Understanding of the Issue
An outstanding essay will demonstrate that the student understands and has conducted research on the topic at hand. Essays should not include factual errors. The essay should also present a clear central argument or thesis.

Ability to Grasp the Global Implications of the Issue
The student is expected to understand the issue from an international perspective. This includes understanding how the issue relates to the UN’s work and how it affects the global community.

Originality in Approach and Treatment of the Topic
While students are expected to conduct research and cite information that supports their arguments, they should not simply repeat ideas from other sources. Essays should display students’ abilities to thoughtfully argue their own points and develop their own ideas.

Ability to Establish a Convincing and Coherent Line of Argument
Students should not simply convey a “laundry list” of ideas meant to satisfy the requirements of the essay question. Instead, they should develop a cohesive argument that remains consistent and effectively justifies their overall thesis.

Clarity and Effectiveness of Style and Organization
Essays should be grammatically correct and accurate in terms of spelling and word usage. Essays should present information in a clear and logical manner.

Evidence of Research and Use of Bibliography
While essays should reflect the individual ideas of each student, they must also give evidence that the student has conducted outside research. A well-written essay will include several quotes and/or paraphrases. However, these should be used in order to develop or support the student's own ideas. Essays should not simply provide a listing of how other people or resources have addressed the topic.

Students must also properly cite all information taken from other sources. Citations must in some way include the following information: author, title of work, title of publication or organization if printed in a periodical/journal/website, publisher, issue number if relevant, page number if relevant, and web address if relevant. Students may display citations in parentheses, footnotes or endnotes.

If there is additional material the student has used in research but did not cite, these sources should appear in a bibliography appended as the last page of the essay.

Adherence to Format and Length Rules
Essays must be 1,500 words or less (approximately 4-5 pages), typed and double-spaced, with citations and a bibliography page if appropriate.