Essay PromptWrite 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 both the denotative and connotative meanings of the word sing. In your writing, be sure to:

• Begin with a clear claim 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.

What does Whitman mean in referring to “Singing”

Ex CLAIM: He uses the word “Singing” to represent…

Find evidence to support my claim

I Hear America Singing

Write a claim for each poem:

What does Whitman mean in referring to “Singing”

Ex CLAIM: He uses the word “Singing” to represent…

Find evidence to support my claim

What does Hughes mean in referring to “Singing”

Ex CLAIM: He uses the word “Sing” to represent…

Find evidence to support my claim

I Hear America Singing

I, Too, Sing America

Write a short essay comparing and contrasting what the two poems mean in referring to singing.

I Hear America Singing I, Too, Sing America

Sample Outlines• Intro

• Compare

• Contrast

• Conclusion

• Intro

• Poem 1

• Compare/Contrast Poem 2

• Conclusion

• Intro

• Poem 1

• Compare Poem 2

• Contrast Poem 2

• Conclusion

I Hear America Singing

POEM 1

I, Too, Sing America

POEM 2