United Schools Program: USP English Essay Writing Competition Announcement

Our judges have finally decided the winners of the Sampoerna Foundation United Schools Program English Essay Writing Competition. It is a difficult task to do as most of the entries are equally good, and the judges have to select only 6 winners among a pool of potential finalists. The margin between the winners is thin. The first winner wins by a hair's breadth from the second, and the average score margin between the first and sixth winner is by 8 points.

Without further ado, here are the winners:

1. Salman Agus (SMAN 5 Bukittinggi, XI 1A 2)

One of the judges, Marta Yuliana (Editor of Sampoerna Foundation Publications), commented: "The essay posses a catchy introduction, the points presented are strong and the contents are well-organized. Overall, it's a very good academic essay."

2. A. A. Sg. Dwinta Kuntaladara (SMAN 4 Denpasar, X.6)

" A well structured essay with good arguments and strong conclusion"

3. Erni Yurnita (SMAN 10 Malang, XI IPA 2)

" Good points; good arguments and good ending"

4. Ayu Novitry (SMAN 2 Sekayu, XI 1A 1)

" Unique start, it has lots of good facts, but the ending isn't very good"

5. Ridha Ichsani (SMAN 3 Depok, XI IPS 2)

" Good English, but the introduction is long and less relevant"

6. Kartika Admadhani (SMAN 10 Malang, X.4)

" The essay has good structure, but the summary is not so strong"

Congratulations to the winners!

The prizes will be sent by end of April.