The requirements for a short story competition can vary. It could be that you have to submit your story by a certain deadline, stick to a particular style of writing, and make sure your story hasn't been published elsewhere before.
A good short story for teenagers usually has relatable characters and exciting plots. It should also have some sort of lesson or message that they can take away.
To win, you need a compelling opening to hook the judges. Develop complex characters they can relate to. And, proofread carefully to eliminate any errors.
First, come up with an interesting idea. Make it unique and something that will catch the judges' attention. Then, focus on creating well-developed characters and a clear plot. Also, pay attention to your writing style - keep it engaging and easy to follow.
Once upon a time, there was a pistol competition in a small town. The competitors were all kinds of characters. One guy showed up with a really old - fashioned pistol that looked like it was from a cowboy movie. When he fired, instead of hitting the target, it made a huge puff of smoke and the bullet went flying off in a completely wrong direction. Everyone burst out laughing, even the serious judges couldn't hold back their smiles.
Well, to judge a short story competition, you first need to look at the plot. Is it engaging and coherent? Also, check the character development. Are the characters believable and well-rounded?