"The Commonwealth Essay Competition made me realise something: not only was it the beauty of words, it was the word in me. Commonwealth, you drew a picture for me that said I could do anything I wanted. I have been accepted to study English and Drama at the University of Cape Town, and when I am done I will be a teacher."
Nicola Lazenby from South Africa won the Essay Competition in 2004 and was a runner up in 2005.

 

Boy watching mechanised farming equipment
Amitabha Basu / The achievement of using new technology in a traditional farming community / © Commonwealth Photographic Awards

 

"I am of Indian origin. Both my parents were born in India and much of my family live in India or Great Britain. I enjoy taking part in the Commonwealth Essay Competition as it has allowed me to learn more about my country and its history". Student, 2002

Guidance for Candidates

Notes for Guidance

1. Entries must be the original work of the writer. This does not rule out input
or assistance from others. However an entry will be disregarded if there is any
suggestion of plagiarism or undue help from the internet or another person.

2. Entrants are encouraged to be creative in their response to a topic. Entries
can be submitted in a number of different formats: for example, a poem,
letter, article, story, essay or even a short play.

3. Entries must respond to the topic. Each year a number of good entrants let
themselves down because they do not fully answer, or refl ect on, what the
topic has asked them to do.

4. Award-winning entrants are expected to show originality and fl air, linked to
sound academic standards and competent use of English as a written
language. This includes a good standard of spelling and punctuation, neat
presentation and clear hand-writing or word-processing.

5. Illustrations are welcomed, particularly in Junior entries, but they must
enhance the written text and add to the overall quality of the entry.

6. Entrants should be aware that the care with which they present their work
will be taken into account whether writing by hand or using a computer.