Original Essay Requirements

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1. Six (6) notarized copies of 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, and unit name and number.

 

2. The essay must be typed and double-spaced; not to exceed twelve (12) pages.

 

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

 

Note: The deadline for submission of national registration documents is the first Friday in May. No materials or copies will be accepted at the National Competition.

 

Contestants Will Be Judged By The Following Criteria:

 

General Merit (25)

• Ideas

• Organization

• Wording

• Flavor

 

Mechanics (25)

• Usage

• Punctuation/Capitalization

• Spelling

 

Overall Effect (50)