Free global prize · Enter independently or represent your school

That essay is already written. Let it win $200.

Submit an essay you already wrote—or create one referral link that lets your class, club or school enter together. No new prompt. No entry fee.

A school code is optional. Referrals never affect cash-prize judging. Check eligibility →

  • You keep your copyright
  • No popularity voting
  • Deadline: November 1
Global School Cup One link can rally your whole school. 5 writers unlock a badge · 20 a signed certificate · 50 Founding School recognition Create my school referral link
01

Already written

School assignments and personal essays are welcome.

02

Any nonfiction topic

Argumentative, analytical, personal, reflective and research-based work.

03

One link can rally a school

Share it with a class or club; every verified writer moves your school up the global board.

How it works

You already did the hard part.

1

Choose your strongest essay

Pick original nonfiction that shows your thinking, argument or voice.

2

Paste it or share a document

Use the short form below. Google Docs must be viewable by anyone with the link.

3

Let the work speak

Eligible entries are reviewed on merit—not likes, school size or referrals.

The Global School Cup

Create one link. Put your school on the global board.

Create a trackable school link in seconds. Students still enter and consent individually; every verified entry is credited to the shared school code.

School participation is optional. Every eligible student can enter independently.

Teacher, coach or student captain? Create the link once and share it. Your school does no administration.

  • 5 writersConnector badge
  • 20 writersSigned captain certificate
  • 50 writersFounding School recognition

Verified totals only

School leaderboard

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Schools appear after five verified writers. Rankings affect School Cup recognition only—not cash-prize judging.

Eligibility

What can I submit?

Original nonfiction that you wrote while in high school and are permitted to share. Your essay may have been written before this competition opened.

Read the complete rules

Eligible

  • Argumentative or analytical essays
  • Personal and reflective essays
  • Research-based essays
  • Commentary and opinion pieces
  • Previously graded work you may share
  • English-language work up to 3,000 words

Not eligible

  • Work written by someone else
  • AI-generated essays
  • Fiction, poetry or scripts
  • Coursework still under active assessment
  • Work you do not have permission to submit

The prizes

Give your finished work another chance to matter.

Second place $100 USD
First place $200 USD
Third place $50 USD

One cash prize per person. Referral activity never affects judging.

Advisory team

Advisors who take student ideas seriously.

Soundly Said is advised by internationally accomplished debaters and adjudicators who understand argument, clarity and original thinking.

ZW

Zac Weinberg

Advisory Team

2026 World Schools Debating Championships Champion · Team Canada Education Undergraduate at Harvard University
JW

Jade Wang

Advisory Team

2026 World Schools Debating Championships Champion · Team Canada
JX

Jason Xiao

Advisory Team

Champion of the World Universities Debating Championship · Chief Adjudicator at the World Schools Debating Championships Education University of Oxford
WM

Wajeeh Maaz

Advisory Team

World Universities Debating Championship Quarterfinalist · Hobart and William Smith Colleges Round Robin Champion Education King’s College

How entries are assessed

Strong ideas, developed carefully.

Prize entries are evaluated without popularity voting. Essay 1 is the designated cash-prize entry.

Original insight35%
Development & reasoning30%
Clarity & style20%
Overall impact15%

Official entry form

Your essay deserves more than a grade and a forgotten folder.

Open form in a new tab
Essay 1 is your prize entry. Paste the text or provide an open-access Google Doc. School codes are optional. Under 18? Have a guardian email ready.

Questions

The short answers.

For full eligibility, rights, timing and prize terms, read the competition rules.

Complete rules
Do I need to write something new?

No. That is the point. Submit an eligible essay you have already completed.

Can I submit a school assignment?

Yes, if it is your original work, you may share it and it is no longer under active assessment or confidentiality restrictions.

Does my essay need to answer a prompt?

No. Eligible nonfiction across a wide range of subjects and styles is welcome.

Can I submit more than one essay?

Yes. Send up to five in your single entry form. Essay 1 is your only cash-prize entry; Essays 2–5 may count toward your school total and receive editorial consideration.

Does Soundly Said take ownership?

No. You retain copyright. Entry grants only the permission needed to administer and judge the competition. Publication requires separate permission.

Will every entry be published?

No. Every eligible entry is considered, but only selected work may receive a separate publication invitation.

How does the School Cup work?

It is optional. Verified students and eligible essays are credited to the school code in their link or form. The leading verified school at the deadline earns 2026 Global School Cup recognition and a signed digital certificate. Rankings never affect individual prize judging.

Your words deserve another destination.

Give your finished essay one more chance to matter—and a chance to win.

Submit my essay now Free entry · No new prompt · Deadline November 1
School link Submit essay