Dear students:
In our Writing and Speaking on the West Coast 2024/25, we invite students to explore the theme – “The Commonwealth: a Connector and Crossing Ground of Cultures”.
We also invite students to explore the topic “In Search of the Dragon”, as an alternative. The “Dragon,” a creature from the legends of both Eastern and Western civilizations, though born from collective imagination, has transcended time and culture to play a significant role in the development of human cultural heritage. Dragons demonstrate humanity’s ability to use myths to convey values, teach lessons, and inspire imagination. They also reflect the diversity of values and perceptions across different civilizations.
Through the theme “In Search of the Dragon,” we aim to celebrate the exchange and fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. We seek to foster mutual understanding and inspire curiosity and imagination about various civilizations.
WRITING CONTEST WINNERS (TBA)
Junior
1st:
2nd
3rd:
Honourable Mentions:
Youth
1st:
2nd:
3rd:
Honourable Mentions:
Senior
1st:
2nd:
3rd:
Honourable Mentions:
SPEAKING CONTEST WINNERS (TBA)
Junior
1st:
2nd
3rd:
Honourable Mentions:
Youth
1st:
2nd:
3rd:
Honourable Mentions:
Senior
1st:
2nd:
3rd:
Honourable Mentions:
TOPICS :
The topics in this year’s competition are
- The Commonwealth: a Connector and Crossing Ground of Cultures
- In Search of the Dragon
The Essays will be due on February 8, 2025.
Our Public Speaking contest will be held on February 15, 2025.
CATEGORIES
- Grades 1-3 * Elementary : 4-5 Minute Prose Reading / 100 words essay
- Grades 4-5 * Junior: 4-5 Minute Speeches / 400 words essay
- Grades 6-8 * Youth: 5-6 Mnute Speeches / 700 words essay
- Grades 9-12 * Senior: 6-8 Minute Speeches / 1,000 words essay
- Notes about the categories:
- A student’s category is determined by their grade level at school during the current school year.
- Organizers may contact students to verify that they are in the correct categories; failure to do so may result in disqualification from the tournament.
REGISTRATION
Registration Fee:
$20 for both the Writing and Speaking Competitions
OR
$15 for each Writing or Speaking Competition (if a registrant only opts for one contest)
Please e-transfer your registration contribution to rcscontestinfo@gmail.com and specify your student registrant’s name in the message when sending money.
To register, please fill out this form by February 15, 2025 Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions.
Best regards,
Fiona Li
Youth Director, Education Committee & Tournament Director
Royal Commonwealth Society of Mainland BC
Email: rcscontestinfo@gmail.com
WRITING COMPETITION RULES
- All essays must be written in English.
- No entrant may submit more than ONE essay. Entrants must write on one topic only.
- Essays are liable for disqualification on the following criteria: the essay is generated by AI; the essay is not certified; no grade is given; the essay is too long or short in relation to the specified word count.
- Essays submitted must be written or typed on standard 8 1/2 x 11 inch (21.5 x 28 cm) paper (not 8 1/2 x 14 inch) leaving a 1 – 1 1/2 inch (3 – 4 cm) margin on the left side. The writer’s name, the title of the essay and the topic must be given at the top of the first page.
- Emailed essays should be sent in PDF only with student’s full name, grade and essay category. Essays may not be faxed.
- Essays must have been RECEIVED by the deadline date via email to rcscontestinfo@gmail.com.
- Any questions or clarifications concerning this contest should be emailed to rcscontestinfo@gmail.com.
- The writers of essays may be advised on preliminary planning and on source material but NO further help should he given by teachers or families.
- We may contact finalists to ask their secondary school teacher or principal to certify that this essay is the student’s own composition.
PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION FORMAT
The format of the speech can be persuasive, informative, narrative, etc. as long as it adheres to the provided topic.
Students in all categories will be judged based on:
- Delivery (vocal expression, body language, fluency),
- Content (organization, creativity, adherence to the prompt),
- Language (vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation).
Students are encouraged to memorize the presentation and although they may choose to use cue cards, judges often find memorized speeches to be more polished and impressive.
SCHEDULE
Please note that all times are in Pacific Time on Saturday, February 15th.
1:00pm PDT —— Registration
1:30pm PDT —— Welcome & Briefings
2:00pm PDT —— Competitions Begin!
5:00pm PDT —— Results Announcement
PRIZES
- The top prize winners, in each category, who attend our award ceremony will receive medals and special prizes.
- The 4th to 6th place contestants who attend our award ceremony will receive special Royal Commonwealth Society prizes.
- All participants will receive certificates of participation from the Royal Commonwealth Society.
DRESS CODE & EXPECTATIONS
- Students are encouraged to wear formal attire to the competition. This means a collared shirt, tie, dress, etc.
- Students are expected to find a quiet place with a strong wifi connection.
- * Backgrounds should be neutral and we ask that students do not use virtual Zoom backgrounds for the competition (Not applicable if the contest is held off-line in person).
- It is a good idea to test your camera and microphone the day before.
- Competitors should be visible from head to waist.
TOURNAMENT PLATFORM
The competition will take place online (Zoom invite TBA), and competitors should ensure that they have installed the latest version in order to navigate to the correct breakout rooms. Specific links will be sent out to registered participants via email prior to the competition.