Pass/Fail Gate (no points, required):

• Original, unpublished work; follows all submission rules (length, format, anonymity, etc.).
   
• No plagiarism. Quotations/epigraphs (if any) must be attributed.
   

Scored Criteria

1. Alignment with Theme – 15 pts
   How clearly and deeply the story explores “What America Means to Me,” offering substance beyond slogans; conveys nuance, multiplicity, or tension where relevant.
    
2. Plot – 15 pts
   Coherent, original, and engaging progression of events; purposeful stakes; avoids contrivance.
    
3. Character Development – 15 pts
   Multi-dimensional characters with believable motivations and growth; interiority shows change.
    
4. Setting & Sense of Place – 10 pts
   Vivid, economical description integrated into the action; place shapes characters and events.
    
5. Originality – 10 pts
   Fresh perspective or inventive treatment of familiar themes; avoids cliché.
    
6. Writing Style & Voice – 10 pts
   Clear, precise, grammatically sound prose; distinctive voice that enhances story.
    
7. Pacing – 10 pts
   Balanced scene/narration/dialogue; momentum never drags or rushes key beats.
    
8. Dialogue – 5 pts
   Natural, purposeful, character-revealing; advances plot or theme (no filler chatter).
    
9. Emotional Impact – 5 pts
   Resonance that lingers—whether joy, grief, awe, outrage, or hope.
    
10. Ending – 5 pts
    Satisfying and earned; resolves primary arc while leaving an intentional afterthought.
     

Scoring Anchors (use across all criteria):

• 1 – “This should have never been written.”
   
• 5 – “It’s ok, but…” middling execution or uneven craft.
   
• 10 – “This is fantastic.” Exemplary, memorable, fully realized.
   

Advancement Rule: Minimum 70/100 to reach the final round.
Tiebreakers (in order): Theme Alignment → Originality → Emotional Impact → Writing Style.

Pass/Fail Gate (no points, required):

• Original, unpublished work; follows submission rules (length, format, anonymity, etc.).
   
• Accuracy & Integrity: Factual claims are accurate; quotes and statistics (if used) are attributed. No fabricated material.
   
• No plagiarism.
   

Scored Criteria

1. Alignment with Theme – 15 pts
   Directly engages “What America Means to Me,” offering clear relevance and depth (personal, cultural, historical, civic, or place-based meaning).
    
2. Thesis/Focus & Insight – 15 pts
   A clear central claim or inquiry; delivers meaningful insight, reflection, or synthesis (beyond reportage or diary).
    
3. Evidence, Accuracy & Attribution – 15 pts
   Concrete detail, observation, or research supports claims; sources/quotes (when present) are precise and attributed; no factual slippage.
    
4. Structure & Coherence – 10 pts
   Logical organization (narrative arc or argumentative flow); strong transitions; purposeful paragraphs.
    
5. Voice & Readability – 10 pts
   Engaging, lucid prose; grammar and mechanics clean; voice suits the material (reported, memoiristic, or essayistic).
    
6. Originality of Perspective – 10 pts
   Fresh angle, lived specificity, or underrepresented lens; avoids platitudes.
    
7. Context & Descriptive Detail – 5 pts
   Vivid scene-setting or contextual background that illuminates the point without padding.
    
8. Emotional/Intellectual Impact – 10 pts
   Provokes thought or feeling; lingers; may reframe assumptions or invite empathy.
    
9. Ethical Considerations & Fairness – 5 pts
   Respectful portrayal of people/communities; avoids sensationalism; handles disagreement and trauma responsibly.
    
10. Ending/Takeaway – 5 pts
    Clear, earned conclusion that reinforces the thesis or leaves a purposeful open question.
     

Scoring Anchors (use across all criteria):

• 1 – “This should have never been written.”
   
• 5 – “It’s ok, but…” serviceable but thin or sloppy.
   
• 10 – “This is fantastic.” Precise, compelling, and exemplary.
   

Advancement Rule: Minimum 70/100 to reach the final round.
Tiebreakers (in order): Theme Alignment → Evidence/Accuracy → Thesis/Insight → Voice.

• Theme centrality matters. Reward pieces that embody the contest theme with specificity and depth, not generic patriotism or cynicism.
   
• Economy is a virtue. Tight prose that carries weight scores higher than verbosity.
   
• Cultural & historical sensitivity. Reward nuanced treatment of communities, histories, and contested narratives.
   
• Consistency. Use the 1–10 anchors for each criterion; document brief notes for scores <5 or >8 to support final deliberations.