1 . Best Poetry Writing Contests in 2024

The Poetry. com Contest

Poetry. com offers monthly contests for poets worldwide to build passion and enjoyment for the creative poem writing process! Poems remain anonymous (匿名) before applicants vote on what they believe should be the winning entry.

Top Prize: $500

Additional prizes: personalized Poetry. com gifts for runners-up

Entry fee: $25

Deadline: December 31, 2024

Wine Country Writers’ Festival Writing Contest

Welcome to the 4th annual Wine Country Writers’ Festival (WCWF) writing contest. Three categories and over$1,800 total value in cash and prizes are to be awarded. Enter your short fiction or nonfiction (2,000 words max) or up to 48 lines of poetry. Judged blindly by professional writers. No previously published works.

Top Prize: $200

Additional prizes: free registration package to the Wine Country Writers’ Festival

Entry fee: $11

Deadline: June 02, 2024

Tom Howard Poetry Contest

Welcome to the 20th annual Tom Howard Poetry Contest. Submit your published or unpublished work, a poem in any style, whether it rhymes or not.

Top Prize: $3,000

Additional prizes: $200 for 10 honorable mentions

Entry fee: $20

Deadline: October 01, 2024

The One Page Poetry Contest

One Page Poetry focuses on the art of expressing a poetic theme on a single page, whether your poem is four lines or forty, whether yours is a love poem, inspirational poem, or just one that is fun. We welcome all poetic forms, as long as they fit on a single page.

Top Prize: $2,000

Additional prizes: 2nd: 1,000; 3rd: 500

Entry fee: $25

Deadline: September 30, 2024

1. Which of the following offers the highest top prize?

A．The Poetry. com Contest.	B．WCWF Writing Contest.
C．Tom Howard Poetry Contest.	D．The One Page Poetry Contest.

2. What is unique to Wine Country Writers’ Festival Writing Contest?

A．It is held once a year.	B．It has honorable mentions.
C．It judges entries blindly.	D．It accepts other types besides poetry.

3. What do the Poetry. com Contest and the One Page Poetry Contest have in common?

A．They charge $25 for entry fee.

B．They have professionals as judges.

C．They require poems on one page.

D．They offer tailored gifts as prizes.

2 . The greatest sports moments often have a wonderful flow state behind the victories or performances. Being in flow refers to the moments where distraction reduces, and concentration ________ .

It was a _______ summer camp ping pong tournament where I was not only down I set, but 7 points behind my opponent (对手), who had only 3 points left to ________ the set, and the tournament. For a comeback, I had to win at least 10 points, without making ________ !

Facing the desperate situation, I could ________ it a day and let my opponent win. Perhaps my opponent had already focused on the ________, but failure wasn’t an option! Thus, I ________ it out, hoping for the best. I told myself, “Let’s just try and win the next point, nothing else.” ________ deep, I stared at the ball with a clear mindset and keen ________. I took it, hit it back and scored!

5 points to go, 4 points to go... My opponent started getting visibly ________ and made mistakes. Point by point I was getting closer to being even.7-8. I was one point away from doing the ________. My mouth was shut and my eyes stayed ________ the entire set. He made another error. 8-8. The comeback was complete. The crowd went ________! Winning the next 3 points, I managed to win that set. In the last set, my opponent turned restless again. ________ the flow, I ended up winning the final set, and the tournament.

Despite a small game, it inspired me a lot. Not being able to control how our opponent plays, we can _______ how to react. Don’t be there, where you are not. Instead, be here and now! Stay in flow! Be concentrated!

1.

A．limits

B．decreases

C．heightens

D．changes

2.

A．tough

B．competitive

C．crazy

D．close

3.

A．lose

B．win

C．tie

D．restart

4.

A．adjustments

B．reservations

C．efforts

D．mistakes

5.

A．call

B．make

C．leave

D．take

6.

A．defense

B．attack

C．celebration

D．relief

7.

A．figured

B．tried

C．pointed

D．stuck

8.

A．Sighing

B．Breathing

C．Regretting

D．Struggling

9.

A．attention

B．interest

C．insight

D．appreciation

10.

