New York Times Informational Writing Contest
Inspired by The New York Times Magazine's Tip column, in the New York Times Informational Writing Contest. students are asked to write a concise how-to essay that explains a task in 400 words or fewer. They will also need to interview an expert on their chosen topic, making the piece both informative and trustworthy.
Interested in the competition?
Competition Overview
Students ages 13 to 19 around the world
Eligibility
Free
Entry fee
February 12 to March 12, 2025
Contest date
Two months after the contest is closed
Results and winners are notified
Competition Details
1. Eligibility
This contest is open to students ages 13 to 19 in middle school or high school worldwide (high school postgraduate students who haven’t enrolled in a college can apply). Students attending their first year of a two-year CEGEP in Quebec Province can also participate. If students are directly related to New York Times employees or live in the same household as those employees, they are not eligible to enter this contest.
2. Competition Topic
Inspired by The New York Times Magazine’s Tip column, students are asked to write a concise how-to essay that explains a task in 400 words or fewer. They will also need to interview an expert on their chosen topic, making the piece both informative and trustworthy.
Students can pick any appropriate task, as long as it’s suitable for a family newspaper. The requirement to include a quote from an expert adds depth and authenticity to the essay. The challenge encourages students to explore different topics and experts, whether in a serious or light-hearted manner, similar to the wide range of subjects the Tip column covered during its run.
3. Results
The results will be announced 2 months after the competition ends.
4. Prizes
Having your work published on The Learning Network and is eligible to be chosen to have your work published in the print editions of The New York Times.
How Will Your Work Be Judged?
The narrative tells a short but memorable story about a life experience and communicates some larger meaning or universal message.
The narrative uses vivid details and images to make the story come alive for the reader. The writing avoids clichés.
The narrative demonstrates a unique
personal voice, style, and point of view. The story is fresh and original.
The narrative presents a clear conflict, an obstacle, problem, or tension that is resolved in some way.
Entry follows all contest rules and guidelines.
Student Awards
Submission Details
All entries must be submitted by December 4, 2024 at 11:59pm
1. Essay Requirements
- Write a description of how to complete a task in 400 words or fewer.
- The task must be appropriate for a family newspaper and specific enough to explain within the word limit.
- You must interview one expert (not related to you) and include at least one quote from them.
2. Individual/Group Submission
Students must work alone and submit one entry per student.
3. Submission Requirement
As part of your submission, you must also submit an “artist’s statement” that describes your process. Students are asked to reflect on what they did and why, what was difficult in order for the team to improve their contests and the curriculum to support students.
