Academic Festival-10
July 24, 2010
For High School Students
Speech Topics:
1. The new Arizona Immigration Law signed in April 2010
makes it a crime for an alien to be in
2. Generally, tuition for college is increasing every
year across campuses in the nation. Will a significant increase in tuition
deter students from attending college? Why or why not? Provide evidence to support
your argument.
3. With the new healthcare bill that was passed, many
believe it is harming rather than helping Americans. How do you view the bill?
What will it do for Americans in the future? Support your answers with
evidence.
Pick any one of your choice and prepare. The maximum
allowable time for speech will be 3 minutes. A yellow card will be raised at 2
minutes to indicate that 1 minute is remaining.
Essay Topics:
1.
What are the reasons that many students nowadays are dropping out of high
school? Offer some solutions to prevent this trend.
2. With the release of gadgets
such as the iPhone, iPad,
etc., our lives seem to revolve completely around computers and technology. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of
being dependent on this technology. Are we becoming far too dependent as a
society? Why or why not?
3.
Aristotle
said, "The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet". In
your own words, explain what is meant by the quote.
Pick any one of your choice
and prepare. The allotted
time for writing will be 40 minutes.
Criteria for judging
For speech:
1. Speech Construction (10 points)
Introduction, body of
speech, conclusion
Organization of the
speech
Main points developed
well
2. Presentation and Delivery (20
points)
Facial and body
gestures must enhance not distract from the speech
Use of eye-contact
Relaxed stance
Use of pause to allow
the audience to assimilate the message
Variety of pace
3. Content of Speech (20 points)
The message of the
speech
Is it
relevant, meaningful, clear and concise?
Does it engage the
audience?
4. Language (10 points)
The use of grammar,
punctuation and word selection to enhance
The use of visual
imagery to ensure that the message is delivered
5. Vocal Inclination (10 points)
Modulation and volume
of voice in delivery of the speech
Vocal interest
For Essay:
Introduction (10 points)
The introduction of an essay should gain the reader’s
interest and identify the thesis or specific focus of the essay. An
introduction is typically a paragraph or two, beginning somewhat generally and
becoming more specific. The last sentence of the introduction usually states
the thesis. You might try catching your reader’s attention by asking a
question, providing an interesting story about the topic, presenting a
significant fact or defining an important term. Once you have the reader’s
interest, gradually lead up to the statement of your thesis.
Thesis (10 points)
A thesis statement identifies the specific focus of
your essay. It may highlight a special condition or feature of the topic,
express an opinion, or take a stand. The thesis should be stated clearly,
concisely, and boldly. The remainder of your essay will be devoted to
supporting the thesis statement.
Consistency of style (10 points)
Style is how the author uses words, phrases, and
sentences to form his or her ideas. Style often distinguishes the writing of
one individual from another. The judge will NOT be evaluating your style per se, rather, whether or not you have
consistently used the same style throughout the essay. This includes the
consistent use of point of view (i.e., 1st, 2nd, or 3rd person) and tense. Keep
in mind that 2nd and 3rd person voices are more commonly used in informative
and persuasive essays.
Organization (10 points)
A good essay is well organized. You may want to write
a detailed outline before beginning to help you arrange your thoughts and
ideas. Typically each paragraph begins with a topic sentence which presents a
main point. The main points logically support the thesis in a smooth flow. You
might help the reader mentally follow your outline by using words like “first”
and “second” or “one” and “another” at the beginning of your paragraphs. The
judge will be deciding how well organized your essay is. Organization is
closely related to sentence and paragraph structure.
Sentences and paragraphs (5 points)
The first sentence of each paragraph is the topic
sentence. The body of each paragraph must support its topic sentence. Be sure
to express complete thoughts, and avoid ambiguity. Arrange the ideas within
each paragraph logically. The judge will be looking for correct and interesting
sentence and paragraph structure. Take the time to read each sentence and then
each paragraph individually. Try to use a variety of sentence lengths and
patterns.
Supporting information (10 points)
The middle of the essay is composed of paragraphs
that present the main points or reasons supporting the thesis. This supporting
information may include facts, examples, quotations, comments, analysis, etc.
The judge will be deciding how well you have supported your thesis with supporting
information. Research your topic thoroughly and remember to cite your sources,
if applicable. Trademark logos and slogans should not be used without express permission.
Conclusion (5 points)
The conclusion of an essay should tie the main points
of the essay together and draw a final conclusion. A conclusion is typically a
paragraph or two providing an ending to the essay. It should begin more
specifically and end somewhat generally, and should tie into your introduction
in some way. In the first part, you might restate the thesis and review your
main points. In the second part, you might make more general statements that
broaden your scope and leave the reader with something to think about, emphasize
the importance of the topic, or perhaps draw connections between the topic and
the reader’s own experience.
Grammar, punctuation, and spelling (10 points)
The judge will be looking for acceptable usage of
grammar and punctuation and correct spelling.
Neatness (2 points)
The essay must be neatly presented. The lettering
must be legible and clear.
Paragraphs should be well defined using indentation
or wide spacing.