Test Information Guide

Field 45: Theater
Sample Open-Response Item

The following materials contain:

Sample Test Directions for Open-Response Items

This section of the test consists of two open-response item assignments. You will be asked to prepare a written response of approximately 150–300 words for each assignment. You should use your time to plan, write, review, and edit your response for each assignment. You must write responses to both of the assignments.

For each assignment, read the topic and directions carefully before you begin to work. Think about how you will organize your response.

As a whole, your response to each assignment must demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge of the field. In your response to each assignment, you are expected to demonstrate the depth of your understanding of the subject area by applying your knowledge rather than by merely reciting factual information.

Your response to each assignment will be evaluated based on the following criteria.

The open-response item assignments are intended to assess subject knowledge. Your responses must be communicated clearly enough to permit valid judgment of the evaluation criteria by scorers. Your responses should be written for an audience of educators in this field. The final version of each response should conform to the conventions of edited American English. Your responses should be your original work, written in your own words, and not copied or paraphrased from some other work.

Be sure to write about the assigned topics. You may not use any reference materials during the test. Remember to review your work and make any changes you think will improve your responses.

Sample Open-Response Item

Objective 0012
Prepare an organized, developed analysis on a topic related to one or more of the following: playwriting, performance, and direction of dramatic works; design, production, and management of dramatic works; theater history and dramatic literature; theater education.

Use the information below to complete the exercise that follows.

In a school setting, each area of technical theater (e.g., lighting, sound, scenery/set construction, rigging) presents various safety risks to crew members preparing for a performance.

Using your knowledge of playwriting, performance, and direction of dramatic works, prepare a response in which you:

Sample Strong Response to the Open-Response Item

The sample response below reflects a strong knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.

The safety risks a technical crew member is likely to encounter in the area of lighting include lifting hazards, injury from falling objects, and burns. Have available Thomas Kelly's The Backstage Guide to Stage Management. The first safety rule is: if you don't know what you're doing, don't do it.

Back injuries are the most common type of industrial accident. Before moving an object, make sure your path to its destination is clear. Hold the load close to your body and, keeping your back straight, lift it slowly, using your legs. If it starts to fall, let it fall; don't try to catch it.

The risk of injury from falling objects can be minimized. Wear a hardhat. When working overhead, remove items from your pockets. Attach tools to your belt or a belt loop with a lanyard. Never rest tools or other items on a surface overhead. If the backstage area is equipped with a Genie® LiftTM (a personnel lift), it should never be used without trained personnel present and in charge.

To avoid burns or electric shock, general safety rules apply. Wear gloves because lighting instruments become hot when in use. Lighting instruments should be kept away from any combustible material. When working on an electrical instrument, unplug it. If extension cords are necessary, they must be heavy duty, grounded, and secured in such a way that they do not present a tripping hazard to others. Don't spill liquid near electrical equipment. Never attempt to repair lighting equipment unless you have been trained to do so.

It is essential that the work area be kept free of trash and extraneous items. All workers must take responsibility for their own safety, and refrain from behavior that would endanger others. Emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers and first aid kits must be available and maintained. Exits must be marked and free of obstruction, and telephone service must be readily available and conveniently located for all workers. Safety backstage is important not only for the crew and supervisors, but for the sake of everyone in the theater.

Scoring Rubric

Performance Characteristics

The following characteristics guide the scoring of responses to the open-response item(s).

Performance Characteristics
Purpose The extent to which the response achieves the purpose of the assignment.
Subject Matter Knowledge Accuracy and appropriateness in the application of subject matter knowledge.
Support Quality and relevance of supporting details.
Rationale Soundness of argument and degree of understanding of the subject matter.

Scoring Scale

The scoring scale below, which is related to the performance characteristics for the tests, is used by scorers in assigning scores to responses to the open-response item(s).

Score Scale with description for each score point.
Score Point Score Point Description
4 The "4" response reflects a thorough knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.
  • The purpose of the assignment is fully achieved.
  • There is substantial, accurate, and appropriate application of subject matter knowledge.
  • The supporting evidence is sound; there are high-quality, relevant examples.
  • The response reflects an ably reasoned, comprehensive understanding of the topic.
3 The "3" response reflects an adequate knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.
  • The purpose of the assignment is largely achieved.
  • There is a generally accurate and appropriate application of subject matter knowledge.
  • The supporting evidence is adequate; there are some acceptable, relevant examples.
  • The response reflects an adequately reasoned understanding of the topic.
2 The "2" response reflects a limited knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.
  • The purpose of the assignment is partially achieved.
  • There is a limited, possibly inaccurate or inappropriate, application of subject matter knowledge.
  • The supporting evidence is limited; there are few relevant examples.
  • The response reflects a limited, poorly reasoned understanding of the topic.
1 The "1" response reflects a weak knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.
  • The purpose of the assignment is not achieved.
  • There is little or no appropriate or accurate application of subject matter knowledge.
  • The supporting evidence, if present, is weak; there are few or no relevant examples.
  • The response reflects little or no reasoning about or understanding of the topic.
U The response is unrelated to the assigned topic, illegible, primarily in a language other than English, not of sufficient length to score, or merely a repetition of the assignment.
B There is no response to the assignment.