CHORAL SPEAKING COMPETITION FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS

RULES AND GUIDELINES 1.0 Introduction Choral speaking is a competition organized by the Ministry of education. The competition aims at encouraging and increasing the use English among pupils or students to memorize, speak, render and express themselves in English.

2.0 2.1

Competition Rules Eligibility

2.1.1

This competition in open to pupils of government-aided school from Year 4 to Year 6 only. Year 3 pupils are allowed to participate if they are from under enrolled school.

2.1.2 2.2 Time 2.2.1

Each Choral speaking team comprises member from the same school

For the primary school category, each team is given a presentation time limit of 5 to 8 minutes. Marks will be deducted thereafter

2.3

Team 2.3.1 Each team should comprise 30 to 35 pupils or students. A conductor should be appointed amongst these pupils or students 2.3.2 Each team should be accompanied by 4 teacher-in-charge

2.4

Text 2.4.1 Selection of texts may be in the form of poetry or short prose. Texts should Preferably be original and authentic 2.4.2 Adapted texts including those from previous years should be acknowledged by citing the source 2.4.3 Participants are not allowed to refer to any notes or printed material during the presentation 2.4.4 Material presented must not touch on sensitive issues, such as race, religion, stereotyping, politics etc. 2.4.5 Copies of choral speaking text s must be submitted to the organizers two weeks prior to the competition

2.5

Attire

2.5.1 2.5.2 2.6 Exclusions 2.6.1

All participants should be in a school uniform whem competing The conductor may use gloves

There should be no inclusion of music, drama, costume, props or artificial sound effects

2.6.2

Any inclusion of singing, skit or physical movement should enhance and not dominate the presentation

2.7

Stage Arrangement 2.7.1 The arrangement of the teams on the stage will be fixed 3-tiered rows

2.8

Decisions 2.8.1 2.8.2. 2.8.3 2.8.4 Points will be awarded according to the score sheet. Judges will collectively determine the placing by a clear majority vote. The decision of the judges is final Individual team marks will not be disclosed

2.9

Marks 2.9.1 2.9.2 2.9.3 2.9.4 2.9.5 2.9.6 2.9.7 Subject Matter: point of view, appeal and authenticity of text (20 M) Articulation; Accuracy in pronunciation, clarity and expression (50 M) Voice types: Variety of intonation, mood and tempo (10 M) Orchestrated rhythm and timing (10 M) Sound Effect: sound imitation (vocalized) (5M) General Demeanour: Stance and bearing (5 M) Penalty: 5 marks to be deducted sensitive issues touched, below or above stipulated time, stipulated exclusions under competition guidelines infringed, excessive movements made

Definition Choral speaking is the interpretation of poetry or prose by a group, comprising anything from half a dozen to a hundred speakers. It involves a full and varied use of the individual voices that make up the group. There may be division of the whole group into light and dark voices, broken and unbroken, female and male, treble and so on. Individual voice may used as solo.