4 Way Test Essay Contest

 
2023 4 Way Test Essay Contest
 
 
The 4 Way Test Essay Contest is sponsored by the Thunder Bay and Nipigon Rotary Clubs as well as Rotary District 5580. The Contest is open to current Grade 11 & 12 Students in the Thunder Bay & Nipigon area. The local winner will be entered into the District contest, competing with the local winners of students from North Dakota, Northern Minnesota, and Northwestern Wisconsin.
 
TOPIC
The essay may treat any subject of interest to the student. It may be specific or general. For example, one might choose a topic relating to world peace, to a special friendship, to the environmental issues in general or to some issue in particular, to a choice of life-style, to a choice of occupation. Creative use of one’s imagination is encouraged.
 
Here are some of the topics from previous contests: “University/College Tuition”, “Life is Full of Choices”, “Should you Multi-task?”, “Censorship,” "Indigenous/Non-Indigenous Relations" and “Cyber-Bullying.”
 
LENGTH
500 to 1,000 words
 
PRESENTATION METHOD
A typewritten copy, double-spaced, is to be submitted, along with the signed statement below.
 
JUDGING CRITERIA
Judging will be based on how well the essay refers to and applies the principles of the Four-Way Test. Essays received that do not incorporate these four principles will not be considered. Student creativity, organization, language and grammar usage will also be considered as part of the overall judging criteria.
 
PRIZES
Local
1st Place: $500,
2nd Place: $300,
3rd Place: $200
 
District
Grand Prize: $1,100 USD
 
WHAT IS THE 4 WAY TEST?
The 4 Way Test of the things we think, say, or do is as follows:
 
  1. Is it the TRUTH?
  2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
  3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
  4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
The 4 Way Test is not a code or a creed, but a stimulus to self-appraisal. It is not a pledge, but rather a springboard to voluntary self-improvement. It is not a sermon, although any number of sermons has been preached on it. It aims to encourage the ethical instincts in every person and constitutes a simple and practical guide for people of all cultures.
 
The 4 Way Test has inspired safe driving programs, fire prevention campaigns, crime and drug reduction activities; it has been the subject of countless secondary school essays. It has been translated into more than 100 languages.
 
WHY DO THE THUNDER BAY & NIPIGON ROTARY CLUBS AND DISTRICT 5580 CONDUCT THE 4 WAY TEST ESSAY CONTEST?
Our Rotarians believe that the thousands of dollars committed are an investment in our youth. It is a statement of our interest in the ideas of our young people. It demonstrates our belief that it is important to reward our youth for expressing their views. And, it is our way to encourage youth to apply the Four-Way Test to the world around them.
 
WHERE TO SUBMIT YOUR ESSAY?
Essays must be submitted to president@fwrotary.ca by end of day on:
 
Sunday, November 19th, 2023
 
If you have questions, email president@fwrotary.ca
 
 
Please see attached guidelines and information sheet to be submitted with your essay below ↓
Past Essay Contest Local Winners
 
  • 2022-23 - David Harris* (Superior CVI)
  • 2021-22 - Isabella Marchand (Nip-Rock HS)
  • 2020-21 - Amanda Pacholczak (St. Ignatius HS)
  • 2019-20 - Isabella Bosch* (St. Ignatius HS)
        * Denotes District 5580 overall winner
4 Way Test Essay Contest Downloads