When+choosing+between+which+piece+to+keep+and+which+to+reject+for+our+fictional+student+publication,+what+did+we+base+our+editor's+decision+on?

The pieces we chose as being superior all shared the following characteristics: Strong ending It dove deeply into one topic or idea. It pursued an idea fully rather than only addressing each concept lightly.
 * Interesting content**
 * It had a meaning.

Questions: 1) Is it hard to relate to? 2) Is there controversy? 3) Might there be more to grasp on a second read? Does it deserve a second look? 4) Did the writer move beyond the obvious or predictable to discuss substantive issues?

Multiple points of view Makes you think. It was easy to relate to at least one point of view.
 * Wide thoughts**

Questions: 1) Story with multiple P.O.V? 2) Lost of dialogue? 3) Meaningful deep hidden meanings?

It had a clear POV.
 * Clarity**

Questions: 1) Does this piece say what it means to say?

It had imagery.* It had good word choice. it used strong symbolism
 * Imagery coming from precise word choice, strong description**
 * It was descriptive.

Questions: 1) Can you interpret the meaning? 2) Were they hypocritical? 3) Supports multiple points of view?

It wasn't that long.- Don't get bored Short but not too short It had stuff that we could relate to.
 * Be straight to the point!**

Questions: 1) Did the writer stay focused on making their point? 2) Did the length of the story reflect the point intended? 3) Can you relate to the story from past events?

Transitions Clear and understandable It was on an interesting topic.*
 * Connections**
 * It flowed.

Questions: 1) Are the sentences/subjects choppy or flowing? 2) Does the piece have a clear main point/topic? 3) Are the connections between the multiple subjects easily recognizable?