Description:
The creative writing competition includes two categories: Poetry and Short Story. Poetry is a rhymed or unrhymed verse which develops a central theme or image. A short story is a fictional piece which utilizes setting, plot, and characterisation to reveal an implied theme.
Competition Guidelines:
- The creative writing competition is for all ages.
- The work must relate to the theme of the Mahragan and should be drawn from our Church spirit, its values and traditions.
- Recommended word count per grade for short stories:
- Gr. 3-4: 200 – 500 words
- Gr. 5-6: 500 – 800 words
- Gr. 7-11: 800 – 1000 words
- Gr. 11 and up 1000 – 1500 words
- Recommended line count per grade for poetry:
- Gr. 3-4: 8 lines
- Gr. 5-6: 10 lines
- Gr. 7-8: 15 lines
- Gr. 9 -10: 18 lines
- Gr. 11 and up 18 + lines
- Groups participating in the creative writing activity may be represented by one or more members of the group and have one or more submissions. If there is more than one submission representing the group, the higher mark will count as the group mark in creative writing.
- On the day of the competition, submit a copy of your work. clearly indicating on the cover page the name of your Church, your name, your Mahragan ID, your grade and the title of your work.
- All submissions must be the student’s original work. Plagiarism is strictly prohibited and will negatively affect your mark.
Evaluation Criteria:
Criteria for evaluating stories:
1. Idea and purpose – 10%
• The idea has to be serious and must have a purpose.
2. Creativity and Choice of words – 10% • New way of treating an issue
3. Clarity and Brevity – 10%
• The vocabulary must be clear and easily understood. The use of archaic language should be avoided.
4. Arrangement & Flow of Sentences – 20%
• Creates a natural flow of events or creative arrangement of events that inspire interest or intrigue
5. Use of figurative language – 10%
• Using allegorical or metaphorical language to illustrate the main idea.
6. Grammar and composition – 10% • Vary your syntax
7. Efficiency in producing the desired effect upon the reader – 10% • No unnecessary phrasing
8. The overall effect of the story – 20%
Criteria for evaluating poetry:
1. Idea and purpose – 10%
• The idea has to be serious and must have a purpose.
2. Creativity and choice of words – 10% • A new way of treating an issue
3. Clarity and Brevity – 10%
• The vocabulary must be clear and easily understood. The use of archaic language should be avoided.
4. Rhythm – 20%
• Creates rhythmical echo appropriate to the intention of the poem
5. Use of figurative language – 10%
• Using allegorical or metaphorical language to illustrate the main idea.
6. Grammar and composition – 10% • Vary your syntax
- Efficiency in producing the desired effect upon the reader – 10%
- No unnecessary phrasing
- Don’t use words just to fill out the missing rhythm
- The overall effect of the poem – 20%