Essays should present a clear thought or idea.  In setting out its argument, it should go beyond listing other people's ideas, but rather compare and contrast issues and ideas, draw on concrete facts and examples and put forward an original position. 

This Essay Competition aims to attract journalistic-style writing.  Arguments should be set out with clarity and following a logical succession of ideas.  It should make clear the links and transitions between the different ideas it presents. 

Although no bibliography is required, the origin or significance of facts should be made clear.  All essays will undergo a plagiarism test and any essay found to contain content from someone else passed off as the entrants work, will be disqualified. 

Each essay will be judged according to the following four criteria:

1. Argument/Creativity (30%)
2. Structure (25%)
3. Facts and examples (25%)
4. Communication and readability (20%)