The Feature Writing contest at the 2024 NSPC evaluates the creativity, writing skills, and ethical standards of campus journalists. Let’s delve into the scoring criteria:
1. Form and Style (30%)
- Grammar and Syntax: Contestants must adhere to the rules of grammar and syntax.
- Organization and Progression: Articles should follow principles of organization and logical progression of ideas.
- Creative Presentation: Feature writing allows for creative storytelling. Contestants should present facts in an engaging manner.
- Catchy Title: Use a title that grabs readers’ attention.
- Sustaining Interest: Keep readers engaged throughout the article.
- Appropriate Feature Type: Choose the right feature type to emphasize the impact or relevance of the topic.
- Gender Fair Language: Use language that is inclusive and avoids gender bias.
2. Content (60%)
- Citing Facts: Bolster credibility by citing historical references, statistics, and relevant names/facts.
- New Angle: Present a fresh angle or timely information about the topic.
- Stir Imagination: Engage readers’ imagination through vivid descriptions and storytelling.
- Balancing Perspectives: Combine obtained data with the writer’s perceptions.
- Ethical Considerations: Maintain fairness, accuracy, and balance.
3. Ethics (10%)
- Original Works: Showcase your own original work.
- Citation and Attribution: Properly cite information and attribute facts to their sources.
- Journalistic Standards: Adhere to standards of fairness, relevance, and accuracy.
- Avoid Plagiarism and Libel: Ensure content is free from potentially libelous or obscene material, plagiarism, and copyright violations.
Remember, feature writing allows you to explore topics creatively while upholding journalistic integrity. Best of luck to all participants!