Events and Scoring

I. Poetry: Individual students recite from memory a poem in French. Max. 2 students per teacher, per level

From memory, the student will state the name of the poem and its author, then recite the poem designated for their level. Ratings are based on the following:

1. Interpretation: demonstrates a clear understanding of the author's meaning, intent, and emotional content throughout the recitation

2. Pronunciation: produces the components of spoken language, including awareness of special sounds, elision, and liaison in French

3. Intonation: shows total meaning of the selection through the rise and fall in the pitch of the voice

4. Memorization: accurately reproduces the selection

II. Persuasive Speech/Discours Original: Individual students give a persuasive poster presentation in response to the question of the year. Max. 3 students per teacher, per level.

Using an IMAGE-ONLY poster (no text/words on poster or anywhere else during presentation), students present an original response to the designated question. The poster serves both as a memory aid for the student-presenter and an outline to aid comprehension on the part of the audience (judges). No additional resources or supports are permitted (notecards, etc.)

Based on their level, students answer 1 or more parts of the question:

Part A (Base Question): ALL levels

Part B: High School Levels 2, 3, 4, 5, & Special Category

Part C: High School Levels 4, 5, & Special Category

Question for 2020:

A: Quels problèmes environnementaux ou écologiques vous inquiètent dans le monde d’aujourd’hui?

B: Expliquez ce que font déjà des gens de votre communauté et d’une communauté francophone pour améliorer la situation.

C: Proposez une solution innovante et créative pour lutter contre ce problème.

Suggested Times:

Middle School through High School Level 1: 1 to 1.5 minutes

High School 2 & High School 3: 1.5 to 3 minutes

High School 4, 5 & Special Category: 3 to 4 minutes

Ratings are based on the following:

1. Content: answers all parts of the question with supporting details and originality

2. Communication: presents information in a way that is clear and organized

3. Vocabulary/Grammar: demonstrates accuracy and range appropriate for level

4. Professionalism: body language, intonation, voice quality, pacing, & poster contribute positively to the presenter's message

III. Impromptu Conversation: Students in pairs present an impromptu conversation in French based on a level-appropriate prompt. Max. 2 groups per teacher, per level.

Student pairs randomly draw 2 conversation situations and then choose one to present. Conversation situations are based on a variety of topics commonly studied. Consult the AATF Grand Concours national specifications for suggested content by level.

Students prepare their conversations in a practice room separate from the presentation room. Students cannot consult anything or anyone during their preparation time. Students cannot use their own notes during their delivery before the judges, but, they may use the copy of their situation to help guide them.

All levels have 10 minutes of preparation time. Required delivery times are as follows:

Middle School--2 minutes

High School (Levels I and II)--3 minutes

High School (Levels III, IV, V, AP)--4 minutes

Each group receives one rating; students are not rated separately. Ratings are based on the following:

1. Communication/Time: Develop, with relative ease, a storyline based on a given situation and reflecting an exchange of information. Show ability to introduce, sustain, and conclude a conversation for the required amount of time without long gaps of silence.

2. Vocabulary/Grammar: Use vocabulary appropriate to the situation. Use a range of grammatical structures.

3. Intonation: Show an understanding of the meaning of the utterance through the rise and fall of the voice.

4. Pronunciation: produces the components of spoken language, including awareness of special sounds, elision, and liaison in French

IV. Skit/Théâtre de chambre: Students in groups of 2-6 present from memory a prepared theatrical piece in French. Max. 1 group per teacher, per level.

A student group of two to six members acts out a scene or cutting of French literature (prose, poetry, drama). Each group:

a. Chooses its own scene or cutting (with guidance from a teacher)

b. Memorizes all the lines of the scene and introduction

c. Prepares and presents an introduction in French, including the name of the scene, the author's name, the characters' names and any transitions

d. Blocks the scene properly so that actors' movements are like that a fully produced play.

e. Costumes, make-up and props are permitted but not required.

A clean copy of the script must be submitted at least one week prior to the contest . If script is not submitted in requested format by Monday of contest week, you must bring 3 copies yourself or receive a maximum score of II.

Each group receives one rating; students are not rated separately. Each level is judged separately, with more proficiency expected from students in advanced levels than those in lower levels. Ratings are based on the following:

1. Interpretation: Shows a clear understanding of the scene's meaning. Shows believability of the characters via costumes and/or personal interpretation (voice and facial expression). Uses proper blocking, maintains the pace, and works toward the climax of the scene.

2. Memorization: Accurately reproduces the scene.

3. Intonation: Shows total meaning of the utterance through the rise and fall in the pitch of the voice.

4. Pronunciation: Produces the components of spoken language, including awareness of special sounds, elision and liaison in French.

5. Intro/Time/Transitions: Presents an introduction as required and does not exceed the 15-minute time limit. Any transitions are indicated with clarity and ease.