2016 Atlantic and College Board Writing Prize
Students: submit your essay analyzing an influential work of art for a chance to win $5,000.
The Atlantic & College Board have partnered for the second year to sponsor a writing competition. The Atlantic & College Board Writing Prize is focused on high school student essays that insightfully analyze and interpret a meaningful work of art.
Essays should be between 1,000 and 1,500 words and can be submitted from Jan. 1 to Feb. 28, 2016. Students need a teacher to sponsor them in order to participate. The teacher sponsor has to approve and submit the essay; see website for more
Website:
Submission window: Jan. 1–Feb. 28, 2016
The Atlantic & College Board Writing Prize returns for its second year! This time, we’re looking for exceptional high school student essays that insightfully analyze and interpret a meaningful work of art. Our understanding of the human experience is enhanced by the study of significant historical artifacts. When we interact with art — when we learn about it, think about it, write and talk about it — we participate in a larger, ongoing conversation about culture and society. The 2016 Writing Prize contest invites you to be part of this conversation.
Your essay should share your perspective on the artwork you choose to write about, and it should also include evidence that backs up your conclusions. We’re looking for writing that is both interesting and instructive, and that clearly communicates your experience with the artwork and your views on it.
Essays should be between 1,000 and 1,500 words and can be submitted from Jan. 1 to Feb. 28, 2016. You’ll need to ask a teacher-sponsor to approve and submit your essay. We’ll select one student winner who will earn a $5,000 prize and have his or her essay published in the September 2016 issue of The Atlantic.
Writing is one of the most important skills to master. Not only is writing essential for college and career, but learning to write clearly also helps studentsdevelop theirthinking skills. To be successful at analytical writing, studentsmust support their arguments with evidence found in the text and clearly convey information to the reader. It is this kind of writing that allows studentsto build knowledge, deepen understanding, and develop informed opinions. With this in mind,the College Board has collaborated to create this annual contest. The focus of this contest will change each year to align with the introduction of a newly redesigned AP course and exam.
How to Enter
For Students
Step 1: Review the prompt, then choose an artwork that speaks to you, from the list provided or of your own choosing.
Step 2: Find a teacher to sponsor you: one who is willing to provide feedback during the writing process, make sure your essay qualifies for submission, and submit the essay for you.
Step 3: Write a 1,000- to 1,500-word essay that:
Clearly articulates your perspective on the artwork
Accurately analyzes the artwork’s form, function, content, and/or contexts
Effectively uses information from source materials, if applicable
Draws effective comparisons with other artworks, if applicable
Step 4: Ask for feedback from your sponsoring teacher.
Step 5: Revise. Revise again.
Step 6: Save the final version of your essay, and an image of the artwork you are writing about, as a PDF file, and ask your sponsoring teacher to submit it online on or before Feb. 28, 2016. Earlier is better! Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your essay – the form closes at midnight with a timestamp, no exceptions!
Submissions will be accepted between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28, 2016.
For Teachers
Scoring Rubric
Use this worksheet to score your student's essay.
Step 1: Agree to sponsor your student.
Step 2: Help your student choose an artwork.
Step 3: Guide your student to write a 1,000- to 1,500-word essay that:
Clearly articulates their perspective on the artwork
Accurately analyzes the artwork’s form, function, content, and/or contexts
Effectively uses information from source materials, if applicable
Draws effectivecomparisons with other artworks, if applicable
Step 4: Provide encouragement and feedback, including marking up your student’s drafts.
Step 5: Help your student revise the essay.
Step 6: Apply the scoring rubric to your student’s essay, and if it qualifies, submit the essay on your student’s behalf before Feb. 28, 2016.
Please return to site between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28, 2016 to submit your student’s essay.