The Writing Center also stands ready to assist students who want to improve their writing skills. Students who have prepared very good or excellent papers are encouraged to submit them for the English Department's annual essay contests. To enter, simply give the professor a fresh, completely corrected copy of the paper. They are meaningful and show that the writer understands and has insight into the subject being discussed. Their authors demonstrate a genuine interest in or engagement with their topics.
Superior essays are often lively or written with flair.
They contain a clear central thesis that controls and shapes the discussion. Their topic is appropriate for the required assignment and is also appropriate for the specified length of the assignment, being neither too narrow nor too broad. They develop their ideas fully and consider the implications of what they are saying. They are well-organized with a clear beginning, a thorough discussion, and a strong conclusion. The introduction leads into the subject.