What Makes a Hit?

Multiple Choice

What is the term for a contrasting section that breaks the verse-chorus pattern, usually found two-thirds of the way through a pop song?

• Chorus

• Verse

• Bridge / Middle Eight

• Intro

Open Ended

Why do you think certain songs become memorable and stick in your head?

Multiple Choice

Which section of a pop song is designed to grab attention immediately and often features the main riff or instrumental hook?

• Intro

• Verse

• Chorus

• Bridge

Open Ended

Explain how the ABABCB structure balances familiarity and contrast in mainstream pop songs.

Open Ended

Add your song title and your structure here.

Multiple Select

Which of the following are essential terms for describing melody in a pop song?

• Hook

• Riff

• Melisma

• Bridge

Open Ended

Why do pop songwriters repeat hooks obsessively? Discuss the psychological and commercial reasons.

Multiple Choice

Why is it important to go beyond simply naming a musical feature in an exam answer?

• Because it shows you know musical terms.

• Because it earns minimal credit.

• Because describing what you hear and using specific musical vocabulary connects your answer to the listener's experience and earns more marks.

• Because it is easier to write.

Open Ended

Reflecting on today's lesson about popular songs, what do you think are the most important factors that make a song memorable and a hit?

Open Ended

Explain how the structure of pop songs and the use of hooks, riffs, and melisma contribute to the emotional impact of a song. Use examples from today's key ideas.