Writing Contest
Every year the Writing Center sponsors a writing contest for DCC students. Prizes are awarded to the winners in each category. Below are guidelines for students who would like to enter the contest.
Contact Writing Center for submission info.
Fourteen winners will be chosen from the seven categories. However, judges reserve
the right not to award prizes in a category. The DCC Student Government Association
funds all awards. Submissions will be judged by faculty from the English department and the Performing Arts department. Students are encouraged
to contact the Writing Center to work on submissions with our tutors.
Categories and Criteria:
- Poetry submissions will be judged for their inventive use of language, control of form, and originality of image and metaphor.
- Creative Non-fiction entries (fact-based writing that encompasses memoir, biography, travel/science/nature literature, and the personal essay) will be judged on their ability to blend factual truth with literary techniques.
- Fiction entries will be evaluated on originality of language and on their success in creating a fully imagined fictional world.
- Academic Writing submissions, such as critical analysis, documented essay, and scientific essays, will be judged on quality of form and content.
- Screenplays, written in screenplay format, should offer original, well-structured stories. Good character development and believable dialogue are key elements. Successful scripts will evoke strong visual images.
- Play Scripts should offer original, creative, believable, interesting, and playable characters; plot; theme; and setting, including a strong conflict and resolution.
- Math and Science submissions (analyses, lab reports, reviews) will be judged on the clarity of expression, the quality of research, and, where appropriate, fidelity to scientific method.
If you have further questions, please talk to the Writing Center staff.