An essay contest is a competition where participants write essays on a specific topic or theme. These contests are often organized by schools, organizations, or literary groups to encourage creativity and critical thinking among writers. Participants usually submit their essays by a deadline, and a panel of judges evaluates the entries based on criteria such as originality, clarity, and argument strength. Winners of an essay contest may receive prizes, such as cash awards, scholarships, or publication opportunities. These contests can be open to various age groups and skill levels, making them accessible to a wide range of aspiring writers.