To: English 12 Students

Subject: VFW Voice of Democracy Essay Competition

The Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies Auxiliary is sponsoring their annual Voice of Democracy Essay Competition.

Q: So, how does this essay involve you?

A: Every 12th grade students is REQUIRED to write a 3 page paper on a topic provided by the VFW

Q: What is this year’s topic?

A: "American History: Our Hope for the Future"

Q: How do I get started?

A: Start brainstorming for ideas.

Q: What is the format of this paper?

A: 1” margins

Double spaced

12” pitch (no large types allowed)

Acceptable fonts: courier, times roman, bookman, Garamond

Length: 3 full pages (Not 2 ½ pages, but 3 full pages of typed text!)

Cover page (see back)

Please note: No triple spacing between paragraphs

No name or title should be on the first page of text

IMPORTANT DATES

Q: When is this paper due?

A: Uploaded by 11:59pm September 11th

Q: When will the names of the finalists be announced?

A: Week of October 9th

Q: When will the finalists record their speeches for the members of the VFW?

A: Weeks of October 9th and 16th

Q: What happens if I fail to submit this paper by the designated due date?

A: TEN points will be deducted every day the paper is late

Q: How will this paper be graded?

A: One grade will be given for grammar and overall presentation (in other words, did you follow the directions listed above). A second grade will be given for Focus of Topic, Organization, Content and Originality. These two grades will be averaged together and will count for 25% of the first marking period.

For example, Grammar/Presentation = 82%

Focus of Topic, Organization, Content, Originality = 89%

Therefore 82% + 89% = 171/200 = 86% (overall average)

American History: Our Hope for the Future

Submitted By:

Susan B. Anthony

Submitted For

English 12

Ms. Robbins

September 11, 2017