A．confused

B．desperate

C．exhausted

D．uneasy

11.

A．right

B．impossible

C．opposite

D．previous

12.

A．swollen

B．bright

C．sharp

D．bloodshot

13.

A．wild

B．silent

C．mad

D．deaf

14.

A．Going against

B．Cutting off

C．Holding to

D．Recovering from

15.

A．wonder

B．determine

C．predict

D．consider

3 . When I was five, my parents began to place me in a variety of different sports. The first ________ was gymnastics, which was a complete ________. The second was track and field. Track was fun at first, I actually liked to run and I was pretty fast. When I joined the team, the ________ was going to begin soon, only giving me three weeks to ________ for my first track meet.

I ________ for a while and then the day of the track meet arrived. Arriving at the stadium I was ________ to see how huge it looked. Before my race I did my warm ups while watching the other kids run their races with a few hundred audience. The ________ of the stadium was something I never felt before.

While ________ the starting line to run the 400m dash, I started to feel ________! At the starting line, we sat there silently waiting for the gun to ________. In that silence I continued to ________ myself and I felt like I was going to win. The gun finally shot and racers began a(n)________ dash to the finish line. The first 100 meters I was doing great. Then came the 200m mark, and my legs were dying. I was slowing down still trying to run. Alone ________ I was on the track, I still walked to finish line. When seeing my mother, I burst into tears. That race was probably the most ________ one in my life. Even though I gave up running track and field, I am grateful for what I experienced when I was 5 because it ________ me who I am today.

1.

A．game

B．activity

C．variety

D．class

2.

A．joke

B．failure

C．mess

D．change

3.

A．season

B．sport

C．training

D．track

4.

A．account

B．answer

C．apply

D．prepare

5.

A．trained

B．hesitated

C．waited

D．considered

6.

A．disappointed

B．shocked

C．interested

D．moved

7.

A．noise

B．condition

C．situation

D．atmosphere

8.

A．approaching

B．recognizing

C．appreciating

D．finding

9.

A．confident

B．anxious

C．nervous

D．content

10.

A．turn out

B．go off

C．break off

D．set out

11.

A．warn

B．balance

C．encourage

D．enjoy

12.

A．specific

B．usual

C．attractive

D．mad

13.

A．since

B．though

C．while

D．unless

14.

A．terrifying

B．convincing

C．challenging

D．annoying

15.

A．provided

B．persuaded

C．made

D．inspired

4 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What will the competition try to find next year?

A．The best dancer.

B．The best actor.

C．The best singer.

2. When will the sports hall open this week?

A．At 10:30 am.

B．At 9:00 am.

C．At 8:00 am.

3. What can we learn about the swimming pool?

A．It will be free for the first week.

B．It will open earlier than expected.

C．It will be bigger than the old one.

4. Where does the conversation probably take place?

A．On a program.

B．In a gym.

C．At home.

5 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

On February 10, 2024 ambitious young scientists flooded Brown University’s classrooms and laboratories, ready to put their knowledge to the test at the 7th Annual Brown Science Olympiad tournament, which provided a     1     (true) enriching and enjoyable experience for all involved.

The STEM competition welcomes nearly 1, 000 high schoolers from across New England.     2     (feature) a lineup of 23 diverse challenges, the single-day academic tournament integrates written assessments with hands-on design and build tasks. Each challenge     3     (score) individually, with points awarded based on performance, accuracy and completion of tasks. Teams win by accumulating (累积) the highest total score across all 23 challenges in the tournament.

Contestants get     4     (them) involved in various scientific disciplines, from fundamental subjects like biology, chemistry and physics to     5     (specialize) areas such as astronomy and robotics. Throughout the event, students engage     6     a series of activities in a day filed with curiosity, creativity, exploring the     7     (wonder) of science and pushing the boundaries of their intellectual capabilities.

But the Brown tournament isn’t just about becoming a strong competitor. It also offers a platform for young scientists     8     (wander) Brown’s campus. “With the tournament, you can get an insight into college life and     9     great understanding of the whole college experience,” Golditch a contestant, said. “Participating in the Science Olympiad has been the most valuable experience     10     allows us to explore fun science concepts,” added Golditch.

