Essay Competition Rules and Guidelines
1. Essays should be submitted in PDF, double line spacing, each page numbered. No pictures or illustrations. Font size 12, Times New Roman (or equivalent).
2. Essays should be not less than 750 words and not more than 800 words for Junior category (ages 12-18) and not less than 1200 words and not more than 1500 words for Senior category (ages 18 and above).
3. Plagiarism will result in immediate disqualification.
4. By entering the contest, all entrants grant a non-exclusive worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual license to use and publish each entry for any purpose and in any manner, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate.
5. All entrants must be citizens of Nigeria. Proof of identity will be requested
6. The judges’ decision on any matter is final. There is no obligation on the project team or on the judges to provide an explanation for any decision made.
7. Open door series and/or the judges may disqualify any entry without an explanation if the evidence suggests that there has been a breach of the competition rules.
8. Prizes are not transferable or negotiable.
9.Opendoorseries accepts no responsibility for entries lost, delayed, misdirected or undelivered. Incomplete and or illegible entries will be disqualified. Late entries will not be considered.
10. All essays must carry a one line certification. I (insert name) certify that this essay is solely written by me and no one else has any claim to the copyright.
11. All entrants must submit a passport photograph. (Headshot)
12. Winners will be announced on the website and contacted individually via email.
Judging criteria
1. Originality and creativity: Treatment of the theme showing imagination, human interest, and a fresh point of view. Ability to think ‘outside the box’ in an unusual way.
2. Content and structure: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to the other.
3. Length: Must conform strictly to the word limit provided for each category.
4. There must be logical flow using proper grammar and spelling.
5. Adherence to the topic. Essays must stay focused on the topic.
6. Wow factor: Exceptional essays that display an incredible use of vocabulary, clever ideas, and unique style.
7. No use of foul language, derogatory words, or insinuations.
