The 2nd Nagaland Spelling Bee Championship 2013 Organised by: The Fountain Club Kohima
In Partnership with: State Council of Educational Research & Training (SCERT) Government of Nagaland also The Morung Express & N M Cables as media partners, Contest Rules & Regulation 2013
1. Eligibility: The Participant (henceforth shall be called Speller) qualifying for 2nd Nagaland Spelling Bee Championship 2013 must meet the following requirements: 1. The Speller must be a Regular enrolled student under a school that is registered under the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) or any other nationally recognized / affiliated Board of Educational Institutions in Nagaland. 2. The qualification of the Speller must be of minimum standard 8th and maximum 12th in the participating year. 3. The Speller must have full endorsement from the concern authority of the Educational Institution to which he or she will represent. 4. The Speller must not bypass or circumvent normal school activity to prepare for Spelling Bee. 5. The Champion of the immediately preceding edition will not be allowed to participate in the current edition. However, all other participants will be eligible, provided that they fulfil the other conditions. The Organisers may disqualify prior to or during the competition any Speller who is not in compliance with any of the above Eligibility Requirements; and it may — at any time between the conclusion of the 2013 Nagaland Spelling Bee and the subsequent edition 2014 — require any Speller who is found to have not been in compliance with any of the Eligibility Requirements to forfeit any prize, rank and other benefits accorded to the Speller as a result of participation in the 2013 Nagaland Spelling Bee Championship. 2. Stages of Competition: The Competition will have 2 (Two) distinct stages - A Preliminary Stage and the Final Stage. Preliminary stage on day 1 and the Finals on day 3. The Final Stage of the Competition will have 32 (Thirty Two) numbers of Competitors / Spellers selected from the Preliminary rounds. Preliminary Stage: In the Preliminary stage a Speller will be given 7 (seven) words to spell with 60 (Sixty) seconds to answer a word each. There will be no minimum qualifying word scoring level in the preliminary stages for a Speller to be selected to the Final stages. Spellers spelling the highest number of words correctly in the Preliminary stage will qualify for the next level / Final stages of competition. In event of any ties amongst the competitors spelling the least number of words correctly in the Preliminary stages, selection to the required number of 32 Finalists will be made on direct Knock - Out Basis, where the tie Spellers will be called to spell additional number of words. Final Stage: I n t h e F i n a l Round of 32, each Speller will be asked 5 (Five) words with 2 (Two) minutes to answer each word; from where 16 (Sixteen) Spellers will be selected for the subsequent round. In the event of any tie amongst the competitors, selection for the 16 Spellers will be selected on Knock–out Basis depending on the average correct words spelled. The same procedure of selection for Spellers from 16 to 8 (Eight) Finalists will be followed as stated above. From the Final Round of 8, the Champion Speller will be selected on the process of Direct Knock - Out Basis. When the participants are reduced to 2 (Two), the elimination procedure will change as. - At that point, when one participant misspells a word, the other participant will be given an opportunity to spell that same word. - If the second contestant spells that word correctly, plus the next word on the Pronouncer’s list, then the second participant shall be declared the Champion of the Bee Competition. - If one of the last two participants misspells, then the other, after spelling correctly the same word, but misspells the new word submitted to him/her, the same mis-
spelled word will again be referred to the other Speller. - If one of the Speller then succeeds in correctly spelling the misspelled word firstly given to the other Speller and then also correctly spells the next word on the Pronouncer‘s list, then he/ she shall be declared the Champion. - If both Spellers misspell the same word, they shall continue in the contest, and the one who first misspelled the word shall be given a new word to spell. The pattern will continue until one of the participants is declared the Champion. 3. Official Dictionary: The Oxford Dictionary and its addenda, 2010 Edition will be the final authority for the spelling of words. All words given in Championship will be entries in the Oxford Dictionary only. 4. Time: The Speller’s time has a
