Clinton Presidential Center
Essay Competition 2016
“Ideas Matter”
Essay Contest Judging Sheet
Criteria
Composition
Style
Usage
Mechanics
Sentence Formation
Content
Points Range
0-25 pts.
0-20 pts.
0-10 pts.
0-10 pts.
0-10 pts.
0
Total
Points Awarded
____ /100
Composition
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Clear thesis
Full elaboration supporting thesis
Clear organization
Closing summary or argument
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Vivid, precise vocabulary
Information purposefully selected to affect reader
Sentence variety – alternative beginnings and lengths
Strong voice
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Consistent verb use
Correct use of inflections
Noun-verb agreement
Style
Usage
Mechanics
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Consistent display of capitalization, punctuation, formatting, and spelling
Sentence Formation
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Correct formation of sentences including complex sentences
-
Relevance of Essay thesis to prompt
Creativity of response
Feasibility of suggested solution
Context
Criteria
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Contest is open to students in grades 11 and 12
The winning essay will be selected based on composition, style, usage, sentence formation,
mechanics, and content
Goals
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Increase civic literacy
Engage and enhance research skills
Encourage academic competition and excellence
Strengthen creative problem solving skills
ADE Curriculum Framework Connections
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American Government and Politics
Civics
U.S. History
World History
Economics