Social Studies

Elements of the Contest

The Social Studies Contest consists of 45 objective questions and an essay. Students are expected to master primary reading selections, as well as specific documents, and to be familiar with general-knowledge social studies concepts and terms. Each year, the contest focuses on a different topic area and a reading list that is provided by UIL.

Additional Information

2025-2026 Topic: The Global War and Its Fallout: From Yalta to Malta

Primary Reading Selection: Nuclear Folly: A History of the Cuban Missile Crisis, by Serhii Plokhy

The Reading List and Supplemental Resource list will be updated for 2025-2026 and can be found on the right-hand side of this webpage under Social Studies Topic for you to download.

The above topic is for high school Social Studies. For A+ Social Studies information (grades 5/6 and 7/8), please click here.