HEC holds National Essay competition

ISLAMABAD: Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Centre for Civic Education Pakistan are arranging a National Essay Writing Competition to explore and examine the way citizens relate to federalism in Pakistan.

The topic for essay writing competition is `What does federalism mean to me?' and regular students of public and private universities (age 18-25) can take part in the competition.

The deadline for submission of essays is September 30 and no entries will be accepted after the deadline. Only one submission per student will be accepted.

The competition is aimed at promoting writing and analytical skills with futuristic approach among university students along with encouraging research, analysis and argument development on the theme.

Students can write on the topic either in English or Urdu and the essay shall be original and unpublished and must not exceed 2,500 words, including footnotes or endnotes.

All sources for research which are used are given proper reference and nothing shall be copied from books/newspapers without using references.

Plagiarism will be checked through software made for this purpose.

The essay must be typed using font 12 in Times Roman and saved in Word file, or typed by using the In-page while the students must use only one side of the paper for prints.

The students are advised to not place the author's name on the text pages. They must include a cover page to mention the name, mailing address, phone number, educational institution, (department and registration number) and e-mail address.

Primary consideration will be given to the essay's originality and its contribution to new knowledge, insights and creative approach. English and Urdu essays will be judged and awarded separately.

HEC will award 50 marks for substance and originality 25 marks for Understanding and arguments and 25 marks writing style, composition and organization

The authors of three best essays in English and Urdu will be awarded Rs. 20,000, Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 10,000 along with certificates of honour and shields.

All entries will be the property of the Centre for Civic Education Pakistan and may be published in future with writer's names.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011