Selection Guidelines for Writing Entries: What do judges think about when reviewing works?

by Katie Bonner //

When judges review and score writing for the Scholastic Awards, they consider three criteria:

Originality

An original work is different from what others have created. The author expresses an original idea or a not-completely original idea in a new way. Judges look for:

  • An original idea: “Wow! I never thought about it that way” or “Wow! This piece about this topic feels and sounds so different from all the other pieces I’ve read on this topic.”
  • Development: Originality is often demonstrated through the way an idea is developed. A judge might ask, “Does this piece have well-developed details, anecdotes, events, descriptions, etc.?”
  • Purpose: Originality is also demonstrated in a piece that feels consistently purposeful, specific, and creative. Judges might notice whether or not everything in the piece feels like it’s working together.

Skill

The author uses structure, mechanics, words, and sentences to effectively express and support their ideas. Writers manage a number of skills that interact in complex ways, but a judge should look for:

  • Interesting language: Judges look for language that is used in compelling, innovative ways, turns of phrase that surprise or delight, that might be chosen for their sound, or have another strong effect.
  • Purposeful and interesting sentence/phrase variety: Notice if phrases or sentences are shaped for deliberate emotional effect and/or if they add to the cadence, rhythm, or beat, especially in poetry.
  • Control of mechanics: Although we often think of “correct” use of mechanics, what we really hope to see is the use of a wide range of conventions for stylistic effect.

Personal Voice

A personal voice and perspective are recognizable in the piece. Tone is maintained consistently and purposefully throughout the piece. Judges should look for:

  • A voice that speaks to them: An author’s voice conveys attitude, personality, and character. It should have a recognizable quality and remain present throughout the piece.
  • Confidence: The tone is distinctive and adds interest to the piece.
  • Newness, freshness: This doesn’t sound like anyone else. The judges might find themselves surprised, delighted, or even challenged.

Check out the holistic rubric for more details.

Featured image: Dylan Silva, Memories, Drawing & Illustration. Grade 11, Lincoln High School, Lincoln, CA