1. National Beta Club
  2. Resources
  3. State Convention Handbook
  4. State Convention Competitions

Creative Writing

Online Competition Only 

Individual Competition


All tests must be completed during the testing window. This window is prior to the state convention. It is best to test on a desktop computer. 

No onsite component to this competition for the state convention.


The Creative Writing competition provides an opportunity for a student to use creative details through written expression as he/she interprets the prompt. A club may have only one entry. For senior, a club may enter a student in both Division I and Division II.    

A student may take only one Academic test to include Creative Writing and Poetry.

An email from the National Office will be sent to registered clubs the morning that the testing window opens with instructions to access the testing links through the sponsor portal.

Time Limit: 60 Minutes

Competition Guidelines

  • Students will have a sixty (60) minute time limit.
  • No pre-written materials allowed.
  • Each student may use a dictionary and/or thesaurus.
  • Writing prompt will be assigned on the screen at the beginning of the competition.
  • No use of AI Guided Tools, phones, web browsing or adult assistance of any kind during testing.
  • Completed piece must be no more than 3000 characters.

National Beta Club Online Academic Test Proctoring & Monitoring Policy 

Purpose 

To ensure academic integrity and fairness for all participants in the National Beta Convention’s online academic testing, this policy outlines the requirements for proctoring and screen monitoring during tests. 

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1. Proctoring Requirement 

  • All online academic tests must be taken under the supervision of an approved live proctor
  • The proctor must remain present for the entire duration of the test and ensure compliance with testing rules. 

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2. Screen Monitoring & Screenshots 

  • Students are required to consent to random and automated screenshots of their screen during the test. 
  • Screenshots will be used solely to confirm that no unauthorized materials, websites, or applications are accessed during the test. 
  • Screenshots may occur at the beginning of the test and at random intervals throughout. 
  • All captured images will be securely stored and used only for academic integrity verification. 

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3. Consent Requirement 

  • Prior to beginning the test, students must agree to allow access to screenshots during testing. By accepting the student is acknowledging: 
  1. The requirement for proctoring. 
  2. The allowance of random screenshots during testing. 
  3. The understanding that refusal to consent will result in their score being invalid. 

4. Prohibited Activities 

While the test is in progress, students are prohibited from: 

  • Opening other browser windows or tabs. 
  • Using a phone, tablet, or other electronic devices not explicitly permitted. 
  • Consulting notes, textbooks, or any unauthorized resources. 

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5. Violations & Consequences 

  • Any violation of this policy, as determined by the proctor or screenshot review, will result in: 
  1. Score invalidation for the test. 
  2. Possible disqualification from other convention competitions. 
  3. Notification to the student’s Beta Club sponsor and school. 

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6. Data Privacy 

  • Screenshots will not be shared with any third party outside of National Beta Club’s academic integrity process. 
  • Screenshots will be deleted after the testing review period has concluded. 

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Acknowledgment: 
  

All Clubs must agree to the National Beta Convention Online Academic Test Agreement before participating. 

Educational Connections

  • Creativity and Innovation
  • Composition Writing and Journalism
  • Written Communication
  • Grammar
    • How to Enter

    • Visit www.betaclub.org/registration and follow directions.
    • Register students and then select competitions to enter.
    • Select the student that will participate in this competition.

National Eligibility

All Plaques Awarded at State Convention

Judging Criteria

Creative Writing16-2011-156-101-5
Purpose and FocusThe prompt is addressed with an excellent purpose and focus. Main ideas and supporting details are clear and well developed.The prompt is addressed with a good purpose and focus. Main ideas are presented and supported by details that are developed.The prompt is addressed with an average purpose and focus. Main ideas are presented and supported by average details.The prompt is addressed with a minimal purpose and focus. Main ideas are unclear and supported by minimal details.
Organization and DevelopmentThe piece has an excellent beginning, middle, and end.The piece has a good beginning, middle and end.The piece has an average beginning, middle and end.The piece has minimal evidence of a good beginning, middle and end.
Structure and LanguageExcellent use of vivid words and phrases that displays a command of figurative language. Excellent construction of sentences with a varied structure and length appropriate to prompt.Good use of vivid words and phrases that displays a command of figurative language. Good construction of sentences with a varied structure and length appropriate to prompt.Average use of vivid words and phrases that displays a command of figurative language. Average construction of sentences with a varied structure and length appropriate to prompt.Minimal use of vivid words and phrases that displays a command of figurative language. Minimal construction of sentences with little structure and length appropriate to prompt.
MechanicsExcellent command of grammar, mechanics, and/or spelling that results in no errors.Good command of grammar, mechanics, and/or spelling that results in no errors.Average command of grammar, mechanics, and/or spelling that results in some errors.Minimal command of grammar, mechanics, and/or spelling that results in many errors.
Overall EffectivenessExcellent effectiveness in maintaining the reader’s attention.Good effectiveness in maintaining the reader’s attention.Average effectiveness in maintaining the reader’s attention.Minimal effectiveness in maintaining the reader’s attention.
DeductionsThis will be taken one time by the coordinator.Did not follow competition guidelines-10  

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