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

Primary Reading Selection Text Author Interview 
Pocket Coach Academy, a corporate sponsor of UIL, conducted an interview with Serhii Plokhy, author of Nuclear Folly: A History of the Cuban Missile Crisis, the primary reading selection for the 2025-26 UIL Social Studies contest. This interview is offered as an optional resource for UIL participants and is not required for the contest. By clicking the link, you will be leaving the UIL website.

The Reading List and Supplemental Resource list for 2025-2026, along with the Social Studies Study Guide, 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.