The 17th annual Stop the Hate Contest has officially started, and we’re excitedly anticipating more submissions than ever before. As the contest grows, we’re often asked what makes a good essay. Our team has put together their thoughts on what you can do to increase the chances of success with your submission.
The good news is even though this seems like an intimidating task, with a little brain power and a get-it-done attitude, you can craft the next winning 500-word essay. Here are a few smart strategies to keep in mind as you get started:
1: Use the resources available to you.
The Maltz Museum has many resources for students to help them explore the power of storytelling to shield against hate. You can even hear from winners and read past essays. Be sure to do the Museum’s digital tour in-person Stop the Hate tour and learn more about why the program exists.
2: Find a powerful story.
There’s only one way to find a powerful story: Brain-power. The best way is to brainstorm and do so without judgment. During this process, remember that no idea is a bad idea. Just let ideas flow and make sure to capture everything. Sometimes even a seemingly bad idea can transform into a great idea over time.
Think about situations you’ve encountered that didn’t seem right or fair. Ask yourself: What happened that seemed unjust? How did it make you feel? Why did you feel it was wrong? What did you do as a result? These are the fundamental elements that you want to include in your essay.
3: Dive into the writing process.
Good writing comes from following a process that helps you shape big ideas into a written narrative. Even the world’s best writers don’t deliver a masterpiece in their first draft. They break the process down into pieces, shaping and refining the work as they go along.
Start by getting the bones or structure of your idea on the page with an outline or visual that maps out your story. Include sensory details like how something made you feel or what it made you think. Next, refine your ideas into a first draft. As your ideas evolve, begin to elevate the structure and language. Remember it’s always essential first to define “what” you’re trying to say. Then, you can work on “how” you say it, tweaking the language and grammar as needed.
As you work to shape your essay, make sure it has the following elements:
- Craft a compelling introduction that touches the heart of the story.
- Provide a setting that gives the reader a sense of the place and/or time.
- Include essential details about your experience to provide context.
- Express the impact the experience had on you—how it made you feel.
- Explain what did you do or plan to do in response to create positive change.
4: Share your work.
Before you submit your essay, make sure to have someone else read it. Consider sharing your story with peers, teachers, or family during the drafting process to get feedback on strengths and weaknesses. It’s also always helpful to have someone proofread your final draft before you send it for judging, just to avoid any pesky typos or unintended grammatical errors.
5: Be proud of yourself!
Even if you don’t win the grand prize, we believe you’ve already won. Sharing your story and submitting a Stop the Hate essay speaks volumes about the type of person you are—the kind that we need more of in this world. Thank you for courageously sharing your story. It will have an impact on more people than you know.
If you haven’t already, enter the contest!
Share what you’ve learned through your life experiences and tell how you’ll apply that knowledge in helping to create a brighter future.
Enter the Stop the Hate Contest
Important Reminder: Submission Deadlines
- Grades 6-10 essay submissions are due Thursday, January 9, 2025
- Grades 11 & 12 essay submission are due: Thursday, January 16, 2025
