SCOPE CONTESTS
April 2024
Deadline
May 20, 2024
Killer Smog Contest
What positive changes came from the Great Smog of 1952? In what ways can we continue to clean up the air today? Answer these questions in a well-organized essay. Use text evidence from the article and sidebars.
Prize
Turtles of the Midnight Moon by María José Fitzgerald
Alcatraz Contest
Compare Esther Faulk’s two poems. How is Alcatraz presented in each? Based on Cowen’s article, which view of Alcatraz did Jolene have?
Prize
Jailbreak at Alcatraz by Tom Sullivan
Holmes Contest
Imagine you are one of the characters involved in the case of the Musgrave Ritual. Write a diary entry as that character, describing the events of the story and your thoughts and feelings.
Prize
The Plot to Kill a Queen by Deborah Hopkinson
Don’ut Contest
Over the course of the story, what does Nadia come to realize about what makes a special day special? Answer in a well-organized paragraph. Use text evidence.
Prize
The Turtle of Michigan by Naomi Shihab Nye.
Root Power Contest
Read “The Rehearsal.” Then follow these steps: 1. Write down the meaning of each word in purple. Use context clues or, if needed, a dictionary. 2. Find another word that contains the prefix extra. 3. Write a sentence using that word and draw a picture that shows the word’s meaning.
Prize
a $20 Scholastic gift card
March 2024
Deadline
April 22, 2024
Escape from Darkness Contest
The Holocaust was a time of great horror and tragedy. Yet there were also acts of courage and hope. Explain how the rescue of Jewish Danes was an act of courage and hope.
Prize
Harboring Hope by Susan Hood.
Fame Contest
Fame is thought of as grand, public recognition, but in this poem, fame is something different. Explain what being famous means in this poem.
Prize
A Scope notebook
Gone Again Contest
Think about how Kiera’s attitude about her new home changes over the course of the story and why. Then imagine you’re Kiera. Write an email to Chris about your new home.
Prize
A Scope notebook
Failure Contest
Imagine your friend has experienced a failure: They didn’t get the lead in the school play. Write to your friend with advice about how to turn their failure into a positive experience, based on information from both articles.
Prize
Alebrijes by Donna Barba Higuera
Root Power Contest
Read “The Time Capsule.” Then follow these steps: 1. Write down the meaning of each word in green. Use context clues or, if needed, a dictionary. 2. Find another word that contains the root chron. 3. Write a sentence using that word and draw a picture that shows the word’s meaning.
Prize
a Scope notebook
Sybil Ludington Contest
It’s May 1777, and you are a reporter for The Patriot Gazette. Write an article about what Sybil Ludington did, the outcome, and what was special about her actions.
Prize
Scar by J. Albert Mann
February 2024
Deadline
March 18, 2024
Heart Saver Contest
Your legacy is how you are remembered and the contributions you make during your life. What is Vivien Thomas’s legacy?
Prize
Breakthrough! by Jim Murphy
Insects Contest
Do you think insects could ever become a staple of the American diet? Why or why not? Draw from both “Would You Eat This?” and “Gross! Yuck! Ew!” to support your ideas.
Prize
Bugs for Breakfast by Mary Boone
Twins Contest
To outwit someone is to beat them through cleverness. How do the twins outwit the lords of the underworld? Answer in an essay, using text evidence from the play.
Prize
The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes
They Might Be Dangerous Contest
Consider the last line of the story: “She knew what she had to do.” What does Alia have to do? What happens after the watchers arrive? Write a sequel to the story that answers these questions. Be sure to stay true to the characters.
Prize
Project F by Jeanne DuPrau
Root Power Contest
Read “A Star's Secret.” Then follow these steps: 1. Write down the meaning of each word in blue. Use context clues or, if needed, a dictionary. 2. Find another word that contains the prefix auto. 3. Write a sentence using that word and draw a picture that shows the word’s meaning.
Prize
a $20 Scholastic gift card
Ode Contest
Write an ode to something connected to cooking or eating, using “Ode to El Molcajete” as a model.
Prize
a $20 Scholastic gift card
Scope is packed with contests to get your students excited about writing. And they can win awesome prizes! On this page find information about our current contests, including entry forms and deadlines.
Here you’ll find 7 tips for submitting a winning entry.
At this time we are only accepting entries by e-mail.
Entries must be written by a student in grades 4-12 and must be submitted by a teacher, parent, or legal guardian of the student. Entries submitted by someone under 18 will be deleted and disqualified.
Teachers/Parents/Legal Guardians:
Email entries to:
Please attach entries as Word documents or PDFs, put the contest name in the subject line, and include your email address. Please note: We cannot accept Google docs or SharePoint files.