| CATEGORY | Above Standards | Meets Standards | Approaching Standards | Below Standards | Score |
| Statement of Purpose (20) | The critic states a clear, unique and compelling thesis answering the question: What were the theatre artists trying to do? (20) | The critic states a clear but comparatively general idea of the theatre artists’ purpose. Such as “to entertain,” or “to make the audience laugh.” (13) | The critic’s statement of the artist(s)’ purpose is vague and poorly worded. (6) | The critic states no opinion about the artist(s)’ purpose or intentions. (0) | |
| Analysis of Effectiveness (50) | Critic uses FIVE examples that are specific and relevant with explanations that illustrate: How well did they accomplish their purpose? (50) | Critic uses three or four examples that are specific and relevant with explanations of how those examples illustrate effectiveness, or lack of same. (35) | Critic uses at least two examples that are relevant and has an explanation that shows how those examples support the critic’s opinion of the production’s effectiveness. (20) | There are no specific examples of effectiveness and/or the examples are not relevant to the production assigned. (10) | |
| Ultimate Worth (15) | Critic states clearly an opinion on the overall worthiness of the theatre experience: Was it worth doing? And gives the production a letter grade. (15) | Critic implies an attitude toward the overall worth of the production, but does not clearly state an opinion. Gives the production a letter grade. (10) | Critic gives the reader mixed messages regarding the value of the production. Does not give the production a letter grade. (5) | There is no opinion stated regarding the ultimate worth of the production. (0) | |
| Grammar, Spelling, and Word Choice (15) | Critic makes no errors in grammar, including punctuation and capitalization, that distract the reader from the content. Critic’s word choices are appropriate and thoughtfully applied. (15) | Critic makes 1-2 errors in grammar that distract the reader from the content. Critic uses unnecessary clauses: “I think…” “I feel” “It seems to me that…” “In my opinion” (10) | Critic makes 3-4 errors in grammar that distract the reader from the content. Critic uses over-generalized adjectives such as “good/bad,” “nice/okay,” etc.(5) | Critic makes more than 4 errors in grammar that distract the reader from the content. (2) |
Opinion Paper #3: Big Love