Fancy a quick cuppa, in 5k words? (1999)

The 5,000-word essay, BS6008: Method for Preparation of a Liquor of Tea, saw off a host of wordy opponents to win the Ig Nobel literary award – an American spoof on the prizes for scientific and artistic excellence. “We are delighted to have been recognised for what is the very important task of setting out the standards required to produce a proper cup of tea,” said a spokesman, Steve Tyler. Lift the pot with the lid in place, then “pour tea through the infused leaves into the cup”.

Source: www.theguardian.com