limit of 60 Seconds for the Preliminaries. Time begins when the Pronouncer first pronounces the word. From the Final round, the 32 Spellers’ time at the microphone will be a limit of 120 (One Twenty) Seconds. Time begins when the Pronouncer pronounces the words. If the Judges and Pronouncer need to discuss a competition-related matter while a Speller is contemplating a word, they may pause the time clock. If they pause the time clock, they will inform the Speller when they pause and resume the time clock. The Judges will disqualify any Speller who does not provide a complete spelling before the expiration of time. 5. Pronouncer: The Pronouncer will pronounce words provided to him by the Judges as referred to in the Oxford International Dictionary. Homonyms: If a word has one or more homonyms, the Pronouncer will indicate which word is to be spelled by defining the word given to the Speller. Speller’s requests: In the competition the Pronouncer may respond to the Speller’s requests for a definition, sentence, part of speech, language(s) of origin and alternate pronunciation(s). When presented with requests for alternate pronunciations, the Pronouncer or Associate Pronouncer checks for alternate pronunciations in Oxford International Dictionary. The Pronouncer may grant such requests as long as they are in accordance with time constraints outlined. Pronouncer’s assistance: The Pronouncer may offer word information — without the Speller having requested the information. 6. Judges: The Judges shall uphold the Rules & Regulations to determine whether or not words are spelled correctly. The decisions of the Judges are final. Interaction with the Speller: Because seeing lip movements may be critical in detecting misunderstandings or misspellings, the Judges can direct the Spellers to face them when pronouncing and spelling the word. Misunderstandings: The Judges participate in the exchange of information between the Speller and Pronouncer if they feel that clarification is needed. Also, the Judges listen carefully to the Speller’s pronunciation of the word; and, if they sense that the Speller has misunderstood the word, the Judges work with the Speller and
Pronouncer until they are satisfied that reasonable attempts have been made to assist the Speller in understanding the word within the time constraints described. While the Judges are responsible for attempting to detect a Speller’s misunderstanding, they (Judges) are not responsible for the Speller’s misunderstanding. Pronouncer errors: The Judges compare the Pronouncer’s pronunciation with the diacritical markings in the word list. If the Judges feel that the Pronouncer’s pronunciation does not match the pronunciation specified in the accent markings, the Judges will direct the Pronouncer to correct the error as soon as it is detected. A new word will be given in event of objection on the words pronunciation with the assent of the Judges. The Judges will resolve any / all disputes concerning; (a) pronunciation (b) interpretation of rules and procedures (c) time (d) and all other technical related things regarding the Championship, which will be final and binding. 7. Speller: The Speller must face the Judges and pronounce the word for the Judges before spelling it and after spelling it. The Speller while facing the Judges must utter each letter distinctly and with sufficient volume to be understood by the Judges. The Speller may ask the Pronouncer to say the word again, define it, use it in a sentence, provide the part of speech, provide the language(s) of origin and/or provide an alternate pronunciation or pronunciations. The Speller may also be asked for a change in the sequence of letter spelt if the word is not being completely spelt and pronounced and if stipulated time remains so. However the Speller will not be allowed to retrace the letters if the word asked has been completely spelt and pronounced once. After the Pronouncer gives a word, the Spellers are encouraged to pronounce the word before spelling it and after spelling it. There will be no disqualification of the Spellers for failing to pronounce the word incorrectly. Misunderstandings: The Speller is responsible for any misunderstanding of the word unless (1) the Pronouncer never provided a correct pronunciation; (2) the Pronouncer provided incorrect information regarding the definition, part of speech, or language of origin; or (3) the Speller correctly spelled a homonym of the word and the Pronouncer failed to either offer a definition or distinguish the homonyms. 8. Time Keeper: The Time Keeper will in correspondence with the Pronouncer’s pronouncement of the word for the Speller to spell, will mark the starting and simultaneously indicate the end of time allotted to the Speller. When the Judge/s and Pronouncer are in discussion to a competition-related matter while a Speller is contemplating a word, the Time keeper at the notification of the Judge / Pronouncer will pause the time clock and will inform the Speller when they pause and resume the remaining time clock. 9. Scorer: The Scorer in confirmation to the Spellers correct and incorrect - responses and to the interpretation of the Judges verdicts will maintain the score records of the Spellers. 10. Disqualification: The Judges will disqualify a Speller; (1) who refuses a request to start spelling; (2) who does not approach the microphone when it is time to receive the word; (3) who engages in unsportsmanlike conduct; (4) who, in the process of spelling, utters unintelligible or nonsense sounds; or (5) in the event when the action of a participants supporter is deemed inappropriate by the Judges / Pronouncers, such as whispers, lip or letter guiding indications etc. Speller activities that do not merit disqualification: The judges may not disqualify a speller (1) for failing to pronounce the word either before or after spelling it, (2) for asking a question, or (3) for noting or failing to note the capitalization of a word or the presence of a dia-
