Assessment 2 – “The Archaeopteryx’s Song"

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Illustrating and Interpreting the Meaning of The Archaeopteryx’s Song by Edwin Morgan

Instructions: For this assignment, you will illustrate and analyze a poem! 

Carefully read Edwin Morgan's poem The Archaeopteryx’s Song. Pay close attention to the vivid descriptions of the Archaeopteryx and the references to other dinosaurs, their features, habitats, and behaviours.

Go online and search for images or illustrations that correspond to the poem’s descriptions. For example:

  • An Archaeopteryx: Does its tail look like “a stony pedestal and not a rudder”?

  • Dinosaurs with "plates and plaques."

  • Behaviors like "horn-lock" (e.g., two dinosaurs locking horns).

  • Environments that might show their "marshes, swamps, and fern thickets."

Choose at least 8 images that visually connect to specific words, phrases, or lines from the poem.

  • Create a detailed poster that illustrates the poem with your images.  The images should be arranged in the same order as the lines in the poem. Include the quote from the poem that each image illustrates.

Part 2  Write a Short Analysis Paragraph

  • Write a short paragraph (150-200 words) explaining what you believe the message or meaning (theme) of the poem is.

  • In your paragraph, include specific lines or phrases from the poem to justify your interpretation. For example, you might discuss:

    • The connection between the Archaeopteryx and evolution.

    • The poem’s reflection on time, transformation, and adaptation.

    • How dinosaurs paved the way for modern birds.



Rubric 

Criteria

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Knowledge (K)





Understanding of the poem's content, themes, and imagery.

Demonstrates limited understanding of the poem and its themes.

Demonstrates some understanding of the poem and its themes.

Demonstrates a good understanding of the poem and its themes.

Demonstrates an exceptional understanding of the poem and its themes.

Thinking (T)





Connections made between poem lines and selected images.

Images chosen show limited relevance to the poem.

Images chosen show some relevance to the poem.

Images chosen are relevant and align with the poem’s ideas.

Images chosen are highly relevant and show thoughtful interpretation of the poem.

Communication (C)





Clarity and organization of the written analysis paragraph.

The paragraph is unclear or poorly organized; minimal references to the poem.

The paragraph is somewhat clear; limited references to the poem.

The paragraph is clear and includes appropriate references to the poem.

The paragraph is highly clear, well-written, and uses strong references to the poem.

Application (A)





Illustration of the poem’s meaning through images and analysis.

Makes limited effort to illustrate the poem’s meaning.

Makes some effort to illustrate the poem’s meaning.

Effectively illustrates the poem’s meaning with appropriate images.

Exceptionally illustrates the poem’s meaning with precise and creative image choices.