The English-Speaking Union

I AM Shakespeare Competition Entry Form

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Form

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I AM Shakespeare Competition Entry Form

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Student Information
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The ESU has branches all across America. Some branches may opt to present local prizes to students in their area. Please specify to which branch your school belongs. If there is no ESU branch near you, please choose "Member at Large" at the bottom of the list. 
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School and Teacher Information
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COMPETITION PROMPT

I AM Shakespeare is a a sonnet writing contest sponsored by the English-Speaking Union (ESU).  

Students will strictly follow the form of a Shakespearean sonnet (14 line, ending couplet, volta, iambic pentamenter) and write a contemporary sonnet inspired by their lives.

This competition requires a good understanding of sonnet structure, and familiarity with Shakespeare's themes and works. This high-rigor competition is open to high school students only.

Students are encouraged to submit work from their actual classes, or they may submit work written specifically for this contest. 

SUBMIT YOUR SONNET HERE!

Please use the following naming style:

Sonnet Title by Your Name

Ex. A Sonnet About Summer by Betty Roth
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Rules of the competition:

  • All sonnets must be the original work of the submitting student. 
  • Sonnets should be written in 12 point font (Arial preferred). 

  • Sonnet must contain the following elements:

    • 14 lines
    • Iambic Pentameter – five feet per line
    • Shakespearean rhyme scheme – three quatrains and a couplet (abab cdcd efef gg)
    • A minimum of two figures of speech: simile, metaphor, personification, and imagery
    • Must have a tone shift, or turn, occurs in lines 9-14 or a summary in the couplet
    • Must have a unifying theme such as those used by Shakespeare, for example, love (frustrated), a loved-one's beauty, how death can't be avoided, the importance of having children, rivalry, - OR- Students may choose a topic from the their own life/world
  • In short, the sonnet must be 14 lines, have a cohesive theme throughout, a volta or turn, and end in a rhyming couplet. Wherever possible the sonnet should be written in iambic pentameter.  
  • Any evidence of plagiarism will result in disqualification.  Furthermore, your teacher will be prevented from submitting entries for the next three years.
  • Be sure to carefully review the rubric available here and in the Teacher's Resources.
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Would your school like to participate in more programs like this? Please provide the emails of administrators or colleagues who you think would like to hear from us. 
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