critical mark. 11. Organisers: The Organisers will oversee all aspects of organising the Championship successfully and any disputes or issues related thus, the decision of the Organisers will be final and binding. Points to be Noted: 1. Completed Forms I & II should reach the under mentioned address on or before 16th September 2013.: The Convenor, Organising Committee, 2nd NAGALAND SPELLING BEE CHAMPIONSHIP 2013, C/o SUPER TRAVELS, Hotel Japfu Complex, P. R. Hills, Kohima-797001 2. Late submission of entry form shall not be entertained. 3. A sum of Rupees 100 /- only will be realised from the Speller as Registration Fee on arrival. 4. The Spellers are encouraged to be in full school uniforms for participation. 5. The Speller must wear the
participation badge provided by the Organisers 6. The Speller will not be allowed to avail aiding materials i.e, marking pens, pencil, any electronic gadgets and papers while on the podium, spelling the words. 7. Accommodation and food shall be provided to the spellers coming from outside Kohima only on demand as specified in the form, free of charges. Accompanying faculty members / parents may on request be provided with food and lodging facilities against nominal charges. 8. The lodgers are to bring their own light bedrolls (bed sheet, pillow & light blanket). 9. Travelling allowances will not be reimbursed . 10. To and Fro conveyance will be provided to the lodgers only from the Camp to the Championship Venue. 11. Light refreshment will be served to all during competition
days. 12. Spellers failing to report on time to the Venue during competition will stand automatically disqualified. 13. The Spellers/School authorities are requested to thoroughly comprehend all the Rules and Regulations provided. Moreover, proper contact number must be enclosed in the participation form. 14. Rules and Regulations are enclosed. 15. All the Spellers must enclose in the form, 3(Three) copies of recent passport size photo (colour). 16. All detail contest Rules and Regulations along with the entry form can be downloaded from www.morungexpress.com (For further information kindly contact +919402453002, +919612153304, +919436609258) Sd/Organising Committee 2nd Nagaland Spelling Bee Championship 2013
Form I
“2nd Nagaland Spelling Bee Championship 2013” Organized by Fountain Club, Kohima In Partnership with SCERT, Nagaland
Participation Form Paste and sign across 1. Name :……………………………………………………………………………….............. 2. Surname :…………………………………………………………………………….................
3. F/Name :……………………………………………………………………………….............. 4.
Date of Birth/Age
:………………………………………………………………………………..............
5. Gender :………………………………………………………………………………..............
6. Community :…………………………………………………………………………….................. 7.
Name of School
:……………………………………………………………………………..................
8. Class/Standard :……………………………………………………………………………..................
9. District :…………………………………………………………………………….................. 10. Hobbies :…………………………………………………………………………….................. 11. Ambition :…………………………………………………………………………….................. 12. Contact No. of Participant
13. E- Mail Address
:……………………………………………………………………………..................
:……………………………………………………………………………..................
14. Contact number of Faculty /accompanying teacher ............................................................................................... 15. Accommodation required : (For Participant) 16. Accommodation required : (For Accompanying Faculty)
Yes Yes
No No
17. Food : Veg Non Veg
I hereby declare that the above statements/details are true to the best of my knowledge, any false statement(s) so detected shall subject to disqualification. Date: ………………………. …………………………………… Place:………………………. Student’s Signature
Form II
Undertaking 1.
To be filled by the Student/Participant
2.
To be filled up by the Head of the Educational Institution or Competent Authority
I, Mr / Ms ……………………………………………………………………………………….. of ………………………………………… School / Hr Sec / Institute do hereby undertake that I shall abide with all the Rules and Regulations of the 2nd Nagaland Spelling Bee Championship 2013 as laid down by the Organisers. And shall accept all the interpretations and decisions of the Organisers as may be imposed. Date: ………………………. …………………………………… Place: ………………………. Student’s Signature The Principal / Head of the Institution of ……………………………………………………………………………………………. School / Hr Sec / Institute of ……………………………………………………………………………… District is pleased to recommend and endorse the below mentioned student for participation in the 2nd Nagaland Spelling Bee Championship 2013, organized by the Fountain Club Kohima in Partnership with the State Council of Education Research & Training (SCERT) Nagaland. The Institute / I, have read the Rules and Regulations of the Championship and shall abide with them. The Particulars of the participating student are:Name: ……………………………………………………………………………………………... Reading in (Class):
…………………………………………………………………………..............................
Commendable Academic Records of the Student if any: ……………………………………………………………………..
Extra Curricular Records of the Student if any: …………………………………………………………………….. I hereby declare that the above statements/Details are true to the best of my knowledge, any false statement(s) so detected shall subject to disqualification. Date: ………………………. Place: ………………………. Official Seal: ......................................
Signature: ………………………..………........ Designation: .……………………………........
