Final Summative Activity:
The Critic's Column
A GRASPS Task
Synthesizing skills: Argument, Detail, and Critical Lenses.
G - Goal & R - Role
Goal
Demonstrate mastery of literary analysis by writing a professional critique. You must apply a critical lens to reveal a deeper, hidden meaning.
Role
You are a Guest Columnist for "The Lens," a popular online arts and culture magazine.
A - Audience & S - Situation
Audience
- Primary: The magazine's readership (your classmates).
- Secondary: The Editor-in-Chief (your teacher).
Situation
The magazine is running a series: "New Angles on Old Favorites."
Submit a critique of a well-known work (story, song, movie) showing the audience something they've never seen before.
Choose Your Lens
You must choose ONE lens from the Approved List:
- The Formalist/Structuralist Lens
- The Moralist Lens
- The Marxist Lens
- The Feminist Lens
- The Historical Lens
- The Reader-Response Lens
P - Product
Format: 500-word Critical Column (Argumentative Essay).
- Hook & Intro: Introduce work + Lens.
- Clear Claim (Thesis): A single sentence argument based on the lens.
- Body Paragraphs: Analysis using specific textual evidence (quotes, imagery).
- Conclusion: Leave the reader with a new perspective.
Standards for Success (1/2)
| Criteria | 4 - Excellent (Ready) | 1 - Unsatisfactory |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Application of Lens | Lens applied expertly, revealing deep insights. Correct vocabulary used consistently. | Lens misidentified, misunderstood, or not used. |
| 2. Analysis & Evidence | Critique built on specific, well-chosen details. Analysis proves the claim. | No specific details; based only on personal opinion. |
Standards for Success (2/2)
| Criteria | 4 - Excellent (Ready) | 1 - Unsatisfactory |
|---|---|---|
| 3. Argument & Claim | Clear, strong, original claim (thesis). Entire column focuses on proving this. | No clear claim or argument. |
| 4. Organization | Expertly organized (intro, body, conclusion). Clear, engaging, professional tone. | Lacks organization; difficult to understand. |
Teacher's Note
This final project allows you to bring everything together.
Choose a work you know well and a lens you find interesting.
This is your chance to show off your new critical thinking skills!