By Dylan Schoenfeld & Fiona LaCroix
The Tower
Grosse Pointe South HS
1st Place
Division 2, News Writing
NW-10. Pro-Con Opinion Columns
Each entry must:
- have two (2) columns that express opposing viewpoints on one topic
- the columns should be written by two people and should be packaged together on the same date in the opinion/editorial section
- have both columns submitted together in the same entry form
- have a standing head that indicates the pro/con nature of the package
- carry bylines or other writer identification to indicate the personal opinion nature of the content
FOR ONLINE ENTRIES, submit the URL to one column in the URL field and the other in the Additional Information field.
A school may submit a second entry in this category, and the pieces may be written by the same columnists or combination including one of the same columnists. Submit a PDF of the print page(s) on which the entry was published or the URL to the entry on an online news site.
JUDGING CRITERIA
- Topics relevant to interests and/or welfare of school or students
- Two pieces, while offering opposing views, are consistent in style and tone
- Both pieces win reader interest with compelling leads
- Present evidence/interpretation in logical sequence
- State issue; uses effective examples, facts and comparisons to clarify
- Deal with specific issue; avoids preaching, rhetoric and clichés
- Show sufficient thought and knowledge of subject, developed with personal style
- Sentences, paragraphs of varied length; written clearly, concisely and vividly
- Proper diction/grammar