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2005 Commonwealth essay competition

16 September 2004

 Essay
 The top prize in the Class A category is £600.
The Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) has launched the 2005 Commonwealth Essay Competition and hopes to attract more than 5,000 entries from around the globe.

Stuart Mole, Director-General of RCS, said: "The Commonwealth Essay Competition provides a unique way of promoting English as a key Commonwealth and world language. It also promotes literacy and the development of communication skills, as well as awareness of ethical, humanitarian and Commonwealth issues. I hope schools in every part of the Commonwealth will encourage the widest possible participation in the 2005 Competition."

The Competition, which closes on 1 March 2005, aims to encourage young people to aspire to high standards of academic scholarship and creative writing, and promote the use of modern information technology and communication skills.

The annual competition is judged according to four age groups -- Class A (16-18 years of age), Class B (14-15 years), Class C (12-13 years) and Class D (under 12 years).

Some of the essay topics posed by the organiser include questions on ways to improve the quality of life of Commonwealth citizens. One of the topics is: 'As a young citizen of the Commonwealth, what three issues would most improve the quality of life in your village, town or city if tackled successfully? Explain your choice and discuss what you would like to see happen.' Another question deals with the commemoration of a new festival or carnival in one's country -- 'It is your chance to create a new festival day for your country or another Commonwealth country. What would you commemorate and how would you celebrate?' There are also general topics such as, 'Is there something about which you know a great deal? Write an essay which both informs and engages the reader.' 

Each class has four main prizes. The top prize in the Class A category is £600, Class B category £350, Class C category £250 and Class D category £150.

Contestants can opt for the Commonwealth Question, which relates to the theme for Commonwealth Day 2005 (14 March), 'Education -- Creating Opportunity, Realising Potential'. They can produce an essay on this topic, which aims to highlight the importance of education for attaining social and economic development.

CNIS - the Commonwealth News and Information Service Issue 201

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