Holiday Reading & Creating Text Competition
The purpose of this competition is to encourage students to create original, engaging and well-crafted writing. Students must show control of language, structure, voice, audience and purpose.
Text Types Allowed
Students may choose one of the following forms:
- Narrative
- Reflective piece
- Personal story
- Persuasive piece
- Imaginative response
- Hybrid text, such as narrative and reflection combined
Word Length
The final piece should be between 600 and 1000 words, unless the teacher gives a different word limit.
Original Work
All work must be the student’s own original writing.
Students must not:
- copy from the internet
- use another student’s work
- submit AI-generated writing as their own
- copy large sections from books, films, articles or websites
Use of Mentor Texts
Students may be inspired by mentor texts, but they must not copy them.
They may borrow ideas about:
- structure
- style
- voice
- imagery
- sentence patterns
- tone
- point of view
However, the final writing must be original.
Writing Requirements
Students must show:
- a clear purpose
- a strong and controlled voice
- awareness of audience
- thoughtful language choices
- effective structure
- correct spelling, punctuation and grammar
- creativity and originality
- evidence of planning and editing
Drafting Process
Students must complete:
- A planning sheet
- A first draft
- A revised draft
- A final polished copy
The teacher may ask to see all drafts before the final piece is submitted.
Presentation
The final piece must include:
- student name
- class
- title of the piece
- chosen text type
- final word count
The work must be neat, edited and clearly presented.
Judging Criteria
Entries will be judged on:
Criteria | Description |
| Ideas | Original, thoughtful and engaging ideas |
| Voice | Clear, distinctive and appropriate voice |
| Structure | Controlled beginning, development and ending |
| Language | Effective vocabulary, imagery and sentence fluency |
| Audience and Purpose | Clear awareness of who the text is for and why it was written |
| Craft | Strong editing, accuracy and presentation |
Prizes
Prizes may be awarded for:
- Best Overall Writing
- Most Creative Piece
- Best Use of Language
- Best Reflective Writing
- Best Narrative Voice
- Most Improved Writer
Submission Date
All final pieces must be submitted by:
Date: Friday, 17th of July
Time: 3.10pm
Important Reminder
This is a Creating Text competition. You are not just telling a story or giving information. You must make careful authorial choices and show how language, structure and voice can shape meaning.
-Rita Duber
HOD English