What are you looking for in a winning entry?

1. Originality:

• Does the story display its main idea in a creative way that displays the writer’s imagination and originality?

• Does the story make use of the authors unique writing style?

• Do the story ideas consistently flow from beginning, middle and end?

2. Organisation:

• Does the story keep within the word limit?

• Does the story make use of English grammar rules such as spelling and punctuation?

• Does the story have and identifiable and developing plot with a clear conflict that escalates towards a resolution or conclusion?

• Does the story contain the main components of good storytelling:

  • • compelling characterization with intriguing and relatable goals,

    • contributing setting,

    • consistent plot making use of the appropriate amount of tension,

    • vivid imagery,

    • the use of literary devices, and a good 'hook' beginning sentences that draws the reader?