Guidelines

The Rules and Requirements of Our Writing Competition

Who Can Apply?

  • Any student enrolled in an educational institution that offers Arabic language instruction
  • Any student with a minimum of Advanced-High (2+) proficiency

How Does One Apply?

  • Prepare your documentation.
  • Submit your documents.
  • Wait for feedback.

What Documents Does One Need?

  • Two writing samples, each between 750 and 1000 words
  • A letter of endorsement from an Arabic teacher familiar with your writing
  • A completed application form

Information About Your Writing Samples

Submit two essays that represent your competency. Each essay should be between 750 and 1000 words. The review committee highly recommends that your two essays be of different genres. For example, you might submit a narrative and a persuasive argument or a comparison and a process analysis.

You can download the Writing Exam Rubric from here

Once the application is accepted and reviewed, the applicant will be contacted by the award committee to arrange for a sit-down writing activity in which they write a 700-word essay addressing the 2022 writing topic. The essay must be an individually-composed piece written with no editorial support in any form. The writing topic and submission guidelines will be communicated to each of the successful applicants by the award committee.

Details Regarding Your Endorsement Letter

Ask one of your Arabic language instructors who is familiar with your writing to recommend your work to the committee. This instructor should verify in writing that the essays that you submitted are representative of your work. Your instructor should send your endorsement letter to: board@waheedsamyaward.org

Reminder of the Application Form

Remember to fill out and submit the online application form. The application form provides an upload feature where you can submit your two essays.

Important Dates

Deadline for submitting applications: October 31, 2022
Sit-down writing activity for accepted applicants: Mid-November, 2022
Announcement of award recipient: Mid-December, 2022