2010 ABC Student Writing Contest

The Association for Business Communication invites undergraduate students to enter the 2010 Student Writing Contest by responding to this year's case. A panel of academic readers will review all qualifying entries, and using the criteria below select up to ten contest finalists. Then, a panel of business professionals will read the finalists entries and select the winning responses. The 1st place winner will receive $300, the 2nd place winner will receive $200, and the 3rd place winner will receive $100. Entries must be received by Friday, April 23, 2010, to be considered, and the winners will be announced during summer 2010.

Information for Students

Case Response: Read the 2010 contest case and write a memo to your supervisor responding to the case.

Entry: If your instructor agrees, email your entry form and case response to wilsonsa@sfasu.edu.

For additional information, please contact:

Dr. Ann Wilson, Chair
ABC Student Awards Committee
Stephen F. Austin State University
P. O. Box 13060 –- SFA Station
Nacogdoches, TX 75962

Download entry form (PDF)

 

 

Information for Instructors

The 2010 Student Writing Contest is open to undergraduate students enrolled in a business communication course during the summer or fall 2009 or spring 2010. You are welcome to enter two of your students in this annual contest, regardless of how many courses you teach. Students must work independently to prepare their responses and team entries will not be considered. Please remember that the emailed response and entry form must be received by midnight, April 23, 2010 to be considered for the contest.

NOTE: It might be helpful for students to write a strategy memo to you in which they identify and describe the audience, objectives, and ramifications of the case, and to explain the strategy they will use to write the message.

Criteria

The winning entry will:

• Exhibit a clear understanding of the audience, use an appropriate tone and style, establish the desired relationship, and motivate the desired outcome.
• Accomplish the purpose of the message by stating a clear position and supporting that position with logical points/sub-points, insightful reasoning and/or persuasive examples.
• Be well organized and easy to follow, include appropriate headings/bullets/lists, and use smooth transitions.
• Demonstrate superior mastery of vocabulary and superior facility with conventions of standard written English (grammar, usage, and mechanics) and use generally accepted U.S. business writing practices.
• Use an appropriate format and document design.