Limited Prep Topic Areas

2024 ISI - Impromptu Topic Areas

Round 1 – Ivy League, Not Ivy Street

The tournament’s name pays homage to the original Marist School campus, which was replaced by the construction of I-75/85. While some have humorously suggested that the name is an attempt to borrow Ivy League prestige (which, let’s be honest, we don’t need), this round focuses on the namesakes some might imagine we’re trying to emulate.

Round 2 – "Mind of a Country Boy"

Georgia native and five-time CMA Entertainer of the Year, Luke Bryan, is set to release his new album, "Mind of a Country Boy," on Friday, September 27. While the Marist coaching staff might not have Luke Bryan on their playlists, the album title offers a fun opportunity to dive into a round featuring inspirational quotes that capture the essence of a country boy’s mindset.

Round 3 – Georgia on My Mind

A nod to the great state of Georgia, even though we aren’t competing in-person there. This round will shine a spotlight on some of the unique and quirky aspects of Georgia, reminding us of the state’s rich character.

Finals (if necessary) -- The Ivy Street Invitational in 2050: Communal Innovation

The Ivy Street Invitational is always forward-thinking, so we're challenging the top competitors in the Impromptu division to envision what this tournament and our community might look like in the year 2050—when, yes, we'll still be hosting it online.

Round 1 – Battleground Breakdown

We'll start the day in Extemp with the topic area that is at every tournament until November - but since we're hosting from a pivotal state, we'll make sure the questions center around the role these swing states and policies within these states will affect the 2024 United States elections (presidential and congressional elections included).

Round 2 – Georgia, wait not that one. Russia and the Former Soviet Republics.

This round will take us across the globe and focus on Russia’s policies and actions over the past six months, including a special emphasis on the dynamics between Russia and the former Soviet republics. From tensions in Eastern Europe to developments in the Caucasus (yes, including the other Georgia), competitors will explore how these relationships shape global politics.

Round 3 – Fields of Change: U.S. Agriculture Policy

Paying tribute to Georgia’s agricultural roots and it being the annual 'Farm Bill szn' in Congress, this round explores the ups and downs of domestic agriculture in the United States, with questions centered around policy and potential upcoming legislative changes.

Finals – The Ivy Street Invitational in 2050: Global Innovations

The best extemp students in the tournament will be invited to think about hypothetical scenarios about the world in 2050, with a focus on international developments. Expect questions on future global policies, technological advances, international relations, and how these innovations could shape the next few decades of global affairs.