Creative Composition - Essay Writing

Creative Composition events consist of Essay Writing, Poetry Writing, and Short Story Writing. A student that learns to write well will have a powerful tool to reach the heart of others.

• All Creative Composition entries must have been written since the end of the last PILOTS Convention.
• Plagiarism of any kind will automatically disqualify the entry.
• A significant portion of the entry must be written in the presence of the teacher or parent signing/submitting the Creative Composition Affidavit to avoid plagiarism and to ensure the integrity of the entry.
• The Creative Composition Affidavit (AF1) must be filled out, signed, and brought to registration.
• All written entries must be in the English language.
• Students are not allowed to use advanced automated technology (AI or tools such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, etc.) and are expected to complete their entry without substantive assistance from others, including automated tools. Sponsors must verify that AI has not been used in the composition and writing process.

Themes – Themes for all composition entries may be evangelistic, Biblical, patriotic, inspirational, persuasive, or historical. The theme and title of the entry must be included when submitting the entry for judging.

Before Registration Day – Each school must submit the following early entries digitally at least fourteen days prior to the beginning date of PILOTS directly to the PILOTS Program.

Early Entry Composition: Short Story, Essay, Poetry Writing

Detailed information regarding entry submission will be communicated further via email. Files must be saved and uploaded as a PDF file format only.

Judging - For judging criteria, please see judge’s forms AF2 through AF4 (shown on each event's page).

Print the Creative Composition affidavit (AF1)

Essay Writing – A good essay uses facts, arguments, examples, and illustrations that allow the reader to be persuaded by the truth they are reading.

Requirements:

• Length: 500-750 words
• Format: Typed, double-spaced on plain white paper; one full-inch margin on all sides.
• A typed cover page must be included with the title, theme, entry number, and number of words.There should be no identifying information including the student name or church/school.
• The file with the coversheet included must be saved as a PDF and uploaded to the PILOTS Program.

Tips:

• Read over the judge's form (AF2) very carefully before writing. Judges look for organization and persuasiveness in essays.
• Begin the entry clearly stating a strong thesis in the first paragraph, then follow through logically, smoothly, and persuasively to support that thesis.
• Use your own original ideas and avoid clichés or generalizations that are not supported by examples or illustrations.
• Quotes are a good way to support a thesis but should be used sparingly.
• Careful attention should be given to organization and accurate word selection.
• Judges also look at the technical merits of the essay. Writing should be done in the third person unless there is a specific reason for using first or second person. The essay should be neat and free of typing, spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
• Finish with a strong closing statement.