Though spelling, punctuation, and grammar aren’t marked, and there are very few rules when it comes to writing a story, there is a clear set of criteria that every story is judged against.
The marking criteria is broken down into five categories; originality, characterisation, plot, language and enjoyment. Volunteer Judges are provided a breakdown of this and will use the criteria to each story.
Once stories have been marked by volunteer judges, the official panel will discuss the final top 50 (from both categories) using this same criteria.
To help children understand what the judges are looking for, we caught up with Sir Lenny Henry, Frank Cottrell-Boyce and Charlie Higson, who breakdown all 5 categories of the judging criteria, share some tips and exactly what they look for from a 500 Words Story.
Watch Sir Lenny Henry, Frank Cottrell-Boyce and Charlie Higson breakdown the marking criteria for a 500 Words story.
CharlieWhat to think about
Lennywhen writing your
Frank500 words story
CharlieAs a judge I read so many amazing 500 Words stories, it can be hard to pick a favourite! So to help us pick the winners, we judge them on five different categories: originality, characterisation, plot, language and perhaps most important of all, enjoyment.
LennyOriginality. What's the big idea behind your story? What's the hook, what makes it interesting, or stand out from other stories? If you had to describe your story in just one sentence - what would you say? Like this - dragon in disguise attends birthday party. That was one of the finalist's stories last year! Sounds fun doesn't it? Sounds like a story I want to read.
FrankCharacterisation. Who or what is your main character? Are they different, are they fun, are they lovable, or mischievous? Are they human, or animal, or alien? Think about how they might talk, or what they wear. Could they be a mix of people you know or have read about? Are they someone you would like to know? Well this is your chance to bring them to life!
CharliePlot. The story's plot is very important - it's what happens in the story and what keeps the story moving! Think about what will keep the reader's attention - does your character change during the story? What sort of things happen to them? Do they get into trouble maybe or do they have to help someone else who has got into trouble?
LennyLanguage. What kind of interesting language, or words, could you use to help tell your story to make it unique? The words you use to help us understand your characters - where they are from, or how they talk to their friends. You can have fun with words, even make up your own words! You could use alliteration the busy bee buzzed by, onomatopoeia with words like splash, babble, gurgle, mumble or rhyme later alligator!
FrankAnd last but not least enjoyment! Are you creating something fun? Exciting? Wondrous? Unusual? Do you enjoy your story and are you having fun writing it? If you are, I'm sure that I will enjoy reading it.
CharlieIf you keep those things in mind then you can't go wrong. And I really look forward to reading your story!
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The winning stories of 500 Words 2024/25
Watch Her Majesty The Queen present the winning stories at the 500 Words final 2024/25
The winners of the 500 Words 2024/25 competition
Watch the stories from the 2024/25 competition be read aloud for the very first time.
