SayPro Judging Criteria Template.

SayPro Development Quarterly Writing and Journalism Competitions (SCDR.3.12)
Date: January 21, 2025

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The SayPro Development Quarterly Writing and Journalism Competitions require an objective, structured, and transparent evaluation process to ensure fairness and consistency. The Judging Criteria Template outlines the specific factors that judges will use to evaluate and score entries across all categories. By providing these clear criteria, SayPro aims to maintain a high standard of writing and to reward entries that demonstrate creativity, originality, and impact.

1. Overview of Judging Process

The evaluation of submissions will be carried out by a panel of experienced judges, including SayPro senior management, journalists, and external writing experts. Entries will be assessed based on the following criteria:

• Creativity and Originality (25%)
• Relevance to Theme (25%)
• Writing Quality (25%)
• Impact and Engagement (25%)

Judges will assign scores for each criterion, and the scores will be totaled to determine the winner in each category. The final decision will take into account the overall quality of the submission as well as the alignment with the theme and intended impact.

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2. Detailed Judging Criteria

A. Creativity and Originality (25%)

This criterion assesses how unique and innovative the submission is in its approach to the subject matter. The judges will look for original ideas, fresh perspectives, and creative writing techniques that engage readers.

Key Factors:

• Original Thought: Is the submission offering new ideas, unique insights, or an original take on the theme?
• Creativity in Approach: Does the submission approach the theme in a new, interesting, or unexpected way?
• Innovative Writing Style: Does the submission employ creative writing techniques, such as storytelling, humor, or unconventional perspectives, to engage the reader?

Scoring Guidelines:

• 5 (Excellent): The submission is highly original, demonstrating exceptional creativity and innovation.
• 4 (Good): The submission offers fresh insights or an interesting approach but may have areas where creativity could be enhanced.
• 3 (Average): The submission shows some originality but relies on common ideas or concepts.
• 2 (Needs Improvement): The submission lacks originality or uses overly familiar ideas.
• 1 (Poor): The submission is predictable, with little to no creativity or innovation.

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B. Relevance to Theme (25%)

Submissions must clearly relate to the competition’s theme for the quarter. This criterion evaluates how well the writer’s work aligns with and explores the theme in depth.

Key Factors:

• Direct Connection to Theme: Does the submission address the theme clearly and comprehensively?
• Depth of Exploration: How well does the submission explore the nuances of the theme, demonstrating thoughtfulness and understanding?
• Consistency: Is the theme consistently reinforced throughout the piece, or is it only touched upon superficially?

Scoring Guidelines:

• 5 (Excellent): The submission is fully aligned with the theme, addressing it in a deep and meaningful way.
• 4 (Good): The submission is clearly related to the theme, though it may not explore every aspect in depth.
• 3 (Average): The submission loosely connects to the theme but may lack depth or clarity.
• 2 (Needs Improvement): The submission only touches on the theme without a strong connection or focus.
• 1 (Poor): The submission does not relate to the theme or misinterprets it.

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C. Writing Quality (25%)

The overall quality of the writing is critical for this competition. This criterion assesses grammar, clarity, structure, and the flow of ideas. Good writing should be polished, professional, and easy to read, regardless of the category or style.

Key Factors:

• Grammar and Syntax: Are there frequent grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, or awkward phrasing?
• Clarity of Expression: Are ideas expressed clearly and effectively, making it easy for the reader to follow?
• Organization and Structure: Is the submission well-structured, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion?
• Tone and Style: Does the tone suit the submission’s purpose and audience? Is the writing style consistent and appropriate?

Scoring Guidelines:

• 5 (Excellent): The writing is clear, concise, and free of errors. It is expertly structured, with smooth transitions between paragraphs and ideas.
• 4 (Good): The writing is generally clear and free of major errors, though there may be occasional awkward phrasing or minor mistakes.
• 3 (Average): The writing is understandable but may contain several errors or unclear sections.
• 2 (Needs Improvement): The writing is difficult to follow due to poor grammar, awkward sentences, or unclear ideas.
• 1 (Poor): The writing is riddled with errors or lacks clarity, making it difficult to understand.

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D. Impact and Engagement (25%)

This criterion evaluates the submission’s ability to engage the reader and create an emotional or intellectual impact. Good writing should provoke thought, inspire action, or create a meaningful connection with its audience.

Key Factors:

• Engagement: Does the submission capture the reader’s attention and maintain their interest throughout?
• Emotional/Intellectual Impact: Does the submission evoke strong emotions or provoke thought in the reader?
• Relevance to the Audience: Is the submission tailored to its intended audience, resonating with their interests, concerns, or experiences?
• Call to Action or Reflection: Does the piece inspire the reader to take action, reflect on the issue, or think differently?

Scoring Guidelines:

• 5 (Excellent): The submission is highly engaging, with a significant emotional or intellectual impact. It resonates deeply with the reader and encourages reflection or action.
• 4 (Good): The submission is engaging and impactful, though the effect may not be as profound as the top entries.
• 3 (Average): The submission engages the reader to some extent but may lack the emotional or intellectual depth that makes it stand out.
• 2 (Needs Improvement): The submission has limited engagement or impact, failing to evoke strong reactions or interest.
• 1 (Poor): The submission does not engage the reader or provoke any meaningful response.

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3. Scoring System

Each submission will be scored on a scale from 1 to 5 in each of the four criteria (Creativity and Originality, Relevance to Theme, Writing Quality, and Impact and Engagement). The total possible score is 20 points per submission. The final score will be the sum of all four categories.

Criterion	Score (1-5)	Maximum Points
Creativity and Originality	[1-5]	5
Relevance to Theme	[1-5]	5
Writing Quality	[1-5]	5
Impact and Engagement	[1-5]	5
Total Score		20

Final Decision:

• The entry with the highest total score will be awarded first place in its category.
• The second and third highest-scoring entries will be awarded runner-up positions (if applicable).

In the event of a tie, the judges will reconvene to evaluate the tied entries based on specific elements, such as creativity or impact, to determine the winner.

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4. Additional Notes for Judges

• Judges are expected to remain impartial and objective throughout the evaluation process.
• If a judge feels that a submission is particularly strong or weak in one area, they should provide specific feedback, which will be shared with participants (if feedback is part of the post-competition process).
• Judges should ensure that all submissions are evaluated based on the same criteria and that the scoring system is followed consistently across all entries.

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5. Conclusion

The SayPro Judging Criteria Template ensures that the evaluation of submissions is clear, consistent, and aligned with the competition’s goals. By focusing on creativity, relevance to theme, writing quality, and impact, the judging panel can fairly assess the originality, effectiveness, and quality of each entry. This transparent framework fosters a competitive but fair environment where talented writers can showcase their skills.