Are you passionate about writing essays? Want to challenge your writing skills and win exciting prizes? Participating in essay competitions could be your golden opportunity. With numerous competitions to choose from, the past year was filled with ample opportunities for budding writers to showcase their talent. Here is a comprehensive guide on what happened in the essay competition sphere in 2019 and how you can win.
Overview of Essay Competitions in 2019
The year 2019 saw a wide range of essay competitions with various themes and topics that participants could choose from. Some of the popular themes included climate change, technology, human rights, and education. The number of competitions and the prizes varied significantly, with some contests offering cash prizes, internships, and publication opportunities. The most prominent awards were the Royal Commonwealth Society’s Young Commonwealth Essay Competition and the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition.
Process of Participating in Essay Competitions
Participating in essay competitions can be a daunting task, but with proper planning and strategies, you can succeed. The first step is selecting the right competition that suits your interests and writing style. Once you’ve selected the competition, read and understand the rules and regulations, and brainstorm ideas for your essay.
When crafting your essay, focus on building a unique perspective and providing evidence to support your arguments. Use a clear and concise writing style, and ensure that your work is free from errors by proofreading and editing. Submit your essay before the deadline and wait for the results.
Insights and Advice from Past Winners
Talking to the past winners and top contestants of essay competitions can provide valuable insights and strategies for upcoming competitions. In 2019, the winner of the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition, Vincent A. Alunga, advised applicants to “keep it simple, original, and captivating.” He emphasized the importance of choosing a topic and angle that align with your interests and experience.
Other winners shared similar advice, emphasizing the need for solid research, concise writing, and proofreading. They also underlined the significance of staying true to your writing style and voice.
Critical Analysis of the Current State of Essay Competitions
In 2019, essay competitions continued to provide a platform for writers to express their opinions and showcase their talent. However, as the world moves towards digital forms of content creation, essay contests have seen a decline in popularity.
While social media has made it easier for writers to connect and share their work, it has also brought concerns over plagiarism and fairness. As such, organizers have put policies and measures in place to prevent these issues, including using plagiarism checkers and having a team of judges with diverse backgrounds.
Key Takeaways
- In 2019, there were numerous essay competitions with different themes, topics, and prizes.
- Proper planning and unique perspectives are essential in participating in such contests.
- Insights from past winners include keeping it simple, original, and captivating.
- Essay contests continue to provide a platform for writers despite the rise of digital content creation.
- There is a need to address concerns over plagiarism and bias in essay competitions.
FAQ
What types of prizes are offered in essay competitions?
Prizes offered in essay competitions vary greatly, with some competitions offering cash, internships, mentoring opportunities, and even publication in journals or magazines.
How can I stay true to my writing style while adhering to the competition rules?
Practices such as extensive research, outlining, and a clear understanding of the competition rules can help you create a unique piece while staying within the provided guidelines.
How do organizers prevent plagiarism in essay competitions?
Organizers use tools such as plagiarism checkers and have a diverse team of judges to prevent issues of plagiarism and bias in essay competitions.