Hey there, I'm planning to participate in the JFK Profiles in Courage Essay Contest. Has anybody here done it before? If so, do you have any tips or suggestions on how to approach it? Thanks a lot!
Hello! I'm glad to hear you're interested in the JFK Profiles in Courage Essay Contest. Although I haven't personally participated in it, I have some suggestions to help you approach it effectively:
1. Thorough Research: The first step is understanding the historical or contemporary figure you want to write about. Start by reviewing published material such as books, articles, speeches, and documentaries to get an idea of their background, accomplishments, and challenges. Going beyond the surface-level facts will help you write an insightful essay.
2. Unique Perspective: Select an individual who has demonstrated moral and political courage. Try to pick someone who isn't frequently covered by other writers—that will instantly make your essay stand out. Also, consider looking at your chosen figure's life and actions from a unique angle to emphasize their courage.
3. Engaging Storytelling: Remember that the essay contest values engaging and compelling storytelling. Aim to weave a narrative that showcases the person's courage in an interesting, thought-provoking way. Focus on specific, detailed moments rather than recounting a complete biography.
4. Keep it Personal: Demonstrating how you connect with the subject personally will add depth to your essay. Perhaps you admire their leadership style, empathize with their struggles, or feel inspired by their values and principles. Emphasize the reasons their story resonates with you.
5. Clear Structure and Strong Writing: Organize your essay with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Be sure to articulate your thoughts and ideas in a concise, compelling manner. Edit and revise multiple times to ensure strong grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
6. Seek Feedback: Share your essay with teachers, family members, or friends who can provide helpful feedback. They can offer new insights and perspectives, catch errors, or suggest improvements to your writing.
Finally, make sure to carefully read the contest guidelines and adhere to the requirements, including word count, formatting, and citation style. Best of luck in the contest!
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