Introducing the Robert Woodthorpe Browne Tacitus Essay Prize 2023
The World Traders’ Robert Woodthorpe Browne Tacitus Essay Prize is an essay competition held by The World Traders to encourage young people to think about the issues raised in this year’s Tacitus Lecture and to promote the study of economics, geography and politics. This year’s essay prize carries the name of Past Master Robert Woodthorpe-Browne whose passion for education, world trade and politics was infectious.
The competition is aimed at encouraging Year 12 pupils to think analytically and critically beyond the confines of their school curriculum about economic and geopolitical ideas. Entries from different perspectives are welcome.
ESSAY TITLES
Entrants are invited to write an essay from a choice of three titles:
- To what extent is poverty reduction compatible with economic growth?
- Is poverty a global pandemic?
- Is populism a solution to the UK’s current economic crisis or a menace in disguise?
THE TACITUS LECTURE
The Tacitus Lecture 2023 was given by Rory Stewart OBE, academic, adventurer, writer, diplomat and former Member of Parliament. From diplomacy, to his work in international affairs, to efforts made in non-profit organisations and advocacy, Rory continues to boast a prolific career. His differing, though connected focuses have included supporting Britain’s strengths in global relations and affairs, and the country’s role and status in world trade.
Rory’s lecture was entitled Populism, Poverty and Hope in The 21st Century and is available here to watch online.
ELIGIBILITY
- To enter you must be studying in the UK in Year 12 (in England or Wales, or equivalent in Northern Ireland or Scotland)
- All entries must be submitted by Friday 30 June 2023.
Young people do not need to have been at The Tacitus Lecture to enter, nor do they need to be studying Economics, Geography or Politics.
ENTRY FORMAT
- Your essay must be no longer than 750 words and should be typed in Size 12 font directly into the Word Document entry form
- The use of graphs, diagrams or images are welcome if they add value to your argument and should be referred to within the essay.
- The content of your essay should be original and must be your own work. All sources of information (data, quotes, graphs, diagrams, images etc) should be acknowledged and referenced at the end of your essay (this is not included in the word count).
JUDGING CRITERIA
- Your essay will be judged on the structure of your argument, clarity of communication, choice and validity of supporting evidence (such as data, other views or research conclusions) originality of your ideas, effectiveness of your evaluations and quality of your conclusions.
- A panel of judges will read and mark your entry before the winning entries are announced.
- The winner and runners-up will each receive a monetary prize and be invited to receive their awards at The World Traders’ meeting of Common Hall on Thursday 20 July 2023 in Central London.
HOW TO APPLY
Please complete the essay submission form which includes your details along with your essay and send this document to education@world-traders.org by 30 June 2023.