<p>The directions on the website seem very vague. Can someone clarify this for me? Especially from someone who has done it before?
Max 10 pages, double-spaced on any subject. Prose/verse. Can it be from multiple written works? Include title for each? And begin new page for each work? Idk, I couldn't find any criteria on the website. Should I aim for 10 pages? Quantity vs. Quality, I guess is the basic question.</p>
<p>For impromptu writing, what is the average length for the time given? I'm guessing that they're not looking for something fantasically written, since it'll be a first draft, right? Or do most people actually write pretty well on these topics? </p>
<p>In my school, at least, there has been a winner every year... 2 last year. I know that this award is pretty prestigious, but do most people who get nominated win? Is there a max number of winners etc? </p>
<p>Sorry about all the questions, but I actually want to win this one since I'm not really good at anything else. :)
Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>I can't answer all your questions. My son was named a winner a couple of years ago, but he failed to fill me in on all the details.</p>
<p>Yes, the portfolio can include several different works. In the case of my son and the other two winners from his school, it was a collection of different types of writing. I don't know what to say about the paging, titles, etc. You need to find the sponsoring teacher and ask.</p>
<p>I think the impromptu writing is expected to be pretty good. You will be expected to pace yourself in order to include a bit of editing, I think. Again, ask the sponsor.</p>
<p>Yes, it is considered prestigious. No, not everybody wins. The number of winners is based on the state's population, I think. My son's school had three, but that was unusual. Many schools have no winners, those who do usually have one or two. </p>
<p>Check the web site for a listing of last year's winners in your state to find the number for your state.</p>
<p>In my school, the English teacher who was in charge of this had copies from past entries. She had all past entries starting from 2004. Try yours.</p>
<p>Good idea. I'm not sure if my school has had winners before, but I'll try it. Do you know if any are posted online or something?</p>
<p>Also, how did you know that the 10-page maximum actually means that we can send multiple pieces as long as they total a max of 10? My teacher is under the impression that the NCTE only means one piece with a max of 10 pages....</p>
<p>Funny, you'd think the NCTE, of all people, would be clearer with their directions. :-)</p>
<p>I did the impromptu last week and hated how mine turned out. Just turned in my ten-page packet today -- I wish I did more creative writing in my spare time, but I had to submit mostly school assignments. :/ </p>
<p>XD That was a pretty negative post. : [ Good luck all!!</p>