Essay

ESSAY (Click here for rubrics.)

1. Separate contests will be held in Argumentative Essay, Personal Essay and Literary Analysis in all classifications. A student may compete in only one (1) of the essay categories.

2. This is an on-the-spot writing contest in which contestants are provided with topics on which to write.
   
   

   1. The GHSA Office shall select at least three (3) topics for the contests in Argumentative Essay and Personal Essay, and two (2) topics in the Literary Analysis contest.
      
      

      1. Argumentative Essay topics will be selected from current events discussed in the media through the end of January prior to the competition. The most successful responses will include ample evidence that supports the line of reasoning; sources may be mentioned, but citations are not required.

      2. Personal Essay topics will be short prompts designed to elicit creative and descriptive narrative responses.

      3. Literary Analysis topics will be excerpts from prose or poetry along with a prompt that directs students to use evidence, support and commentary to develop a defensible interpretation of the excerpt.

   2. For the Region competition, the GHSA Office will send the topics to the Region Secretary (or their designee) in sealed envelopes, and the seal will be broken for the first time in the presence of the contestants at the competition site.

   3. For the State competition, the GHSA Office will send topics to the State Literary hosts in sealed envelopes, and the seal will be broken for the first time in the presence of the contestants at the competition.

   4. Topics used at State Literary will be different from those used at Region Literary.

3. Contest Rules:
   
   

   1. Contestants will compete at the same time in a group setting.

   2. Contestants will have one (1) hour to write their essay. Contestants must stop writing when time is called.

   3. Contestants may NOT use a dictionary or other reference materials during the competition.

   4. Essays shall be written on lined paper in blue or black ink.

   5. Contestants must provide their own paper and pens.

   6. This is an on-the-spot writing contest. Any evidence of pre-written, memorized of plagiarized compositions will result in disqualification.

   7. The first place winner in each Region competition shall advance to the State competition.

4. Judging Criteria:
   
   

   1. The essays shall be judged on the following:
      
      

      1. Thesis & Line of Reasoning (20%)

      2. Content & Development (20%)

      3. Analysis & Support (20%)

      4. Organization & Structure (20%)

      5. Style & Sophistication (20%)