POETRY RECITATION FOR
FORM SIX SCHOOLS/COLLEGES
2023
CONCEPT PAPER
ORGANISED BY:
JABATAN PENDIDIKAN NEGERI SABAH
MANAGED BY:
PPD KINABATANGAN
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The competition aims at encouraging the use of English through meaning, sound and
of 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.
Therefore, participants are expected to recite their chosen poems as such.
2.0 ELIGIBILITY
2.1 This competition is open to all Form 6 students of government-aided schools and
colleges only.
2.2 Each school/college is limited to only two participations.
3.0 COMPETITION FORMAT
The competition is divided into two sections as follows:
3.1 Section 1: Preliminary Round (Video Submission)
3.1.1 Participants will record a video of them reciting a poem based on the given
theme for not less than 5 minutes and not more than 8 minutes.
3.1.2 The video must then be submitted online by 13th November 2023 via a link
provided together with a copy of the poem.
3.1.3 The video and copy of the poem submitted should be in .mp4 and .pdf format
respectively and must be renamed <SCHOOL/COLLEGE_ENTRY_1/2> (for
both video and copy of the poem). The ‘_” indicates spaces while ‘1/2’ indicates
the number of entry from said school/college.
3.1.4 The organiser will not be responsible for any corrupt files or delay of entries
submitted.
3.1.5 Only the top 5 participants will advance to the next section.
3.2 Section 2: Final Round (Impromptu Poem)
3.2.1 Participants will draw lots to decide on a theme.
3.2.2 Participants will then be given a quarantine time of 10 minutes to prepare
their impromptu poem.
3.2.2 Each participant will get their turn to present their impromptu poem.
3.2.3 The time allocated for the recitation of the impromptu poem is not less than
2 minutes and not more than 3 minutes.
3.2.4 A bell will be rung at the 3rd minute to indicate the end of the presentation
time.
4.0 TEXT
4.1 The poem must be entirely authentic and original and must never have been
published or have won a prize in any other competition prior to this competition. The
text of the poem will be based on the themes decided by the organisers.
4.2 The theme for the year 2023 is “Love and Growing Up”.
4.3 Materials presented must no touch on sensitive issues such as race, religion,
stereotyping, politics etc.
4.4 A copy of the poem must be submitted to the organiser (refer to 3.1.2 and 3.1.3).
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 literary devices such as imagery, metaphors, 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 the presentation/recitation of this poem will cover the time frame of the
competition.
6.0 RECITATION
6.1 Participants are not allowed to refer to any notes or printed materials during
presentation (video submission).
6.2 The poem must be recited as it appears in the copy submitted.
6.3 Participants must start the recitation by mentioning the title and the writer of the
poem.
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.
7.0 ADJUDICATION
7.1 A panel of 3 judges will be appointed by the organising PPD and JPN Sabah for both
sections.
7.2 Points will be awarded based on a 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.
8.0 PRIZES
8.1 Prizes are awarded as follows:
Top 5 placing – Prize and Certificate of Achievement
6th placing onwards – Certificate of Participation
8.2 Prizes and certificates of achievement will be awarded to the winning contestants.
Certificates of participation will be awarded to all participating contestants.
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.
