A workshop & competition

Experimental, provocative, refined

A curated space for individualist thinkers. Optimized standards, continual refinement. Weekly prompts, rigorous feedback, and conducive workshops.

About

We believe in writing as the process of translating thinking into language. Our competition distills the raw essence of thinking through a time limit; our rubric rewards risk-taking, nuance, and originality. We publish the winning essay each cycle to showcase both the exemplary craft and the evolution of the competition.

Mission

To cultivate individual voice through refinement, emphasizing originality, depth, and nuance.

Vision

To deepen the pursuit of excellence, challenge the conventional status quo of essay competitions, and grow into a community of individuals diverse in thought.

Past Winning Essays

A selection of past winners and honorable mentions quarterly (every four cycles) to showcase the evolution of the rubric and writers.

2025 • Quarter 3 Philosophy

An Extramarital Affair

A reflection on the idea of “true selves” in the absence of observation.

2025 • Quarter 3 Philosophy

Vanilla Icecream

A breakdown of the idea of "true selves" in relation to influence.

2025 • Quarter 4 Politics

What is Nine Plus Ten?

A interpreted response to the tension between degradation of the human mind and Elitism.

2025 • Quarter 5 Philosophy

Gurting my Gojo

A reflection on the limits and boundaries of art.

2025 • Quarter 6 Philosophy

The Death of a Boy

A dissection of the axiom that all modes of thinking should be respected.

Rubric Evolution

We iterate with transparency; our rubric serves to empower individual voice.

Foundations
Established six core criteria: Clarity & Flow, Depth of Interpretation, Responsiveness to the Prompt, Profound/Interesting Ideas, Risk-Taking, Scope. This provides a holistic baseline and gives writers a clear sense of direction.
Responsiveness to the Prompt
Emphasized ability for writers to challenge or even critique the prompt, which prevents the previous penalization of risk-taking. Encourages boldness and experimentation.
Clarity & Flow
Defined “intentional complexity” vs. “obfuscation.” Added guidance on paragraph rhythm and transitions, rewarding not only ideas but the artistry and coherence of their delivery.
2025 • Update
Granularity
Increased rubric ceiling, changing 3 strands to 5, to emphasize nuance in marking. Allows tied, max-marks essays to be distinguished.

Workshops

Immersive, dialogue‑driven workshops aimed to maximize individual voice.

Cohort • AOnline

Foundations of Writing

Thesis clarity, paragraph rhythm, and prompt responsiveness. How to dissect the prompt holistically while balancing nuance.

Cohort • BOnline

Style & Voice Lab

Diction, cadence, and form experimentation. Developing bold writing and risk-taking to distill individual voice with clarity.

Cohort • COnline

Retentive Reading

Understanding the essence of ideas, retaining content, and dissecting arguments. Synthesis of perspectives, individual thoughts.

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