GOOD WRITING HELPS ENSURE THE USABILITY OF THE WINNER’S WORK.

Main Points 

For the Lamb Prize, good writing includes but is not limited to:

• Proper use of grammar; 
• Appropriate use of tone in an individual voice capable of specificity; 
• Conventions that are correct and communicative; 
• Logical organization and clarity; 
• Logical transitions; and
• Articulation of interesting and important ideas.

Evaluation

The Selection Committee evaluates papers for these characteristics and for the more general indicators of good writing:

• A Question: A clearly stated research question or goal presented early in the paper:  having the research question or goal stated in the introduction (and abstract) allows the reader know where the paper is heading.

• An Argument: A logical argument that seeks to answer the question or support the goal, explains why it is important, what others have said about it, and then presents an innovative solution or idea to address the question or goal. 

Helpful Tips

• Have a friend, your adviser, or mentor read the paper for editing issues and logical argument. 

• Check to be sure there are no jumps in logic within your writing—is everything clearly explained?

• Format and structure your submission for the Lamb Prize. Remember that you are writing for publication; the winning paper will be published online. The Selection Committee is looking for a professional presentation which follows the Lamb Prize instructions without reference to the assignment or class that inspired the writing. 

Rules

Written submissions in support of an application must be typed and include sufficient references to demonstrate that the applicant understands the literature upon which the submission is based. Applicants may use any citation style. However, the citation style must be employed consistently within any one document and among all documents. Applications must be signed by the applicant and endorsed by a faculty sponsor.