Why are you
sponsoring an essay contest?
How can I use this
contest in my classroom?
How do my students choose
a topic?
What makes a good essay?
How should an essay be
organized?
Why
are you sponsoring an essay contest? top
The main reason is
because it was requested. We have received numerous letters requesting
an essay or short story contest. In thinking about the benefits of
each, we decided to sponsor an essay contest. The ability to take
thoughts and make an eloquent position is an important life skill.
Essays are important because they teach our youth how to commit to a
belief and support their ideas. Writing a personal essay can give
students a sense of self worth and develop their character.
How can I use this contest in my classroom? top
The topic of the contest was left open for many reasons. Unlike many
other essay contests, we felt having the students write about what we
were interested in is too limiting. As a class assignment it can be
used as an academic exercise or for the personal growth of the student.
We want to teach our young writers both process and content. We hope
our contest will allow your students to apply the skills of organizing
their thoughts into supporting a statement. A thesis statement, proper
sentences supporting an argument and a conclusion are the basis of any
good writing.
The open topic allows teachers to apply this contest to any subject
matter. Students can write on their own subjects and show their own
individuality or a teacher could assign the topic of what is important
and have the entire class write on the same issue.
How do my students choose a topic? top
We originally started this contest with the topic of "What Is Important
to Me." However we realized that a topic is not as important as the
writing. With any good essay the writing is what is most important. The
contest has been changed to allow any topic. Often teachers will have
the students write on a topic they are learning or discussing in class.
You can assign a topic or have each student come up with their own.
What we don't want are short stories and creative writing. If a student
has trouble coming up with their own topic then the following topics
may help to stimulate some ideas. Good luck.
Encourage all students to submit an essay. We often hear from teachers
who have been part of our program that because our judges don’t know
your students, our judging isn’t a popularity contest. Often times a
student who seldom receives recognition is accepted to be published.
This often has a life changing effect on these students.
Here are some specific
topic ideas that inspire personal growth and can be used to generate
classroom discussion:
Academic topics that can help you to assess the impact of a lesson and
also help develop your students’ writing skills:
SCIENCE
Science
The ocean
Exploring space
The invention of____
Preserving our environment
Computers
HISTORY
The Heroes of 9-11
The soldiers who fought for my freedom
The Declaration of Independence
Learning about our past
The contributions made by the (Greeks, Romans, Egyptians etc)
THE ARTS
Music
Dancing
Art
ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS
Being a good writer
Reading
Books
The message left by Anne Frank
(this topic can be used for any book)
What makes a good essay? top
Aside from topics such as drugs, sex or violence, there are no wrong
topics. We don’t want any essays that deal with topics that promote
illegal activities or are morally offensive. Essays will be judged on
both style and content. Judges will look for writing that is clear,
articulate and logically organized.
Make sure the essay uses the first lines to introduce the topic. Follow
this by reasons that the topic is important and end with a closing
statement that leaves the reader in agreement with the essay. Have the
students state their personal views in an organized statement.
How should an Essay be Organized? top
Opening
Once your students have a topic then have them work on the opening
paragraph and introduction. Rather than "My essay is on…. " Be more
creative. How can they draw the reader in and then introduce the topic?
Support
Support the opening statement with examples that prove their point. Are
there experiences that would show the reader why the topic is
important? Try not to start every sentence with "I". Use a variety of
words.
Closing
This often makes reference to the attention getting device that was
used in the opening. The students can also make a statement concerning
each of the ideas that were presented to support their essay. The end
goal is for the reader to understand the writer's position on the
subject.
Choosing a Title
Titles are important. Be creative to make sure each title is unique
among
the other entries.
Students will often write their essays double spaced and then allow
peer review by other classmates. Have their classmates check the
spelling, verb usage, word choice, organization and overall
understanding of the point that is being made. After the peer review,
or if peer review is not chosen, have each student work on creating a
final draft. Be sure that your essay is not over 250 words.
If you mail your essay the essay should have the required student
information on the top of the paper. Name, grade, home address
(optional), school name, school address and teacher’s name. Be sure
each address includes the city, state and zip code.
This required information will be followed by the title and then the
essay. Whereas we prefer the essays to be typed, we will accept them in
any form as long as they are clearly written and the names are printed.
Encourage all students to submit an essay. We often hear from teachers
who have been part of our program that because our judges don’t know
your students, our judging isn’t a popularity contest. Often times a
student who seldom receives recognition is accepted to be published.
This often has a life changing affect on these students.
We hope that you can use this contest to create a classroom discussion
that allows your students to have thoughtful introspection concerning
what they value.
Good luck in the contest.
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