Essay Writing (Leadership-In-Writing) Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the NSF Essay Writing (Leadership In Writing) BEE being conducted?

Who can participate in the NSF Leadership in Writing Bee?

Do I have to register separately for the NSF Leadership in Writing Bee?

How is the NSF Leadership in Writing Bee conducted?

How is the Leadership in Writing Bee judged?

When will the contestants be informed of the results?

What are the attributes of a good essay?

How can I register for the NSF Essay Writing Bee contest?

Is there a National Finals for Essay Writing ?


Why is the NSF Essay Writing (Leadership In Writing) BEE being conducted?

The NSF Leadership-in-Writing is the latest addition to the suite of annual NSF contests. It is intended to encourage good writing skills while nurturing creativity, the ability to think quickly, and present well-connected ideas persuasively and succinctly. It is designed to be in line with the "timed writing" component of current standardized tests (SAT). Good writing style will be the key differentiating characteristic in identifying the winners.

Top

Who can participate in the NSF Leadership in Writing Bee?

See the section on Essay Writing Contest Rules.

Top

Do I have to register separately for the NSF Leadership in Writing Bee?

Yes. You can select the relevant contest(s) for each child(ren), all during the same session online.

Top

How is the NSF Leadership in Writing Bee conducted?

See the section on Essay Writing Contest Rules.

Top

How is the Leadership in Writing Bee judged?

The essays will be scored by a qualified panel of NSF Essay Contest judges (three judge will score each essay). Every submitted essay will be read and ranked by every judge on the panel. Depending on the number of contestants, winners will be identified based on NSF Leadership in Writing Contest judging rules. The decisions by the judges shall be final and shall not be subject to any further appeal.

Top

When will the contestants be informed of the results?

Results will be announced within 2 to 3 weeks after the contest. All regional and national contest results shall be posted on the NSF website.

Top

What are the attributes of a good essay?

The NSF Leadership in Writing Bee is intended to encourage “impromptu writing” of “timed essays” with discipline, logic and creativity.

The “timed” mode encourages discipline and brevity.

It should have good content, good language and good style.

Good content implies well-connected ideas written persuasively and effectively on the “given topic”.

The child must be able to express his/her idea of leadership very clearly. Examples may be used as and when required. Good language implies the use of good vocabulary. The right word used in the right place packs in a better punch.

Writing is a fine art and therefore it is expected that the participant will use the best words possible while writing on the topic. For example, one can say a line very plainly - ‘he is liked by all’ or one can word it better as in ‘he is appreciated by all’.

Good style implies many things – writing with flair and color, creativity and adding one’s own personal touch.

Grammar and punctuation errors will be taken into account.

Top

How can I register for the NSF Essay Writing Bee contest?

Online registration via NSF homepage is generally available, starting early January. You can also refer to the NSF Contest Calendar or ask your Regional Coordinator about registration deadlines and contest dates.

Top

Is there a National Finals for Essay Writing?

Currently, the national finals will be held only for the senior level. In the future, they may be held for all levels.

Top