Description/Regulations
The L.E.S.T. Northwest Writing Event is an opportunity for students to submit an original piece of writing in several categories to be judged according to the published criteria. Each school may submit one authentic piece of writing for each grade level, grades 5-8. A “Most Promising Writer” award will be given for writings that are judged as being of exceptionally high quality.
Each L.E.S.T. Northwest writer may choose to write in one of the following writing styles:
- Write a one page, word processed (double spaced) persuasive essay. Persuasive writing utilizes logic and reason to show that one idea is more legitimate than another idea. It attempts to persuade a reader to adopt a certain point of view or to take a particular action. The writing should use sound reasoning and solid evidence by stating facts, giving logical reasons, using examples, and quoting experts.
- Write a piece of expository writing with a maximum length of two word processed pages (double spaced). Expository writing is used to explain, describe, give information, or inform.
- Write a personal narrative, based on a real-life experience, with a maximum length of two word processed pages (double spaced). A personal narrative is a piece of writing describing an event of personal significance to the writer.
- Write a fictional story, with a maximum length of two word processed pages (double spaced). Fictional writing is a piece of writing that is not factual. Fictional writing often takes the form of a story meant to convey an author’s point of view or simply to entertain.
- Write one poem, either written free hand or word processed, chosen from the following formats: Haiku or Tanka, Free Verse, Acrostic, or a poem that demonstrates a rhyme scheme.
Scoring Criteria
The writings will be evaluated in the following categories:
- Ability to captivate the reader
- Sensory Images
- Use of Language
- Punctuation
A copy of the rubrics used for scoring the writings will be available on the L.E.S.T. Northwest website (not yet available).
Schedule
All writing pieces need to be sent to the L.E.S.T. Northwest Director’s attention by January 17 to be considered as viable entries for the L.E.S.T. Writing Event. Schools should email each writing as an attachment to the L.E.S.T. Northwest Director (lestnorthwest@gmail.com). The writings will be scored prior to the beginning of L.E.S.T. Northwest and will be on display during L.E.S.T. Northwest.
Be sure that each entry has the following information on the top right-hand corner of each submitted page:
- Student name
- School and the school’s city
- Grade level
- Type of writing – Original Poetry, L.E.S.T. Narrative, L.E.S.T. Short Story
LEST Northwest 