Subjective Events

Contestants hear a story that they retell for their audience in their own words within 7 minutes. This activity encourages the use of recall and also allows young students to bring their own expression and insight to the story.

Students select, prepare, and read a literary poetry or prose selection, with introduction, within a six-minute time limit. Presentations are evaluated on aspects of performance, such as appropriateness of selection, introduction, control of presentation, and overall effectiveness. The focus of the contest (poetry versus prose) alternates each year: prose in 2005, poetry in 2006, prose in 2007, et cetera.

Students are challenged to think quickly and communicate effectively. They organize their thoughts on a topic for three minutes, then speak for five or fewer minutes without notes.

*Grade levels compete together.

A challenge in writing and speaking, students prepare a short speech to examine the pros and cons of an issue (choice of 5) and defend their points of view, incorporating a variety of skills.

*Grade levels compete together.

This event is designed to promote creativity and encourage writing skills at an early age. Using a prompt of several pictures, students have 30 minutes to create an original story based on the pictures.

This event brings challenge for the gifted writer. Students are given a choice between two prompts. Each prompt defines the audience and provides the purpose for writing. Time limits vary by grade level.

Using a display still life model consisting of from 4 to 7 objects, contestants produce a rendering on regular drawing paper using any drawing media. Contestants have 45 minutes at the contest site to produce their work of art to be judged by qualified artists and displayed in an art show during the remainder of the tournament day.

Students draw upon a wide range of skills as they work together to perform an original or published drama under time and set limitations.

*Grade levels compete together.