”)

I can make use of meaningful literary devices to illustrate my theme.

2: Literary devices are used, but are not elaborated on clearly. Fails to illustrate theme or significance. (“Can you feel the Kenergy?” would have been a great opportunity to elaborate on the device. I do not know what a “Kenergy” is. Make sure to explain a device after you use one!)

I can use precise language with little to no grammatical errors to illustrate my argument.

2: A number of grammatical errors that do not interfere with readability on a significant level (“All my life, been so polite”). Language often fails to be concise (“And I’m great at doing stuff”).

SUPER SHY: NewJeans should step out of their comfort zone by experimenting with unique literary devices. (Rikkie Gunawan)

“Super Shy” by NewJeans

I can write a theme that is universal and conveys a meaningful message and its significance.

4: Theme is clearly stated. Significance is illustrated through the obstacle of the theme in the writer’s purpose. (The theme of being “super shy” is an obstacle in the writer’s desire to “make you mine.”)

I can select concrete details that illustrate, symbolize or represent an idea that supports my argument with insight.

2: Writer herself seems uncertain of concrete details used. (“You don’t even know my name, do you?” Do they know your name or not?)

I can make use of meaningful literary devices to illustrate my theme.

2: Rhetorical questions are used (“You don’t even know my name, do you?”) but are not elaborated upon to support the theme statement. An attempt at repetition is made but fails to hold literary merit (see standard four.)

I can use precise language with little to no grammatical errors to illustrate my argument.

2: Little to no grammatical mistakes, but paper is the furthest thing from concise. The theme is restated for a total of 24 times, and the same rhetorical question is used six times.

BLANK SPACE, MORE LIKE BLANK SUBMISSION: Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space” is a 100% match for plagiarism. (Rikkie Gunawan)

“Blank Space (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift

Come see me after class. Your Turnitin report showed a 100% similarity to another paper called “Blank Space” by someone called…Scooter Braun?

BOY’S A LIAR: PinkPantheress and Ice Spice give perfect concrete details to support their overarching theme that yes, that boy is lying, as they’ve said numerous times. (Rikkie Gunawan)

“Boy’s a liar Pt. 2” by PinkPantheress and Ice Spice

I can write a theme that is universal and conveys a meaningful message and its significance.

2: Theme is stated only partially and significance is not illustrated. (“Boy’s a liar,” Okay? Add more.)

I can select concrete details that illustrate, symbolize or represent an idea that supports my argument with insight.

4: Many concrete details are given that support the theme with no further elaboration needed. (CDs such as “You only want to hold me when I’m looking good enough” and “Saying he home but I know where he at” clearly demonstrate that the boy is, in fact, a liar.)

I can make use of meaningful literary devices to illustrate my theme.

3: Many devices are used, but few are analyzed to show greater thinking. (Elaborate on how the boy being “a cap” means that the boy is not telling the truth.)

I can use precise language with little to no grammatical errors to illustrate my argument.

3: Little to no grammatical errors, but this writer too falls victim to repetition. (You don’t need to say “good enough” 16 times for the readers to understand that you were not good enough for the boy.)

THEME CRUSHER: While Oliva Rodrigo can’t stop complaining about how her ex-boyfriend is a fame crusher, maybe she should focus on being able to write complete theme statements. (Rikkie Gunawan)

“Vampire” by Olivia Rodrigo

I can write a theme that is universal and conveys a meaningful message and its significance.

2: The theme is clearly stated, but lacks significance and is not universal. (Why do I care that your ex-boyfriend was as bad as a vampire? Not everyone has experienced a breakup before.)

I can select concrete details that illustrate, symbolize or represent an idea that supports my argument with insight.

4: The writer illustrates multiple devices with literary merit that lead to clear commentary. (The repetition used in “Every girl I ever talked to told me you were bad, bad news” provides for a deep analysis while presenting evidence to support the theme.)

I can make use of meaningful literary devices to illustrate my theme.

4: The writer beautifully integrates a conceit (extended metaphor) into the whole song, with repetition of the device illustrating the theme. (“You only come out at night” and “Sunk your teeth into me”)

I can use precise language with little to no grammatical errors to illustrate my argument.

4: Writer makes use of grammatically correct sentences throughout the whole song. (“You called them crazy, God, I hate the way I called them crazy too”—Punctuation is present and words are capitalized. I’m impressed.)

The Northwood Howler

The Northwood Howler

The Northwood Howler

The Northwood Howler