KARNIVAL PERPADUAN BAHASA INGGERIS: POETRY RECITATION COMPETITION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS 2022

KARNIVAL PERPADUAN BAHASA

INGGERIS: POETRY RECITATION
COMPETITION FOR PRIMARY
SCHOOLS 2024
CONCEPT PAPER

Organised by:
The Sports, Co-curricular and Arts Division
Ministry of Education Malaysia
 KARNIVAL PERPADUAN BAHASA INGGERIS: POETRY RECITATION COMPETITION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS 2024

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Poetry Recitation is a competition organised by the Ministry of Education. The

competition aims to encourage the use of English through meaning, sound and
the linguistic styles of poetry. It boosts students’ performance and creativity as
they express themselves confidently in the English language.

“Poetry Recitation is about conveying a poem’s message through its language.

All words of the poem must be pronounced correctly, paying attention to the
volume, rhythm and intonation to enhance the recitation. A strong performance
will rely on a powerful internalisation of the poem rather than distracting dramatic
gestures”.

2.0 ELIGIBILITY

2.1 This competition is open to students of government-aided primary

schools from Year 4 to Year 6 only. Year 3 pupils are allowed to participate
if they are from under-enrolled schools.

2.2 Each team comprises 2 members from the same school.

2.3 The winners from the previous years may participate in the current year but
the poem and recitation must not be an exact replica.

3.0 TIME

3.1 Each team will recite a prepared poem on a given topic for not less than
4 minutes and not more than 6 minutes.

3.2 A warning bell will be sounded at the 4th minute and a final bell will be at
the 6th minute.

3.3 The timekeeper will announce the time taken by each team right after the
recitation.

4.0 TEXT

4.1 The poem must be entirely authentic and original and must never have
been published prior to this competition.

4.2 The theme for this year is open.

4.3 Materials presented must not touch on sensitive issues, such as race,
religion, stereotyping, politics etc.

4.4 3 copies of the prepared poem must be submitted to the organiser two
weeks prior to the competition.
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 KARNIVAL PERPADUAN BAHASA INGGERIS: POETRY RECITATION COMPETITION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS 2024

4.5 The prepared poem must be typed on an A4 paper (Times New Roman /
Arial, font size 12).

5.0 TYPE OF POEM

It is highly recommended that poems are written:

5.1 in metre or verse expressing various emotions;

5.2 using a variety of linguistics such as imagery, metaphor, simile,

onomatopoeia to convey the poem’s message effectively;

5.3 using metre and rhyme (to distinguish prose from verse);

5.4 in stanzas that convey the specified theme;

5.5 so that recitation of this poem will cover the time frame of the competition.

6.0 RECITATION

6.1 Contestants are not allowed to refer to any notes or printed materials
during the recitation of the prepared poem. The poem must be
recited as it appears on the judge’s copy (ref: 4.4).

6.2 Contestants must not present a commentary of the poem.

6.3 Contestants must start the recitation by mentioning the title and the writer
of the poem; there should be no opening greeting.

6.4 There should be no inclusion of singing, music, props or artificial sound

effects.

6.5 A theatrical performance of the poem is not allowed; there should be no

excessive movement.

7.0 ADJUDICATION

7.1 A panel of at least 3 or 5 judges will be appointed for all the rounds at all
levels. The competition at the national level will be judged by a panel of 5
judges, appointed by the Sports, Co-curricular and Arts Division, Ministry
of Education Malaysia.

7.2 Points will be awarded according to the score sheet.

7.3 Judges will collectively determine the placing by a clear majority vote.

7.4 The decision of the judges is final. No appeal is allowed.

7.5 Individual marks will not be disclosed.

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 KARNIVAL PERPADUAN BAHASA INGGERIS: POETRY RECITATION COMPETITION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS 2024

8.0 PRIZES

8.1 Prizes are awarded as follows;

● Champion
● Second Prize winner
● Third Prize winner
● Fourth placing
● Fifth placing

8.2 Trophies and certificates of achievement will be awarded to the champion,

second and third prize winners. A certificate of achievement will be awarded
to the fourth and fifth placing. Certificate of participation will be awarded to
all participants.

9.0 EXCEPTION

All matters not stated in the concept paper or any exclusion to the rules and all
other unexpected matters and issues on interpretation will be decided by the
organising committee of the competition.
……………………………………………………………………………………………............
*This concept paper is valid for 2024 until further notification or revision from the Ministry of
Education Malaysia and can be used at all levels for competitions organised by the Ministry.
The competition will abide to the above rules ONLY.
*All rights reserved by the Ministry of Education Malaysia. Usage or adaptation by any entities
outside of the ministry requires prior permission.

