English Essay Competition
The Minds Underground™ English Essay Competition is aimed at students in Year 12 (though younger applicants are welcome). The competition provides students with an opportunity to engage in university-level research, hone their writing & argumentative skills and prepare for university interviews. Entrants must choose 1 question to answer.
Submission Deadline: 3rd April 2024.
2024 English Essay Competition Questions
01
How important is language to literature? What about the things that are ‘unsaid’?
Hint:
Think about speechlessness (often in plays – Titus Andronicus can’t speak at one point, it’s called aposiopesis – what does this ‘say’ without saying anything) and the power of gestures to communicate.
02.
How can literature make ‘unreal’ things, real? – To what extent is all literature fictional/ imagined?
Hint:
You could consider this in relation to personal histories/ literature being an account of personal experience – when does an historical account of an experience become a literary account?
03.
‘How can you know anything about literature if all you’ve done is read books?’ [GEOFF DYER] Discuss.
N.B. The best answers will provide examples from literary texts.
Are you in Year 11/12 & Thinking of Pursuing English at Degree Level/ Oxbridge?
We offer a range of exciting opportunities for students aspiring to a degree in English at a leading university:
Research Projects in exciting current fields with subject experts
English Literature Summer School for university/ Oxbridge applicants
Long-term Oxbridge English mentoring: Boosting knowledge beyond the curriculum, preparing for personal statement and interviews - visit our on-curriculum site, U2 Tuition for more information: https://www.u2tuition.com/university-applications
Interested in an English Competition Mentor? Looking for specialist support researching & writing? Our Oxbridge-educated masterminds are here to help! Sessions from £75/h + VAT. Enquire here
Past Questions
01
Devise a new punctuation mark – and defend it.
Try to treat this as an academic essay - research linguistic theory for background - what is the purpose of punctuation? How does it convey meaning or expression?
02.
Discuss ‘self-reflection’ and ‘self-knowledge’ in relation to the works you have studied.
03.
Should texts that offend still be studied and why?
N.B. You may be interested in undertaking one of MU’s online World Literature masterclasses with our subject experts to give you ideas and help direct your research. Check out the examples below!
