2024 IEW Writing Contest

The 2024 IEW Writing Contest is now closed.

We are delighted to present our annual writing contest for all aspiring and accomplished writers, ages eight to eighteen. Whether or not they have experience with IEW's Structure and Style® writing method, your students are invited to participate.

For both the students and their teachers, we have great prizes for the top three in each category!

First Prize: $200.00 (for student) + $200.00 IEW gift certificate (for parent or teacher)
Second Prize: $100.00 (for student) + $100.00 IEW gift certificate (for parent or teacher)
Third Prize: $50.00 (for student) + $50.00 IEW gift certificate (for parent or teacher)

Every participant will receive a free IEW bookmark.

Here is how to participate.

1. Choose the correct category. Enter level according to the student's age as of March 1, 2024.

Level A (ages 8–10)
Level B (ages 11–13)
Level C (ages 14–18)

2. There are three different prompts, one for each level. Write your composition or essay following the guidelines in
the checklist below for your entry to be considered.

Checklist

Format with Times New Roman, 12 pt. font, double-spaced.

Do not include your name on your paper.

Center the title.

Prompts

Level A

Write a 2-paragraph composition answering this prompt: “Describe a person who is interesting or important to you who has persevered when other people might have given up. The person must be a real person, either from the present (living) or from the past, not a fictional character.”

Level B

Write a 4- or 5-paragraph composition answering this prompt: “History and literature are full of stories of people who refused to give up, even when they experienced trouble. Write about a historical or literary figure whom you believe displayed perseverance in the face of difficulty. What can we learn from him or her?”

Level C

Write a 5- to 7-paragraph essay answering this prompt: “History and literature are full of examples of people who refused to give up, even when their circumstances were difficult. What does it mean to have perseverance? Choose either a real person (living or dead) or a literary figure who displayed perseverance. How have they inspired you to persevere? Share what lessons you’ve learned from their example.”

3. Submit your entry.

Contest entries are no longer being accepted.

If you have any questions, email info@IEW.com and we will be happy to assist you.

Deadline for submission is April 30, 2024 at 11:59 PM CT.