Student Voice

In this new collection of 100 essays curated by The New York Times, students will find mentor texts written by their peers--13-to-18-year-olds--on a wide range of topics, including social media, race, video games, lockdown drills, immigration, tackle football, and the #MeToo movement. All of the essays were either winners or runners-up from The New York Times Learning Network 2014-2019 Student Editorial contests, in which students could take on any issue they liked and, in 450 words or fewer, persuade readers--including educators from around the country as well as Times judges--to adopt their point of view. The essays have been selected for their voice, style, and use of evidence, as well as to present snapshot of issues across a dozen categories that are of particular interest to adolescents.

Student Voice is also available as a package with Raising Student Voice: 35 Ways to Help Students Write Better Argument Essays, from The New York Times Learning Network, a teacher's companion guide packed with practical advice from teachers, Times editors, and even student winners about how to use these essays in writing instruction.