Unlock the secrets to excelling in all four WSC events—Team Debate, Collaborative Writing, Scholar’s Challenge, and Scholar’s Bowl. This guide offers tips, sample questions, research strategies, and team tactics to help you thrive at every round, from Regionals to the Tournament of Champions.
The World Scholar’s Cup isn’t just about facts and debates—it’s also about turning thoughts into words that matter. Collaborative Writing is one of the “Big Three” academic events at WSC, where scholars trade their speeches for pens and silence—well, almost.
This event is not just a test of how well you can write; it’s about how you collaborate, use evidence, and express your voice creatively, all under a ticking clock.
🕰️ Stage 1: Planning Together (30 Minutes)
When the event begins, teams receive a topic sheet with six prompts—one for each subject in the WSC curriculum. Your team will choose three of these (one per scholar), and each member selects whether to agree or disagree.
This is the time to brainstorm together. Toss around persuasive points, unusual perspectives, and interesting examples from the curriculum. You’re allowed to collaborate fully, helping each other shape ideas, outlines, and possible directions.
This is also when your team’s teamwork shines. Can you help your friend who’s stuck on a tricky Art & Music prompt? Can you give feedback without rewriting their ideas? It’s about lifting each other up before the real challenge begins.
✒️ Stage 2: Writing Solo (60 Minutes)
Now, silence. Phones off. Pens out.
Each scholar must now write their piece alone in their writing booklet. It’s quiet except for the sound of furious scribbling—and maybe a few whispered “oops” moments. But here’s the key: this isn’t a regular essay. It’s a persuasive piece, and you get to choose the form.
Want to write a traditional essay? Go for it. Prefer to express your argument through a poem or a fictional letter? Even better.
What matters is:
Use examples, references, and knowledge you’ve gained across the six subjects. The more you anchor your writing in the curriculum, the stronger your score.
🪞 Stage 3: Reviewing as a Team (15 Minutes)
Pens down—now it’s time to edit one another’s work. Read your teammates’ pieces and give constructive feedback. You can point out grammar errors, suggest stronger transitions, or recommend a better example.
Just remember: this is peer review, not rewriting. No ghostwriting allowed!
✨ Writing Styles & Creativity: Go Beyond the Norm
What makes Collaborative Writing special is that you can break the mold. WSC encourages creativity—if your point shines through, you can express it through:
So long as your writing is persuasive, structured, and exciting, you can unleash your full creative power.
⏳ Time Management: Your Best Ally
In 105 minutes total, time management can make or break your piece. Allocate 5–10 minutes to planning your structure, 45+ to writing, and 5 for reviewing your own work before peer review begins.
Remember: it’s not just about what you say, but how you say it within the time given.