Events Information and Patterns

The Journey Starts Here at Holy Trinity Catholic High School

Events Information

·        All acting and reading selections must be published material and free from objectionable material.  Internet sources are not allowed. 

·        Memorized introductions will be required for all pieces.

·        There are no minimum time limits for any event.  There is a 30 second grace period for all maximums.  Students exceeding the maximum and grace period will be penalized one rank.

·        Students may enter more than one event in each section; however, they are responsible for making it to each of their rounds.

Section A

Lincoln-Douglas Debate:  One on one values debate.  See UIL or National Forensic League for more information and time limits.  We will be using the UIL Fall Topic: Resolved: When in conflict, environmental protection ought to take precedence over natural resource extraction.

Cross-Examination Debate: Two on two policy debate. Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its protection of water resources in the United States. 

Public Forum Debate: Two on two debate.  See www.speechanddebate.org for more information.  We will use the SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER NSDA topic: Resolved: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization should substantially increase its defense commitments to the Baltic states.

 

Section B

Extemp Commentary: Students draw five topics, select one and have 20 minutes to prepare.  The speech, unlike extemp speaking, is intended to be a commentary on some issue or event or person, etc.  Use of secondary sources is expected, but not stressed as much as it is in extemp speaking.  Topic areas will be provided in advance of the tournament.  The student will deliver the speech SITTING DOWN.  Time limit: 5 minutes.  ONE NOTECARD MAY BE USED, though delivery without notes is suggested.

Extemp Commentary Topic Areas:
Round 1:  All things COVID-19

Round 2: In Memoriam--Those we've lost so far in 2021

Round 3: Random Pop Culture and Beyond

Duo Interp/Duet Acting: Two students present a selection from a play, novel, short story, or poem.  Selection may be humorous or dramatic.  No props or costumes.  Two chairs may be used.  Presentation may be EITHER Duo Interp or Duet Acting (See NSDA and TFA or TAPPS  websites for information.  Selection must be memorized.  Maximum time limit is 12 min. 

Humorous Intepretation: This is an individual category in which the selections are humorous in nature. Selections shall be cuttings from published-printed novels, short stories, plays, poetry, or any other printed-published materials. Presentations must be memorized, without props or costumes. The time limit is 10 minutes which includes an introduction.

Dramatic Interpretation: Same as Humorous Interpretation, except selections should be dramatic in nature.

Oratory:  Student presents an original speech he or she has written.  Speech may be on any topic of interest to the student.  Speech must be memorized.  Students should not use their scripts--just do your best!  Maximum time limit is 10 min.

Congressional Debate:  Students operate as a legislative body considering bills and resolutions. Chamber will be OPEN to allow for cross entries.  Docket has changed!  Docket will be bills from the Regional UIL Dockets.  Docket will be posted by the end of the day, Sept. 24.  Students in Extemp MAY STAY IN THE CHAMBER UNTIL CALLED TO DRAW.

Section C

EXPOSITORY: A five-minute speech, explaining something.  Topics may vary widely.  No props or costumes may be used.  Further information may be found on the NSDA webpage: 

Prose:  Student reads a selection of prose from a novel or short story.  Piece is to be read from a binder.  Maximum time limit is 7 min.

Poetry:  Student reads a selection of poetry.  Piece is to be read from a binder.  Maximum time limit is 7 min. 

POI  (Program Oral Interp): Student reads a selection--woven or otherwise--of poetry and prose around a central theme.  Piece is to be read from a binder.  Maximum time limit is 10 min.  Information: https://www.speechanddebate.org/competition-events/

Extemporaneous Speaking: Student will draw five topics on current events, select one, and have 30 minutes to prepare a speech.  Student may use only one note card during his/her speech.  Maximum time limit is 7 min.  Students in Congress MAY STAY IN THE CHAMBER UNTIL CALLED TO DRAW.