Pennsylvania School Press Association
L06 Serious Essay
Content
 Develops a unique and perceptive view of subject or theme
 Supports ideas with substantive details and/or research
 Displays unity and structure in writing
 Topic important to adolescents and the world
 Author identified clearly
Style
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Indicates a sense of author’s style and voice
Reflects an awareness of audience
Treats subject seriously
Uses 1st and 3rd person voice
Avoids clichés (does not depict overly-used writing or artwork)
Conventions
 Includes appropriate title (“untitled” is unacceptable)
 Maintains standard essay conventions
 Demonstrates use of a style guide
 Byline of author appears near work
Rating: The final rating is a holistic impression of the work, not a tally of the individual areas.
Superior
Excellent
Honorable Mention
* Not all entries will receive ratings, but all entries will receive written response.