Submissions, eligibility, formal requirements:
1. What is the deadline for submissions?
The deadline for submissions is March 23, 2008, midnight (Paris time).
2. How do I submit my essay?
The submission process is very simple and entirely online-based.
3. Who is eligible for the essay competition?
The essay competition is open for nationals of ALL countries of the world, students and non-students alike, aged 18-25. Students enrolled in Ph.D. courses are, however, not eligible to participate.
4. I am just under 18 or just over 25 – can I still participate?
The competition is intended for youth aged 18-25. You are ONLY eligible to participate if you are born in the years 1983 - 1990.
5. In which language shall I submit the essay?
The essay can be written in either of the 5 languages: English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese. If you are selected as a finalist, you will be asked to make a presentation of your paper – in the same language that the essay was written in or in English.
6. What is the length and format of the essay?
The essay should not exceed 10 pages (4000 words), 1.5 spaced. The following elements do NOT count into the number of pages or words: abstract, content page, title page (if you provide one). Moreover, graphs and tables do NOT count into the number of words.
7. Am I allowed to include graphs and tables?
Yes, you are welcome (but not obliged to) to include relevant graphs and tables. Their content will not count into the number of words in your essay.
8. What is an abstract?
You will be asked to write an abstract to go with your essay, which cannot exceed 1 page (400 words). An abstract is a summary in which you explain the aim, the methodology, the reasoning and the main conclusions of your paper. The abstract is important, as pre-selection of the essays will be based on the assessment of these only. That means that a good essay without an abstract or with a poorly written abstract will not be graded highly.
9. What are the grading criteria for the essays?
The essays will be graded for their originality, clarity and the use of thoughtful and concrete proposals/ examples.
10. Is it allowed to mention my name in the paper?
It is discouraged to mention the name of the author in the essay or to include the name on the title page or in the footer. Your essay will be linked to your email address and therefore there is no need to sign it with your name.
11. Is it allowed for two or more people to work on the same essay?Unfortunately not. We would like the paper to be individual work.
12. Can I use personal style in my essay, including the ‘I’ form?
Yes. We are asking about your own experience and your own ideas.
Topics:
1. Do I need to address all three questions?
Yes, you are asked to address all questions.
2. Am I allowed to mention the name of my city in my essay?
Yes. At the same time, it is discouraged to include names of persons, or to reveal your own identity.
3. Can I write about a city I know well, even if I do not live there at the moment?
Yes, you can.
ABCDE Conference:
1. If I am a finalist, who will pay for my travel and stay in South Africa?The World Bank will cover the cost of travel and accommodation for the finalists.
