Name: ___________________________________________________
Period: ____________
Unit Three: Embedded Assessment 2
Creating and Performing a Dramatic Scene
Focus:
Dramatic scripts are a type of creative text that authors write to make a social commentary through
characters, conflicts, and themes.
Assignment:
Your assignment is to work with a group to write an original dramatic script in which you make a statement
about a conflict that faces society (make a social commentary).
Goal:
To write a script that includes:
 An appropriate setting
 A clearly defined and engaging plot
 A protagonist who must overcome obstacles to achieve his/her goal
 Dialogue that develops characters and plot
 Details that contribute to a definite mood or tone
 An explicit or implicit theme
 A variety of literary techniques for effect
Step One: Planning
1. Brainstorm issues that are facing contemporary American Society and are of particular relevance
and concern to you and your peers. Consider the topics explored in the Op-Ed pages you created in
Unit 2 and the persuasive speeches you presented in this unit.
2. Next, brainstorm ideas for possible settings that would lend themselves to a dramatic scene and
further a social commentary on your issue, much as Miller couched his criticism of the McCarthy
trials in a play about the Salem witch trials.
3. Next, discuss all the possibilities with your group members and determine which issue you will take
on in your script.
4. Work collaboratively to plan the writing of your scene. You will need to create the characters and
imagine them in the setting you have agreed upon.
Step Two: Drafting
1. Determine the following elements of your story:
Setting
Characters
Conflict
Complications
(Rising Action)
Climax
Resolution
Theme
Tone
2. After determining the above elements, draft your scene.
3. Use The Crucible and the materials I have provided as models when formatting your script. Be sure
to insert stage directions, dialogue, and commentary appropriately.
Step Three: Revising
Share the scene you have written with another group and ask for feedback in order to revise for clarity. The
other group should be able to identify the statement you are making about society within the context of
your scene. Refer to your rubric to make sure you have met all requirements.
Step Four: Editing and Publishing
1. Use all available resources to edit and publish the written copy of your script.
2. If possible, please submit a printed version of your script. Attach the rubric of EVERY group member
to the script.
The due date for this assignment is:
_____________________________
Name: ___________________________________________________
Period: ____________
Unit Three: Embedded Assessment 2 Rubric
Creating and Performing a Dramatic Scene
Scoring Criteria
Plot
Characterization
Style
Format
Collaboration
Exemplary
(15-20)
The script has a
clearly defined
and engaging plot;
an appropriate
setting; a conflict,
complications, a
climax, and a
resolution; and an
evident theme.
The characters’
actions and
dialogue
sufficiently
contribute to
characterization.
The authors have
selected and
utilized
appropriate
diction, syntax,
and tone.
The script utilizes
proper script
formatting and
grammar.
Proficient
(10-14)
The script has a
developed plot; a
setting; a conflict,
complications, a
climax, and a
resolution; and a
theme.
Emerging
(5-9)
The script has an
undeveloped plot;
a weak conflict,
climax, and/or
resolution; and
does not have an
evident theme.
Insufficient
(0-4)
The plot is unclear;
the conflict, climax,
and/or resolution
are missing; and/or
a theme is
unidentifiable.
The characters’
actions and
dialogue
somewhat
contribute to
characterization.
The authors’
diction, syntax,
and tone are
consistent.
The characters’
actions and
dialogue do not
sufficiently
develop the
characters.
The diction,
syntax, and tone
of the piece are
not appropriate
for the subject
matter.
The script has
significant errors
in formatting and
grammar.
Specific character
actions and/or
dialogue are
inappropriate for
the setting or are
missing altogether.
There is no evidence
of intentional
diction, syntax, or
tone.
Throughout the
entire process, the
group cooperated
and worked
successfully to
maintain purpose
and achieve goals.
The equal sharing
of responsibility
was evident.
Throughout the
entire process, the
group cooperated
to achieve the
purpose and goals
of the assignment.
The sharing of
responsibility was
evident.
The script has
minor errors in
formatting and
grammar.
Throughout the
process , the
group’s lack of
cooperation
Impeded their
ability to maintain
a purpose and
achieve goals.
Responsibilities
were not equally
divided.
There is no evidence
to indicate an effort
to format the script
properly and/or
proofread the text.
The group’s evident
lack of cooperation
and inability to work
together resulted in
an incomplete
assignment.
Comments:
Total: _______/100
*Remember that you can receive an additional 15 points (extra credit) for the performance of your script