The World Historian Student Essay Competition offers students a remarkable opportunity to engage with world history. The World History Association (WHA) is the host of this esteemed competition, which develops writing and critical thinking abilities in addition to offering a greater comprehension of world events and cultures.
We will go over all the important details of this competition in this post, including its goals, eligibility requirements, judging standards, and rewards.
The World History Association (WHA)
Background and Purpose
The World History Association (WHA) is an academic organization dedicated to advancing world history. Since its inception in the early 1980s, it has played an important role in shaping the evolution of world history education in the United States and beyond.
The WHA has enriched the study of history by advocating for cross-cultural and comparative approaches to history.
Advancing World History Education
The WHA fulfills its mission by hosting annual conferences, publishing the Journal of World History, and providing a platform for networking and idea sharing among its members. The organization’s commitment to promoting global and world history has created an invaluable resource for historians, educators, scholars, and enthusiasts.
The World Historian Student Essay Competition
Objectives and Mission
The World Historian Student Essay Competition 2023 aligns with the WHA’s mission to promote an appreciation for world history, particularly among young students. Through this competition, the WHA aims to inspire students to engage deeply with historical narratives and global perspectives.
Financial Rewards and Scholarships
Participating in nationally recognized essay competitions like this can benefit high school students. The rewards include monetary prizes and scholarships, which can help students prepare for higher education.
These competitions foster essential skills such as research, critical thinking, and creativity, enhancing applicants’ academic preparedness.
Publication in the World History Bulletin
Winning the competition also provides students with the opportunity to have their essays published in the World History Bulletin. This exposure can significantly strengthen university applications, showcasing students’ dedication and expertise in history.
Essay Prompt and Guidelines
Annual Essay Prompt
Every year, participants are given a thought-provoking essay prompt: “How has studying world history affected my understanding of the world in which I live?” This question prompts students to consider their personal and ancestral histories, highlighting how world history has shaped their lives.
Encouragement of Personal and Ancestral Stories
The competition encourages students to incorporate personal narratives into their essays. This can include family stories about historical events, reflections on their family’s cultural background, or specific regional knowledge that connects to world historical events.
Students may increase the relatability and relevance of history by doing this.
Inclusivity and Eligibility
The World Historian Student Essay Competition 2024 is open to students from diverse educational backgrounds, including public, private, and parochial schools, as well as homeschooled students.
This broadness ensures that students from various educational settings can participate and share their unique perspectives.
Submission Guidelines and Format Requirements
To ensure fair competition, the competition has established specific submission guidelines. Essays should be approximately 1,000 words long, double-spaced, and formatted with a 12-point Times New Roman Font.
Judging Criteria
Evaluation of Essays
The competition committee uses a set of criteria to evaluate essays. These include the presence of a clear thesis, elaboration on the thesis with specific examples, evidence of critical thinking, organized and fluent writing, and the effectiveness of connecting personal experiences to world history.
Importance of Engaging with the Prompt
The essence of the competition lies in students’ ability to engage with the essay prompt fully. To succeed, students must not only answer the question but also include personal or familial stories that connect them to the prompt.
It helps students showcase how a better understanding of world history has changed them.
Important Dates and Deadlines
Submission Deadline
All essay entries must be emailed or postmarked by the annual deadline of May 1st. Winning papers will be announced online during the summer.
Costs and Prizes
Absence of Application Fees
Unlike many competitions that charge application fees, the World Historian Student Essay Competition is free to enter. This financial accessibility eliminates barriers and encourages broader participation.
Monetary Prizes and Scholarships
The author of the winning essay will receive a substantial $500 prize. Additionally, the winner will be granted a one-year membership in the World History Association. This monetary reward can support students in their future educational endeavors.
Opportunity for Publication
The WHA reserves the right to publish the winning essays, or parts of them, in the World History Bulletin. This exposure can be a valuable addition to students’ academic portfolios, enhancing their university applications.
Tips for Writing a Winning Essay
The World Historian Student Essay Competition is an excellent opportunity, but it requires careful planning and effective writing to craft a winning essay.
Here are some valuable tips to help you create an outstanding essay that has a better chance of catching the judges’ attention:
Choose a Compelling Topic
Select a topic that not only aligns with the competition’s prompt but also genuinely interests you. Passion for your subject matter will shine through in your writing.
Craft a Clear Thesis
Your thesis statement should be concise and specific. It should clearly state the main argument or point you intend to make in your essay.
Incorporate Personal Stories
The competition encourages you to include personal and ancestral stories related to world history. These anecdotes can make your essay more relatable and memorable.
Conduct Thorough Research
A well-researched essay is a strong essay. Ensure credible sources back your essay and include historical context where relevant.
Engage Your Reader
Craft an engaging introduction that grabs the reader’s attention. Use hooks, anecdotes, or thought-provoking questions to draw your audience in.
Organize Your Thoughts
Maintain a clear and logical structure in your essay. Use paragraphs to separate different ideas and concepts. Each paragraph should have a clear purpose.
Support Your Claims
Back up your arguments with specific, concrete examples and evidence. This demonstrates critical thinking and strengthens your case.
Revise and Edit
After writing your essay, take the time to revise and edit. Check for grammar and spelling errors, as well as clarity and coherence in your writing.
Connect with the Prompt
Ensure that your essay fully addresses the competition’s prompt. Demonstrate how a better understanding of world history has changed you.
Reasons to Participate
Eight Compelling Reasons
Here are eight reasons why students should consider participating in the World Historian Student Essay Competition:
- Do extensive study on a range of historical subjects.
- Develop a personal connection to historical events through personal and ancestral stories.
- Open participation to students from diverse educational backgrounds.
- Accept the academic challenge of writing an approximately 1,000-word essay.
- Enjoy financial accessibility with no application fees.
- Stand a chance to win a substantial cash prize and a one-year WHA membership.
- The opportunity to have essays published in the World History Bulletin.
- Strengthen university applications with recognition from an internationally recognized organization.
Final Words
More than just a competition, the World Historian Student Essay Competition gives students a chance to study world history and apply what they learn to their own lives. Through this experience, students are encouraged to think critically, grow as individuals, and acquire vital skills that will help them in and out of the classroom.
Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in this esteemed competition and experience an exciting educational journey.