6 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. Where would Humbert’s 60th marathon take place?

A．In Paris.

B．In Athens.

C．In Boston.

2. When did Humbert first start racing?

A．In 1998.

B．In 1983.

C．In 1982.

3. Why does Humbert feel uncertain about taking part in the Olympic Marathon For All?

A．Her family members object.

B．The number of runners is restricted.

C．Her age exceeds the maximum age limit.

4. What is the speaker doing?

A．Recommending a lifestyle.

B．Promoting an event.

C．Introducing a person.

7 . Here are four writing contests available for high school students.

Skipping Stones Youth Honor Awards

Skipping Stones magazine recognizes high school students that are working to promote multicultural and environmental awareness. The written submissions can include short stories, poems, and essays. Winners will receive an honor award certificate, and a year-long subscription to the magazine.

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

Noteworthy former winners include John Updike, Truman Capote, and Joyce Carol Oates. Each submission is judged on technical skill, originality, and the presence of a clear vision and voice. Regional and national award winners are qualified for a variety of different monetary awards in addition to publication in the National Catalog.

Bennington Young Writers Awards

Submissions are accepted in the fiction category. Students in 10th through 12th grade can submit a one-act play or a short story, recommended by a high school teacher. The first-place fiction winner receives $500 and the second-place winner receives $ 250.

The Claremont Review Writing Contest

The Claremont Review holds an annual contest in fiction and poetry writing. Submissions are welcome from writers aged 13 to 18 and must be previously unpublished. Winners and those receiving honorable mentions will be published in the autumn issue of The Claremont Review and will receive a year-long subscription to the magazine.

1. Which contest did Truman Capote once win?

A．Skipping Stones Youth Honor Awards.

B．Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

C．Bennington Young Writers Awards.

D．The Claremont Review Writing Contest.

2. Which is a must to enter for Bennington Young Writers Awards?

A．Being a local.	B．Paying the entry fee.
C．Handing in an unpublished entry.	D．Having a teacher's recommendation.

3. What will the winners of The Claremont Review Writing Contest get?

A．Different cash prizes.	B．An honor award certificate.
C．Free magazines for 12 months.	D．An opportunity to visit a college.

8 . I was first going into this final day, the Junior Sled Dog Championship. We’d trained two years and wanted to beat Blake. I knelt down to pat Kenai and my hands ______ from nerves and excitement. Kenai tipped up his face to lick my chin. “You are ______, aren’t you?”

Just before the count down started, Blake shot me a _____ grin, hands trembling too. Then I heard, “Go!”______ I could yell   “Hike!”, Kenai leaped forward. The rest of the dogs _____ after. We started last. We flew down the long hill. Then we ______ a corner. I leaned to keep the sled steady. Kenai saw Blake’s team before I did. His tail flew up, and he ______ . Seeing his tongue still flopping forward, I let him go all out. We closed the ______. A bridge later, we inched closer. On the next hill, Kenai drew even with Blake’s sled and then we passed it.

____ our sled hit a branch. The runners caught. I lost my ______ and fell off the sled. Witnessing the sled come to a stop, I struggled through the deep snow to Kenai. I ____. His shoulder was bleeding.

“Kenai! No!” My voice came out a howl. Kenai ______ to stand. He looked at me, his blue eyes______ to keep on. He would do it, too. For one frozen moment I saw myself on the winner’s stand with the trophy (奖杯). But no. I bent and gently ______ Kenai in a blanket.

The race vet examining Kenai, I watched Blake accept the trophy. Kenai squirming in my lap, I leaned over upon him. Just at that moment, I felt a warm tongue on my wet cheek. I smiled and realized that I had the ____ that really counted.

1.

A．softened

B．shook

C．withdrew

D．extended

2.

A．clever

B．thirsty

C．helpful

D．ready

3.

A．broad

B．satisfied

C．tight

D．slight

4.

A．As

B．Beyond

C．Before

D．After

5.

A．pulled

B．charged

C．jumped

D．barked

6.

