The Kiosk, CUNY SPS’ student-run newspaper, is thrilled to announce its contest for the Fall 2024 semester, Political Op-Ed Writing. The theme: Hot Takes and Hard Evidence (emphasis on the hard evidence). Calling all aspiring pundits: this is your chance to showcase your journalism on our website while competing for prizes! The contest will end Monday, November 11 (more info on how to submit below).
Pick any political issue and write a thoughtful opinion piece. Try to convince your audience of your viewpoint with clear, concise writing, use evidence to back up your opinions, and link credible sources. Focus on a political issue, not on the presidential candidates personally or their parties’ general platform!
Contest Information and Guidelines:
- Prizes:
1st place: Choice of Sony ULT WEAR Over-Ear Headphones, Noise Canceling with Bluetooth OR Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker
2nd place: JBL Go 3 Bluetooth Speaker
3rd place: SPS Swag Bag and $25 Amazon gift card - Entrants must be current CUNY SPS students in good standing.
- Enter submissions via email ([email protected]) by Monday, November 11.
- Word limit: 400-900 words
- Our panel of judges will evaluate submissions based on the following criteria:
Opinion/Argument: Is the op-ed presenting your point of view clearly and effectively? Is the information organized and presented logically? Are there different points of view being presented to strengthen the argument? Is the op-ed’s reasoning sound?
Evidence/Sources: Does the article use credible sources, such as accurate statistics, quotes, and otherwise indisputable facts? Are there multiple sources, and are they linked within the story? Is there a lack of any obvious gaps in information?
Headline: Does the headline make the reader want to read the story? Does it communicate what the story will be about?
Lede: Does the first sentence pull the reader in and make them want to keep reading? Is it cleverly written?
Flow/structure: Does the op-ed have a logical structure, either by starting off with an anecdote or with the most important information? Does it flow naturally from one paragraph to the next, either through transition sentences, quotes, or subheadings? - Only one entry per student is allowed.
NOTE: By submitting, you are granting The Kiosk permission to publish your work. Submitting does not guarantee publication.
