Essay Writing Rules

The primary goal of NSF contests is to foester the spirit of competition and learning among the youth.Parents and children should focus on the joy of learning and interacting with other writing participants rather than on the possible outcome of the contest.Specifically, the NSF Essay contest is intended to encourage writing skills, which demand quick thinking, good organization of ideas and cohesive writing style.

In addition to all general contest rules stated by North South Foundation, the following rules are applicable for the 2005 Essay Writing Bee (Leadership In Writing) Competition:

General Rules:

1. The NSF Essay Writing BEE will be held for the following levels, strictly based on the grade level of contestant:
   
   • Junior: Grades 3,4,5
   • Intermediate: Grades 6,7,8
   • Senior: Grades 9,10,11,12
     
2. The essay topic will only be announced just before the contest begins. Thus the contestants will not know the essay topic ahead of time.
   
3. The contestants will have 60 minutes to complete an essay on the "given topic".
   
4. The essay must be an original composition written by the entrant, onsite (i.e., in the Contest Room), and must be written in English.
   
5. An essay submitted by any contestant will not be returned under any circumstances. NSF shall reserve the right to publish the essay, name, school and photo of any participant in any manner it deems fit.

Participant Rules:

1. NSF will not provide writing supplies. Participants should bring couple of pens and /or pencils, with erasers. However NSF will supply paper.
   
2. No books, electronic equipment or aids will be allowed in the contest room, i.e., participants must enter the Contest Room only with their pens
   and pencils.
   
3. It is the responsibility of the contestant to be present on time. Latecomers will not be allowed to enter the Contest Room once the Contest begins.
   
4. There shall be no discussions among the contestants during the Contest. No questions will be entertained, once the 60-minute clock starts ticking.
   
5. Parents are not allowed in the contest room.
   
6. A Contestant can only participate in one regional center and in only one grade-group.

Judging Rules:

1. Please click for Judging Criteria for Junior , Intermediate , Senior Levels.
   
2. A first,second,third place winner will be selected for each level, depending on the number of contestants in each level. In any catagory, there should be a minimum of 10 contestants to have all three places declared and a minimum of 5 contestants to have the first place declared.
   
3. The result of the Essay Contest will be announced within two or three weeks after the contest.
   
4. NSF shall have the right to the change the rules without notice, if the situation warrants.
   
5. All decisions by the judges shall be final and can not be appealed.
   
6. The Foundation reserves the right to verify the grade of the contestants and revoke the rank(s) and prize(s) in case of any discrepancy.
   

Disclaimers: The Foundation conductseducational activities on "best efforts basis" only. The Foundation, it's officers and volunteers are not responsible for any human error and consequent hardship caused to any person(s) or organization(s).