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 KARNIVAL PERPADUAN BAHASA INGGERIS: POETRY RECITATION COMPETITION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS 2024

KARNIVAL PERPADUAN BAHASA

INGGERIS: POETRY RECITATION
COMPETITION FOR PRIMARY
SCHOOLS 2024

ADJUDICATION FORMS

Organised by:
The Sports, Co-curricular and Arts Division
Ministry of Education Malaysia
KARNIVAL PERPADUAN BAHASA INGGERIS: POETRY RECITATION COMPETITION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS 2024

KARNIVAL PERPADUAN BAHASA INGGERIS: POETRY RECITATION

COMPETITION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS 2024
__________ LEVEL / YEAR __________

TIME SHEET

Contestant No. Time (Prepared)

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

Timekeeper’s
Name
Signature

Date
 KARNIVAL PERPADUAN BAHASA INGGERIS: POETRY RECITATION COMPETITION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS 2024

KARNIVAL PERPADUAN BAHASA INGGERIS: POETRY RECITATION COMPETITION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS 2024
__________ LEVEL / YEAR __________

SCORE SHEET

Content and Evidence of Voice and Overall

Contestant Performance
Language Understanding Articulation Total Time Remarks
No. (30 m)
(30 m) (15 m) (25 m)
1

2
3
4
5
6
7
8

*Judges are not allowed to refer to texts while the teams are performing.

Maximum Marks Very Poor Poor Fair Good Excellent

15 1–3 4–6 7–9 10 – 12 13 – 15
25 1–5 6 – 10 11 – 15 16 – 20 21 – 25
30 1–6 7 – 12 13 – 18 19 – 24 25 – 30

Signature : _______________________________

Judge’s Name : _______________________________

Date : _______________________________
 KARNIVAL PERPADUAN BAHASA INGGERIS: POETRY RECITATION COMPETITION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS 2024

KARNIVAL PERPADUAN BAHASA INGGERIS: POETRY RECITATION COMPETITION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS 2024
_________ LEVEL / YEAR _________

SCORE SHEET

Content and Evidence of Voice and Overall

Contestant Performance
Language Understanding Articulation Total Time Remarks
No. (30 m)
(30 m) (15 m) (25 m)
9

10
11
12
13
14
15
16

*Judges are not allowed to refer to texts while the teams are performing.

Maximum Marks Very Poor Poor Fair Good Excellent

15 1–3 4–6 7–9 10 – 12 13 – 15
25 1–5 6 – 10 11 – 15 16 – 20 21 – 25
30 1–6 7 – 12 13 – 18 19 – 24 25 – 30

Signature : _______________________________

Judge’s Name : _______________________________

Date : _______________________________
 KARNIVAL PERPADUAN BAHASA INGGERIS: POETRY RECITATION COMPETITION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS 2024

KARNIVAL PERPADUAN BAHASA INGGERIS: POETRY RECITATION COMPETITION

FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS 2024
_________ LEVEL / YEAR _______

FREQUENCY COUNT

JUDGE
FINAL
PLACING 1 2 3 4 5
PLACING
CONTESTANT NO.
1

Position Name Signature

Chief Judge

Judge 2

Judge 3

Judge 4

Judge 5

Date
 KARNIVAL PERPADUAN BAHASA INGGERIS: POETRY RECITATION COMPETITION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS 2024

KARNIVAL PERPADUAN BAHASA INGGERIS: POETRY RECITATION COMPETITION

FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS 2024
______________ LEVEL/YEAR ______________

RESULT SLIP

PLACING CONTESTANT NO. TITLE OF POEM SCHOOL / STATE

FIRST

SECOND

THIRD

FOURTH

FIFTH

Position Name Signature

Chief Judge

Judge 1

Judge 2

Judge 3

Judge 4

Date
 KARNIVAL PERPADUAN BAHASA INGGERIS: POETRY RECITATION COMPETITION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS 2024

Evaluation Criteria: A Comprehensive Guide for Competitors and Judges

Content and Language

A poem with complex content conveys difficult, sophisticated ideas, that are challenging to
comprehend and express. A poem with complex language will have intricate diction and syntax,
meter and rhyme scheme, and shifts in tone or mood. Poem length is also considered in
complexity. Please keep in mind that longer poems are not necessarily more difficult. Poems with
significantly challenging content and language may not need length to score well.

Tips:
● For competitions beyond the classroom level, select poems of various styles, time periods,
themes, and tones. Diversity of poem selection will allow judges to see your mastery of
various elements of complexity.
● Make sure each poem you choose is one that speaks to you. If you are able to connect with
a poem, that internalization will ripple positively throughout all of your scores.

Evidence of understanding

This category is to evaluate whether you exhibit a true understanding of the poem in your recitation.

Tips:
● You must understand the poem fully. Be attentive to the messages, meanings, allusions,
irony, tones of voice, and other nuances in your poem.
● Be sure you know the meaning of every word and line in your poem.

Qualities of a strong recitation:

The meaning of the poem is powerfully and clearly conveyed to the audience. The interpretation
deepens and enlivens the poem. Meaning, theme, allusion, irony, tones of voice, and other
nuances are captured by the performance. A low score will be awarded if the interpretation
obscures the meaning of the poem.

Voice and articulation

Volume, pace, rhythm, intonation, and proper pronunciation.

