Language Arts

The L.E.S.T. Language Arts 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. writer may choose to write in one of the following writing styles:

1. 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.
2. 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, and/or inform.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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

The rubric for scoring the writings explains in more detail on what the judges will be basing the scores.