Submissions, eligibility, formal requirements:
1. What is the deadline for submissions?
The deadline for submissions is April 2, 2006, midnight (CET).
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. The rule is: if you are within these limits at ANY time in the year 2006, you are eligible to participate. This means that anyone born between the year 1980 and 1988 is invited to take part in the competition.
5. In which language shall I submit the essay?
The essay can be written in either of the 3 languages: English, French and Spanish. 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.
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.
Topics:
1. Do I need to address both topics?
No, you are only asked to address either Topic 1 or Topic 2.
2. Within each topic, there is a paragraph referring to ‘experience’ and one referring to ‘ideas’. What does it mean?
It means that, if you have practical experience in working with your peers to solve community problems, we would like you to describe your experience. However, if you have never been involved in actual community work, we are interested in your ideas and plans.
3. In order to address Topic 1, do I need to be a member of a youth/ community organization?
No, this is not necessary. However, we are interested in your work or your ideas on solving community problems or influencing decision making that involved your peers (a group of young people – friends, neighbors, etc.).
4. Do I need to answer all sub-questions listed under each topic?
Yes, you are expected to answer those questions, if they are relevant to your work/ your idea. However, if you think some of them have already been answered indirectly in your essay, or are not relevant, you do not need to answer them specifically. We have included them to guide you and to help you structure your essay.
5. Can I only write on: education, HIV/AIDS, employment or conflict?
No, we have provided a few examples of important community problems, but the list is not exhaustive. You are free to address any other issue that you find relevant in your community.
ABCDE Conference:
1. If I am a finalist, who will pay for my travel and stay in Tokyo?
The World Bank will cover the cost of travel and accommodation for the finalists.
