Integrated Lyrical Writing: Addressing Writing via Ballads

Using songs in a language class takes advantage of the natural connection between students and music. This article describes a project that develops writing and speaking through song, using technology to help build students' knowledge of U.S. culture as well as their ability to communicate using descriptive, narrative, and expository rhetorical styles. The project consists of a series of assignments designed for a class of English as a second language students at the intermediate proficiency level in a university academic preparation program. The project has a humanities focus, involving students in connecting songs with social and historical issues in U.S. culture. Teachers can easily expand or adapt the project in regard to content and concepts, language proficiency levels, targeted language skills, and age group to support any textbook or curriculum.