2008 Countdown to Election Day Essay Contest
Sponsored by MY Access!®, Vantage Learning, and IntelliMetric®The 2008 Presidential Election is monumental for many reasons, from the diversity of the candidates on both tickets, to the state of the economy, to the record number of citizens who have participated so far. But perhaps one of the most exciting developments in this election cycle is the participation of the youth of America. If ever there was a teachable moment, this is it! Have your students enter the 2008 Election Essay Contest to get them thinking about the election process and how it shapes our society and the future of America.
How the contest works:
Students can enter the 2008 Countdown to Election Day Essay Contest by writing an essay on a topic related to the 2008 election. Upon completing the essay, the student will receive immediate feedback on how well his or her essay was written.
Review the prompt for your grade level below and begin pre-writing your essay.
Complete and submit the online entry form below.
Submit your essay.
All entries must be submitted by 11:59 PST, November 4, 2008.
Upon submission, student essays will be scored by IntelliMetric®, the "gold-standard" in automated essay scoring used by over 1,000,000 students worldwide.
Students will receive immediate feedback including:
A holistic score on a 6-point scale.
Scores in each of the common domains of writing (Focus, Content, Organization, Language Use, and Mechanics).
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each category will be determined by:
The preliminary score provided by IntelliMetric®.
Final judging by a panel of writing experts.
Review Your Writing Topic:
The best writing is often the result of planning and revision. To help you through this process and ensure your submission is the best it can be, we've posted some instructional tools, tips, and ideas in the Vantage Learning Community. Good luck!
Upper Elementary School (ages 8-10)
Student Leader
Consider this election fact:
During the recent Democrat and Republican conventions, the television news cameras occasionally focused on young students who had traveled to the conventions to learn about and join in the political process. It is common, especially during presidential elections, for students to take part in such events. Many of these students look back on these events when they get older and see them as very important moments in their lives.
Now, address this writing task:
A national student government organization is inviting student leaders to a meeting to be held in Washington, D.C. Your school has been asked to send one student to the meeting. You have been asked to choose the student that your school will send to the meeting.
Write an essay that convinces your school principal why the person you have chosen should be sent to the meeting in Washington D.C.
Middle School (ages 11-14)
Society's Biggest Problem
Consider this election fact:
During a political convention, when a party officially chooses its presidential nominee, the party also votes on its so-called "platform." This platform is a statement of the party's beliefs and plan for action should it be voted into power. It is composed of "planks," each of which represents the party's stance on an important social problem. In 2008, both the Democrat and Republican Party platforms address such issues as protecting the nation from terrorism, reforming immigration policy, and growing the economy.
Now, address this writing task:
In our society we face a number of problems, such as crime, poverty, and pollution. What do you think is the biggest problem we face in our society today, and why is it a serious issue?
Write an essay explaining the issue or problem you have chosen and why it is having such a negative effect on our society.
High School (ages 15-18)
Our Changing Society
Consider this election fact:
"But today, we are at a crossroads." 2008 Democratic Platform
"In the economy and in society at large, it is a time of transformation." 2008 Republican Platform
There can be little doubt that the nation is experiencing a period of rapid, and at times tumultuous, change-socially, economically, environmentally, etc. This reality is acknowledged by the two major party presidential candidates in their speeches, as well as in the party's platforms themselves. Indeed, both of the major party candidates have claimed the mantle of "change candidate" this year.
Now, address this writing task:
While society is currently undergoing many rapid changes, people disagree about their direction. Has the world, in fact, changed for the better or worse?
Write a multi-paragraph essay supporting your position on this issue. Be sure to include specific details and examples from your own experiences or readings.
Eligibility
The Contest is open to all legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia between the ages of 8 and 18 enrolled in a public or private school, or who are actively being homeschooled at the time of entry, except where prohibited by law. Employees of Vantage Technologies and all Vantage Technology holdings, and their immediate family members and persons living in the same household of such individuals are not eligible. All federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply. Void where prohibited.
Prizes
Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in the Elementary, Middle, and High School categories.
First place - $250
Second place - $150
Third place - $100
Additionally, each winner will receive a 1-year subscription to MY Access! Home Edition, a 1-year license of CorrectEnglish Personal Edition, and 30 licenses of MY Access! School Edition for his or her school*.
Total prizes are valued at over $5,365.
* In lieu of MY Access! School Edition licenses, homeschool students will receive 3 additional subscriptions of MY Access! Home Edition to distribute to their homeschool group or a recipient of their choosing.
Winners
Winners will be notified via email and announced on this website on or about November 14, 2008. Additionally, the winning essays will be posted on this website.Entry
Thank you for entering the 2008 Countdown to Election Day Essay Contest. Please complete the entry form below and indicate that you agree to the Terms and Conditions of the contest which include our privacy practices and COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act) compliance statement.