original essay

A composition, marked by language chosen for its sound, beauty and evocative power.

1. The original essay written only by the contestant should be submitted on or before the specified deadline. The top of each page must include the contestant’s name, page number.

2. The essay must be typed and double-spaced; not to exceed 6,000 words.

3. The contestant must be prepared to answer questions by the judges.

4. Contestants must submit three (3) copies of the essay.

General Merit (25)

Ideas – advances (or considers) existing knowledge while offering a fresh or novel analysis.

Organization, clarity, and flow

Wording— effective use of language, claims, and argumentation

Flavor – (author’s) voice/perspective, (emotive?) style, depth, creativity

Mechanics (25)

Proper usage of Punctuation/Capitalization, Spelling

Overall Effect (50)

Convincing and compelling

Resonance (motivation, inspiration, provocation, etc.)

Topic/issue significance

Educational value (teaches readers something new)