Requirements by Grade

Early Elementary (1st grade)


• One paragraph, consisting of at least three complete sentences with proper capitalization and punctuation
• Title
• 25 words

Elementary (2nd & 3rd grade)


• Title
• At least two paragraphs, each containing an idea relating to the title (theme) of the piece
• Complete sentences with proper capitalization and punctuation
• At least 100 words

Upper Elementary (4th & 5th grade)


• Title
• At least three paragraphs, each containing a topic sentence relating to the theme of the piece
• Cohesive organization using an introduction, discussion and conclusion
• Complete sentences with proper capitalization and punctuation
• At least 200 words

Middle School (6th, 7th & 8th grade)


• Title
• At least four paragraphs, each containing a topic sentence relating to the theme of the piece
• Cohesive organization using an introduction with main topic, discussion section, which reinforces the main topic, and conclusion
• Complete sentences with proper capitalization and punctuation
• At least 200 words

High School (9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th grade)


• Title
• Introductory paragraph with main theme, body of the piece in at least two paragraphs, each with topic sentences relating to theme, and conclusion paragraph
• Proper use of grammar, usage and mechanics
• At least 250 words