UIL Academics

UIL Circuit, NSDA Consolation Event
Students perform a selection of literature from either poetry or prose.

In this category, the contestant may read a single literary work of prose, an excerpt of a work of prose or may create a program containing no more than four literary works of prose. If a program is used, one prose selection from an unpublished source is allowed in the program. The majority of the performance must be published prose. The intent of this category is not to encourage an entirely originally-authored program.

The performance may be fiction or non-fiction. Examples may include, but are not limited to oral histories, testimonies, interviews, and letters. For Category A, co-authored and anonymous works of prose are permissible. The author(s) used in this category shall not be used in Category B of prose.

When using copyrighted material, each member school is responsible for obtaining permission from the publisher for their participant to use the material. UIL assumes no responsibilities for copyright permission to perform material.

The introduction and/or transitions shall include all titles and authors read and should connect the literature to the goal of the category. If the program is woven, it shall be stated in the introduction, and the different literary works should be distinguishable through interpretation.

The goal of this category is to celebrate positive change over time. Students will explore developments that enhance our world.

In this category, the contestant shall read a minimum of two selections. The contestant shall create a program containing no fewer than two prose selections and no more than four selections. Students should consider using prose that spans different time periods.

Students may use prose selections from one or more authors. Prose Category B includes fiction, nonfiction, news sources, speeches, essays, letters and diaries. Co-authored and anonymous works of prose are permissible. The author(s) used in this category shall not be used in Category A of prose.

When using copyrighted material, each member school is responsible for obtaining permission from the publisher for their participant to use the material. UIL assumes no responsibilities for copyright permission to perform material.

The introduction and/or transitions shall include all titles and authors read and should connect the prose to the goal of the category. If the program is woven, the contestant shall state it in the introduction, and the different prose works should be distinguishable through interpretation.

Prose Categories:

A: This Is Me

The goal of this category is to examine the performer’s ancestry, origin, heritage, and/or dreams and aspirations. The performer should explore their own personal background and/or what their future may hold.
In this category, the contestant may read a single literary work of prose, an excerpt of a work of prose or may create a program containing no more than four literary works. If a program is used, one selection from an unpublished source is allowed to be included in the program. The majority of the performance must be published prose. The intent of this category is not to encourage an entirely originally-authored program.

The performance may be fiction or non-fiction. Examples may include, but are not limited to oral histories, testimonies, interviews, and letters. For this category, co-authored and anonymous works are permissible. The author(s) used in this category shall not be used in Category B of prose.

The introduction and/or transitions shall include all titles and authors read and should connect the literature to the goal of the category. If the program is woven, it shall be stated in the introduction, and the different literary works should be distinguishable through interpretation.

B: This Speaks to Me

The goal of this category is to select literature that speaks to the performer. This category is reader’s choice.

In this category, the contestant may read a single literary work of prose, an excerpt of a work of prose or may create a program containing no more than four literary works. For this category, prose includes fiction, nonfiction, news sources, speeches, essays, letters and diaries. Co-authored works are permissible. Anonymous works are prohibited. The author(s) used in this category shall not be used in Category A of prose.

The introduction and/or transitions shall include all titles and authors read and should relate to the audience why the literature was chosen. If the program is woven, the contestant shall state it in the introduction, and the different works should be distinguishable through interpretation.

Humorous Interpretation

NSDA and TFA Circuits

Using a play, short story, or other published work, students perform a selection of one or more portions of a piece up to ten minutes in length. Humorous Interpretation is designed to test a student’s comedic skills through script analysis, delivery, timing, and character development. Competitors may portray one or multiple characters. No props or costumes may be used. Performances can also include an introduction written by the student to contextualize the performance and state the title and the author.

Dramatic Interpretation

NSDA and TFA Circuits

Using a play, short story, or other published work, students perform a selection of one or more portions of a piece up to ten minutes in length. With a spotlight on character development and depth, this event focuses on the student’s ability to convey emotion through the use of a dramatic text. Competitors may portray one or multiple characters. No props or costumes may be used. Performances can also include an introduction written by the student to contextualize the performance, and state the title and the author.

Duo Interpretation

NSDA and TFA Circuits

Two competitors team up to deliver a ten-minute performance of a published play or story. Using off-stage focus, competitors convey emotion and environment through a variety of performance techniques focusing on the relationships and interactions between the characters. No props or costumes are used. Performances can also include an introduction written by the students to contextualize the performance and state the title and the author.

Program Oral Interpretation

NSDA and TFA Circuits

Using selections from Prose, Poetry and Drama students create a ten minute performance around a central theme. Program Oral Interpretation is designed to test a student’s ability to intersplice multiple types of literature into a single, cohesive performance. A manuscript is required and may be used as a prop within the performance if the performer maintains control of the manuscript at all times. Performances can also include an introduction written by the student to contextualize the performance and state the title and the author of each selection.

Extemporaneous Speaking

UIL, NSDA, and TFA Circuits

Extemporaneous speaking, colloquially known as extemp, is a limited-preparation speech event based on research and original analysis.

Original Oratory

NSDA and TFA Circuits

Students deliver a self-written, ten-minute speech on a topic of their choosing. Limited in their ability to quote words directly, competitors craft an argument using evidence, logic, and emotional appeals. Topics range widely, and can be informative or persuasive in nature. The speech is delivered from memory.

Informative Speaking

NSDA and TFA Circuits

Students author and deliver a ten-minute speech on a topic of their choosing. Competitors create the speech to educate the audience on a particular topic. All topics must be informative in nature; the goal is to educate, not to advocate. Visual aids are permitted, but not required. The speech is delivered from memory.

Policy (CX) Debate

UIL, NSDA, TFA Circuits

Policy debate is a form of debate competition in which teams of two advocate for and against a resolution that typically calls for policy change by the United States federal government.

Lincoln Douglas (LD) Debate

UIL, NSDA, TFA Circuits

Lincoln-Douglas debate is one person debating against another person and is primarily focused on competing values.

Congressional Debate

UIL, NSDA, TFA Circuits

Congressional Debate is a mock legislative assembly competition where students draft bills (proposed laws) and resolutions (position statements), which they and their peers later debate and vote to pass into law.