SHORT STORY

A brief examination of a subject in prose usually expressing a personal view or

interpretation of a subject or topic.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. One notarized copy of the short story 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.

1. The Short Story should have a single-s t o r y line without subplots, no more than

three or four characters, a single viewpoint and a short time scale. The story must

be typed, double spaced and between 1000 and 1500 words.

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

Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:

• General Merit (25)

➢ Ideas- single storyline, no subplots, 3-4chracter, single

viewpoint (2 at most), short time scale

➢ Organization – consistent writing style, consistent mood/tone and

space

➢ Wording – appropriate language, brief descriptions

➢ Flavor

• Mechanics (25)

➢ Usage

➢ Punctuation/Capitalization/Spelling

• Overall Effect (50) – Minimum background, concise dialogue, no lengthy

preamble, no contrived ending