2024 US-China Ethics Bowl

Ethics Bowl is a national debate competition held at both the intercollegiate and high school level. In each round of competition, teams are asked complex ethical problems and must respond to questions from both the opposing team and a panel of judges.

Unlike traditional debate, in Ethics Bowl, students are not assigned opposing views; rather, they defend whichever position they think is correct, provide each other with constructive criticism, and win by demonstrating that they have thought rigorously and systematically about the cases and engaged respectfully and supportively with all participants. Topics of debate span all subjects, including politics, medicine, religion, technology, and interpersonal relationships.

The Ethics Bowl offers team members numerous opportunities for personal, social, and academic development, both at and with Yale. Participants have the chance to engage directly with current Yale undergraduate students and professors through online seminars, including a faculty-led speaker series. In past years, many Ethics Bowl participants have built meaningful relationships with Yale students and faculty, gaining deeper insights into Yale life, and, as a result, often have a significantly higher chance of admission to Yale. Beyond academics, the Ethics Bowl fosters a vibrant social environment, allowing members to form strong connections with their teammates.

This year's sign-up link for Chinese citizens shall be: https://njhsdlnovicerr.mikecrm.com/7ehXCPx

Essays will be evaluated based on the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of the relevant material, use of evidence, quality of argumentation, originality, structure, writing style, and persuasive impact. The best essays are those capable of changing someone's mind and addressing strong counter-arguments or objections. Essays that fail to engage with opposing perspectives are unlikely to be successful. Candidates should answer the question precisely and directly.

The 2024-2025 Ethics Bowl essay prompt shall be released on 28th October 2024

Our refund policy varies depending timeline. Please contact us for more information.

Understanding Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the act of presenting someone else's work or ideas as if they were your own. This applies to all forms of material—published or unpublished—and can occur both intentionally and unintentionally. It involves using another person's intellectual property without proper acknowledgment.

The Importance of Academic Integrity

In academic settings, plagiarism is considered a serious offense. It is more than just a breach of professional etiquette; it is a form of intellectual theft. By claiming another person's work as your own, you not only disrespect the original creator but also compromise the fairness and integrity of academic evaluations and competitions. For example, submitting a plagiarized essay to a contest undermines the efforts of other participants who have adhered to ethical standards.

Best Practices to Avoid Plagiarism

To maintain academic honesty, it's crucial that your work is predominantly original. When you incorporate ideas, data, or direct quotations from other sources—even if you paraphrase—you must provide clear citations and references. This not only gives credit to the original authors but also allows readers to verify sources and further explore the topic.

Key Takeaways

• Acknowledge All Sources: Always cite the original authors when using their ideas or words.
• Understand the Material: Fully comprehend the sources you reference to avoid misrepresentation.
• Use Plagiarism Detection Tools: Before submission, use available software to check the originality of your work.
• Learn Proper Citation Styles: Familiarize yourself with citation guidelines like APA, MLA, or Chicago style.

By adhering to these practices, you contribute to a culture of integrity and respect within the academic community.