The News Writing contest at the 2024 NSPC evaluates the skills and abilities of campus journalists in reporting news accurately and ethically. Let’s break down the scoring criteria:
1. Form and Style (40%)
- Arrangement of Details: Contestants should organize event details in decreasing order of importance.
- Clear Lead: The lead (opening sentence) should focus on the most critical detail.
- Avoid Controversial Words: Contestants must steer clear of words with controversial elements or double meanings.
- Unbiased Headline: Headlines should be clear and unbiased.
- Language Use: Use short, simple words and adhere to grammar and syntax rules.
- Unity and Coherence: Ensure that the article maintains unity and coherence.
- Transitions: Properly use transitions to connect ideas.
- Gender Fair Language: Use language that is inclusive and avoids gender bias.
2. Content (50%)
- Effective Lead: Use an appropriate lead type to grab readers’ attention.
- Highlight Key Details: Present the most important facts related to the event.
- Logical Presentation: Follow a logical sequence in presenting the event details.
- News Writing Format/Style: Adhere to correct news writing conventions.
3. Ethics (10%)
- Original Works: Contestants should showcase their original work.
- Citation and Attribution: Properly cite information and attribute facts to their sources.
- Journalistic Standards: Maintain fairness, relevance, accuracy, and balance.
- Avoid Plagiarism and Libel: Ensure content is free from potentially libelous or obscene material, plagiarism, and copyright violations.
Overall Total (100%)
- The total score combines the points from the three categories.
Remember, the NSPC encourages responsible journalism and ethical reporting. Good luck to all participants!