A
Writing contests are a great way for high school students to showcase their creative skills. Here are some of the top free writing contests for high school students.
Young Lions Fiction Contest
Award Amount: $10,000
Deadline: Usually in September
The Young Lions Fiction Contest was established in 2001 by the New York Public Library. Five finalists are recognized, with one taking home the grand prize of $10,000. To qualify, the author must be 25 or younger and submit a novel or a collection of short stories.
53-Word Story Contest
Award: Publication in Prime Number Magazine
Deadline: 21st of each month
Hosted by Prime Number Magazine, writers are put to the test and have to respond to a prompt (提示) with a 53-word story. The prompt changes each month, and the responses must be 53 words exactly. Only stories are permitted and only one submission per writer per month is allowed.
Signet Essay Contest
Award Amount: $1,000 to be used towards your higher education
Deadline: April 22
2021
I£ you are a Wuthering Heights fan, then the Signet Essay Contest is the one for you. Five high school juniors or seniors can win an award for their two to three — page essays. You must select one of the five prompts1 based on the events and characters in Wuthering Heights.
Ocean Awareness Contest
Award Amount: Scholarships up to $1,500
Deadline: June 15, 2021
The Ocean Awareness Contest aims to recognize writers while raising awareness about the climate crisis. Students can submit visual art, film or music. Each category has specific qualifications, so make sure to check.
1. How many people can get the grand prize in Young Lions Fiction Contest?
A. One. B. Five. C. Six. D. Ten.
2. What is special about the 53-Word Story Contest?
A. It is held on the last day of each month.
B. The participants can choose any topic.
C. It awards winners a large sum of money.
D. The entry must contain exactly 53 words.
3. What do the four contests have in common?
A. They are all free of charge.
B. They provide scholarships.
C. They accept various forms of works.
D. They center on environmental issues.
【答案】1. A 2. D 3. A
【解析】
【分析】这是一篇应用文，介绍了四项顶尖的高中生自由写作比赛。
【1题详解】
细节理解题。根据“Young Lions Fiction Contest”部分第二句“Five finalists are recognized, with one taking home the grand prize of $10,000.”(五名入围者获得认可，其中一人获得1万美元的大奖。)可知，一人可获少壮狮子小说大赛大奖。故选A。
【2题详解】
细节理解题。根据“53-Word Story Contest”部分第二句“The prompt changes each month, and the responses must be 53 words exactly.”(提示每个月都有变化，回复必须精确到53个字。)可知，53字故事大赛的参赛作品必须正好包含53个单词。故选D。
【3题详解】
推理判断题。根据“Signet Essay Contest”部分“$1,000 to be used towards your higher education”(1000美元用于你的高等教育)和“Ocean Awareness Contest”部分“Scholarships up to $1,500”(高达1500美元的奖学金)可知，这两个比赛提供奖学金，但“Young Lions Fiction Contest”和“53-Word Story Contest”部分没有提到奖学金，所以提供奖学金不是这四个比赛的共同点，排除选项B；根据“53-Word Story Contest”部分最后一句“Only stories are permitted and only one submission per writer per month is allowed.”(只有故事是允许的，每个作家每月只能提交一次。)可知，“53-Word Story Contest”只接受故事形式的作品，所以选项C不是共同点，排除选项C；根据“Ocean Awareness Contest”部分第一句“The Ocean Awareness Contest aims to recognize writers while raising awareness about the climate crisis.”(海洋意识竞赛旨在表彰作家，同时提高对气候危机的认识。)可知，“Ocean Awareness Contest”关注环境问题，但其它三个比赛并没有提到环境问题，所以选项D不是共同点，排除选项D。这四个比赛都没有提到参加比赛要收费，所以选项A是共同点。故选A。
