■ FEATURE WRITING (60 minutes)

1. Lead grabs reader’s attention and fits mood of story. It is permissible for students to set a scene for the feature prompt. The scene may include details that are not in the prompt.

2. Writing tight. Wording active, precise.

3. Slang, clichés, jargon avoided.

4. Facts presented in logical sequence.

5. Smooth transitions.

6. Quotes, paraphrasing used effectively.

7. Persons identified fully, accurately.

8. Feature theme fully developed.

9. Utilizes time peg (if necessary).

10. Secondary consideration given to:

    A. Grammar

    B. Spelling

    C. Neatness