A．cut

B．missed

C．kept

D．rounded

7.

A．took off

B．flew away

C．turned around

D．bent forward

8.

A．race

B．difference

C．gap

D．goal

9.

A．Suddenly

B．Finally

C．Gradually

D．Occasionally

10.

A．way

B．hold

C．temper

D．sight

11.

A．quitted

B．insisted

C．sighed

D．froze

12.

A．struggled

B．decided

C．refused

D．pretended

13.

A．forcing

B．begging

C．ordering

D．persuading

14.

A．took up

B．put up

C．brought up

D．wrapped up

15.

A．achievement

B．companion

C．prize

D．friendship

9 . College Podcast (播客) Challenge Open for Entries

The College Podcast Challenge is back for its third year, in the fall. Entries will open on Sept. 1, 2023 and close at the end of the year on Dec. 31, 2023 to give students the entire fall academic term. And, as with last year’s, the college con test will award a $5,000 grand prize scholarship and $500 prizes to finalists.

One big change this year: the college con test will be open to students of all ages doing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, as well as those who are set to graduate in 2023. College podcasters can enter your own work, without going through your school or professor, as long as you’re 18 years or older.

For the college con test this year, our basic guidelines remain pretty much the same: students can create a podcast about any topic they wish to explore. Some themes we’ve seen over and over include questions on identity and how young people fit in. Your podcast can also be in many different formats: an interview, narrative (叙述的) story or even investigative reporting. You can do it by yourself or with your entire class.

One important rule to keep in mind is that the maximum length of your podcast is eight minutes, and longer entries will be disqualified.

For more tips, advice and the latest updates on this year’s contest, make sure to sign up for our newsletter. We can’t wait to hear your stories!

1. When can you submit your entry?

A．In January.

B．In February.

C．In August.

D．In November.

2. What is special about this year’s contest?

A．It is open to all college students.	B．Its participants under 18 are qualified.
C．It requires your school’s approval.	D．Its basic guidelines have changed a lot.

3. Which is a must concerning your podcast?

A．It should present an inspiring people.	B．It focuses on young people’s life.
C．It is eight minutes at most in length.	D．It is created by your entire class.

10 . Jacqueline’s dream of being a world-class runner began when she was a child in Kenya. She soon realized she had to _________ full-time to improve her performance, which meant not being able to work to help support her family. But she was _________ that the training would make her perfect and she could bring home prize money.

Jacqueline traveled to China to _________ in the Zheng-kai marathon knowing she had a good shot at _________ the race, but more importantly, the $10,000 prize that went with it. She was leading the women’s _________ when a male runner _________ the water station at the 20-kilometer mark. The man was running at a good pace but had trouble _________ water because a birth defect (缺陷) had left him without hands. He _________ to drink from the slippery plastic bottles. But any assistance from fans or race officials would result in his _________. Jacqueline noticed the man and __________ knew that he needed help. She __________ a water bottle and helped him get the fluid his body needed to __________ the race. Then she ran at his __________ with the bottle and helped him sip (小口喝) while they strode along.

Jacqueline missed out on first place, but she __________ with something more important: her humanity. When asked about the bigger __________, she said that money isn’t everything.

1.

A．perform

B．race

C．conduct

D．train

2.

A．worried

B．confident

C．proud

D．energetic

3.

A．compete

B．struggle

C．serve

D．adjust

4.

A．taking

B．losing

C．winning

D．completing

5.

A．division

B．movement

C．research

D．education

6.

A．jumped into

B．left for

C．escaped from

D．arrived at

7.

A．finding

B．drinking

C．carrying

D．pouring

8.

A．planned

B．hated

C．struggled

D．allowed

9.

A．imbalance

B．unemployment

C．disability

D．disqualification

10.

A．eventually

B．gradually

C．immediately

D．occasionally

11.

A．spotted

B．grabbed

C．emptied

D．packed

12.

A．complete

B．win

C．enjoy

D．start

13.

A．pace

B．position

C．command

D．best

14.

A．connected

B．helped

C．finished

D．met

15.

A．event

B．prize

C．dream

D．failure