Elementary Creative Writing

Online Competition Only

The Creative Writing competition provides an opportunity for a student to use creative details through written expression as he/she interprets the prompt. A club may have only one entry. A student may take only one Academic test to include Creative Writing and Poetry. An email from the National Office will be sent to registered clubs the morning that their test window opens with instructions to access the testing links through the sponsor portal.

Time Limit: 60 Minutes

Competition Guidelines

Students will have a sixty (60) minute time limit.
No pre-written materials allowed.
Each student may use a dictionary and/or thesaurus.
Writing prompt will be assigned at the beginning of the competition.
Completed piece must be at least 200 words, but no more than 500 words, which equates to 400-3000 characters.

Educational Connections

Information and Media Literacy
Composition Writing and Journalism
Written Communication
Grammar
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

How to Enter

Visit www.betaclub.org/registration and follow directions.
Register students and then select competitions to enter.
Select the student that will participate in this competition.

National Eligibility

All Plaques Awarded at State Convention

Judging Criteria

Creative Writing	16-20	11-15	6-10	1-5
Purpose and Focus	The prompt is addressed with an excellent purpose and focus. Main ideas and supporting details are clear and well developed.	The prompt is addressed with a good purpose and focus. Main ideas are presented and supported by details that are developed.	The prompt is addressed with an average purpose and focus. Main ideas are presented and supported by average details.	The prompt is addressed with a minimal purpose and focus. Main ideas are unclear and supported by minimal details.
Organization and Development	The piece has an excellent beginning, middle, and end.	The piece has a good beginning, middle and end.	The piece has an average beginning, middle and end.	The piece has minimal evidence of a good beginning, middle and end.
Structure and Language	Excellent use of vivid words and phrases that displays a command of figurative language. Excellent construction of sentences with a varied structure and length appropriate to prompt.	Good use of vivid words and phrases that displays a command of figurative language. Good construction of sentences with a varied structure and length appropriate to prompt.	Average use of vivid words and phrases that displays a command of figurative language. Average construction of sentences with a varied structure and length appropriate to prompt.	Minimal use of vivid words and phrases that displays a command of figurative language. Minimal construction of sentences with little structure and length appropriate to prompt.
Mechanics	Excellent command of grammar, mechanics, and/or spelling that results in no errors.	Good command of grammar, mechanics, and/or spelling that results in no errors.	Average command of grammar, mechanics, and/or spelling that results in some errors.	Minimal command of grammar, mechanics, and/or spelling that results in many errors.
Overall Effectiveness	Excellent effectiveness in maintaining the reader’s attention.	Good effectiveness in maintaining the reader’s attention.	Average effectiveness in maintaining the reader’s attention.	Minimal effectiveness in maintaining the reader’s attention.
Deductions	This will be taken one time by the coordinator.	Did not follow competition guidelines -10