NB : Head of Education Institutes must endorse only Two (2) Participants for the Spelling Bee Championship 2013.
Readers may please note that the contents of the articles, letters and opinions published do not reflect the outlook of this paper nor of the Editor in any form.
Rules and regulations for Elocution competition and Extempore speech A. Rules and regulations for Elocution competition 1. Category : one common category for all from Class VIII to XII 2. Duration will be four (4) minutes. Warning bell goes at three (3) minute. 3. The elocution piece is attached to the back of the entry form. 4. Participants for Spelling Bee contest are not permitted to compete for elocution and extempore. Each school should also send only one student for either extempore or elocution (one contestant cannot compete for both).
What is elocution? It refers to one’s manner of speaking or oral delivery. Elocution also refers to proper public speaking with particular attention paid to: 5. Evaluation Criteria a. Articulation: Refers to the speech sounds and their proper pronunciation. b. Inflection: Refers to the pitch or tone of the orator’s voice which refers to the quality, clarity, volume and effectiveness of that which is being spoken or and the modulation of these. c. Accent: Refers to the emphasis placed on a particular syllable, word or phrase. d. Gestures: Refers to any movement of the body that accompanies a spoken word, particularly a movement designed to emphasize or aid in the communication of the spoken word. e. Visual: Neatness of appearance. The decision of the evaluation committee will be final in regards to the results
VIII to XII 2. Duration will be three (3) minutes. Warning bell goes at two (2) minute. 3. Topic will be given 10 minutes ahead by the organizers. 4. Points can be noted on a piece of paper provided by the organizers in the preparation room; but participants will not be allowed to bring the notes into the competition room and delivery of speech has to be made without referring to any paper. 5. Participants are not allowed to refer to any material/ books after receiving the topic. 6. Participants are strictly prohibited from carrying mobile phone into the competition area. 7. Decision of the evaluating committee will be final in regards to the results. 8. Dress code: School Uniform 9. Participants for Spelling Bee contest are not permitted to compete for elocution and extempore. Each school should also send only one student for either extempore or elocution (one contestant cannot compete for both). 10. Evaluation criteria:
confidence. (humor would be an additional plus point) d. Language: i. Appropriateness and ii. Correctness e. Conclusion:
Important: Participants should send their entries in the prescribed format, complete in all respect as desired which should reach latest by 16th September 2013 to : The Convenor, Organising Committee, Extempore & Elocution Competition 2013, C/o super travels, Hotel Japfu Complex, P. R. Hills, Kohima-797001 (For further information kindly contact +919402453002 / +919612153304/+919436609258)
The perfumed flowers are our sisters. The bear, the deer, the great eagle, these are our brothers. The rocky crests, the meadows, the ponies – all belong to the same family.
The voice of my ancestors said to me, The shining water that moves in the streams and rivers Is not simply water, but the blood of our grandfather’s grandfather. Each ghostly reflection in the clear waters of the lake Tells of memories in the life of our people. The waters murmur is the voice of your great – great – grandmother. The rivers are our brothers. They quenched our thirst. They carry our canoes and feed our children. You must give the rivers kindness You would give to any brother.
The voice of my grandfather said to me, Elocution piece The air is precious. It shares its spirit with all the life it supports. The wind that gave me my first breath also received my How can you buy the sky? last sigh. How can you buy the sky? a. Introduction You must keep the land and air apart and sacred, How can you own the rain and wind? b. Content: As a place where one can go to taste the wind i. Depth of knowledge That is sweetened by the meadow flowers. My mother told me, ii. Relevance to the topic Every part of this earth is sacred to our people. iii. Effectiveness (ability to persuade the audience) When the last Red men and women have vanished with Every pine needle, every sandy shore, iv. Organization ( systematic presentation of points) their wilderness, Every mist in the dark woods, v. Speech value: the impact of the speech on the audi- Every meadow and humming insect, And their memory is only the shadow of a cloud moving ence across the prairie, All are holy in the memory of our people. c. Delivery: Will the shores and forest still be here? i. Physical: the speaker’s appearance should reinforce My father told me, Will there be any of the spirit of my people left? the speech. My ancestors said to me, this we know: I know the sap that courses through the trees B. Rules and regulations for extempore speech: ii. Voice: Pitch, intonation, clarity The earth does not belong to us. We belong to the earth. As I know the blood that flows in my veins. 1. Category : one common category for all from Class iii. Manner: The speaker should speak with enthusiasm and We are part of the earth and it is part of us. Chief Seattle