Keep in Mind: Contestants will use a microphone at the National level.

Tips:
● Project to the audience. Capture the attention of everyone, including the people in the back
● row. However, don’t mistake yelling for good projection.
● Proceed at a fitting and natural pace. Avoid nervously rushing through the poem. Do not
speak so slowly that the language sounds unnatural or awkward.
● With rhymed poems, be careful not to recite in a sing-song manner.
● Make sure you know how to pronounce every word in your poem. Articulate.
● Line breaks are a defining feature of poetry. Decide whether a break requires a pause and,
if so, how long to pause.

Qualities of a strong recitation:

All words are pronounced correctly, and the volume, rhythm, and intonation greatly enhance the
recitation. The pacing should be appropriate to the poem.
 KARNIVAL PERPADUAN BAHASA INGGERIS: POETRY RECITATION COMPETITION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS 2024

Overall Performance

This category is to evaluate the degree to which the recitation has become more than the sum of its
parts.
● Did you captivate the audience with the language of the poem?
● Did you bring the audience to a better understanding of the poem?
● Did your physical presence, voice and articulation, and dramatic appropriateness all seen on
target and unified to breathe life into the poem?
● Did you understand and show mastery of the art of recitation?

Judges may also consider the diversity of your recitations with this score; you are less likely to score
well in overall performance when judges note that your style of interpretation remains the same
regardless of poem choice. A low score will be awarded for recitations that are poorly presented,
ineffective in conveying the meaning of the poem, or conveyed in a manner inappropriate to the
poem.

Eye contact, body language, and poise.

Tips:
● Present yourself well and be attentive. Use good posture. Look confident.
● Use eye contact with the entire audience. Don’t focus solely on the judges.
● Nervous gestures, poor eye contact with the audience, and lack of poise or confidence will
detract from your score.
● Relax and be natural. Enjoy your poem - the judges will notice.

Qualities of a strong recitation:

Ease and comfort with the audience. Engagement with the audience through physical presence,
including appropriate body language, confidence, and eye contact - without appearing artificial.

Dramatic Appropriateness

Recitation is about conveying a poem’s sense with its language. It is closer to the art of oral
interpretation than theatrical performance. (Think storyteller or narrator rather than actor.) A strong
performance will rely on a powerful internalisation of the poem rather than distracting
dramatic gestures. You represent the poem’s voice, not a character. You must subtly enhance
the understanding and enjoyment of the poem without overshadowing the language.

Tips:
● Do not act out the poem. Too much dramatisation distracts from the language of the poem.
Movement or accents must not detract from the poem’s voice.
● You are the vessel of your poem. Have confidence that your poem is strong enough to
communicate without a physical illustration. Let the words of the poem do the work.
● Depending on the poem, occasional gestures may be appropriate, but the line between
appropriate and overdone is a thin one. When uncertain, leave them out.
● Avoid monotone delivery. However, too much enthusiasm can make your performance seem
insincere.

Qualities of a strong recitation:

The dramatisation subtly underscores the meaning of the poem without becoming the focal point.
The style of delivery is more about oral interpretation than dramatic enactment. A low score in
 KARNIVAL PERPADUAN BAHASA INGGERIS: POETRY RECITATION COMPETITION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS 2024

this category will result from recitations that have affected character voices and accents,
inappropriate tone and inflection, singing, distracting and excessive gestures, or
unnecessary emoting.

Poetry Recitation

Marks Content Language

41 – 50 • Authentic, deep and unique • Creative, unconventional and
impressive use of language
• Intelligent use of poetic devices
to convey a significant • Pertinent and engaging use of
message words and phrases
• Poem powerfully and effectively • Strategic use of punctuation
reflects the poet’s intended to convey intended meaning
style effectively
• Mature and powerful treatment
of the subject matter
• Memorable
31 – 40 • Authentic and shows depth • Demonstrates good command
of the language
• Vivid details and imagery
• Creative and original phrasing
• Clear tone
• Apt and effective word
• Poet’s intended style is clear
choices
• Poem contains effective use of
• Punctuation shows shades of
poetic devices
meaning
• Subject matter is well treated
21 – 30 • Leans towards poetry but lacks • Demonstrates reasonably
depth good command of the
language
• Some sense of complexity
• Some interesting phrasing
• Use of some poetic devices
• Some effective word choices
• Attempts to follow a certain
style • Punctuation is adequate
• Subject matter lacks depth
11 – 20 • Leans towards prose • Contains some cliché/trite
language
• Lacks complexity
• Little variation in structure
• Few / or inappropriate use of
poetic devices • Punctuation is inadequate
• Subject matter is poorly treated • Few effective word choices

1 – 10 • More prose than poetry • The meaning and/ or feeling is

unclear and /or non-existent
• No complexity
throughout, poem contains
• Hardly any poetic devices
clichés or trite language
• Subject matter is vague
• Poor sentence structure
• Poor punctuation and makes
little sense
• Lacks effective word choices