Forensics Competition

V.O.G.S. FORENSICS COMPETITION

GUIDELINES

• Levels:
1. Level 1: Elementary (1^st year students)
2. Level 2: Intermediate (2^nd and 3^rd year students)
3. Level 3: Upper Intermediate (4^th year students and elementary or intermediate level students with German experience)
4. Level 4: Advanced (5^th and 6^th year students and 4^th year students with German experience)

• Students will compete only with students of the same level.
• Teacher discretion should be used in placing students with additional German language experience into the appropriate level

• Level 1 Competition:

In this level of competition, the student will choose either a poetry or prose piece. Whichever one the student chooses, a brief introduction of himself or herself in German is required, including from which school he or she is. The intro should also introduce the poem.

• Levels 2-4 Competition: In addition to introducing himself or herself briefly (including school) as well as the poem, the student will choose one of the following,

1. Poetry Interpretation

The student will be judged on the presentation of one prepared poem. See poetry selections and rules.

2. Prose Interpretation

The student will be judged on the presentation of one prepared prose selection. See prose selections and rules.

3. Extemporaneous Speech
   The student will be judged on the presentation of an unrehearsed speech on an assigned topic. See rules.

• Level 2-4 Rules for Poetry or Prose Presentation:

1. Students must write and memorize and introduction for the prepared poetry or prose selection. This intro must be in German and should last no more than one minute in length. The purpose should be to set the mood or give insight, and to introduce the title and author of the piece.
2. Students must have the poetry/prose selection before them in a binder or folder. They may glance down at the selection as necessary, but ?reading? from the text is discouraged.
3. Students may work with their instructor and receive coaching, however, no one except the judges and those in the competition are allowed in the same room during the presentation.
4. There is a minimum total time of 2 minutes and a maximum time limit of 6 minutes, which includes the introduction time.
5. Students must stand in one place during the presentation. They are free, however, to move their arms, hands, upper bodies, and use facial expressions in their presentations.
6. All students in the same level will be presenting the same poetry/prose selection.
7. Students will have 2 minutes to read over the on-site selection before presenting it to the judges. During this time, a dictionary may be consulted.

• Rules for Extemporaneous Speech:

1. All students in the same level will be given the same topic upon which he or she will be expected to speak.
2. Students will be given 2 minutes to organize his/her thoughts before delivery of his/her speech. During this time, a dictionary may be consulted.
3. Students may have one 3x5 note card during his/her speech, but are discouraged from reading ?word for word? from it. The note card should only have brief notes or key words on it. Judges may, if necessary, ask to see a student?s note card.
4. Students are expected, at the beginning, to briefly introduce themselves and the nature of their speech.
5. Students are allowed to move around (i.e. take steps or paces) as necessary, but are limited to the front of the room and are discouraged from unnecessary or irrelevant movements that may distract from the speech.
6. There is a minimum speaking time limit of 3 minutes and a maximum time limit of 5 minutes.

• Judging Criteria for Poetry or Prose Presentation:

1. Interpretation: insight into and transmission of meaning, use of introduction
2. Delivery: appropriate blending of rhythm, meter, phrasing, voice, intonation, creativity, and use of facial expressions
3. German: fluency, pronunciation, correct usage

• Judging Criteria for Extemporaneous Speech:

1. Speech: organization of thoughts, communication of ideas
2. Delivery: creativity, use of voice, gestures, eye contact
3. German: fluency, pronunciation, correct grammar and usage

Poetry Selections:

1. Level 1: ?Die Lorelei? by Heinrich Heine
2. Level 2: ?Erlkönig? by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
3. Level 3: ?Das Karussell? by Rainer Maria Rilke
4. Level 4: ?Stufen? by Hermann Hesse

Prose Selections:

1. Level 1: ?Das Brot? by Wolfgang Borchert
2. Level 2: ?Der Augsburger Kreidekreis? by Bertolt Brecht
3. Level 3: ?Geschichte ohne Moral? by Alfred Polgar
4. Level 4: ?Die Verwandlung? by Franz Kafka