KARNIVAL SEMARAK

PERPADUAN BAHASA:
POETRY COMPETITION FOR
SECONDARY SCHOOLS 2025

CONCEPT PAPER

Organised by:

The Sports, Co-curricular and Arts Division

Ministry of Education
 KARNIVAL SEMARAK PERPADUAN BAHASA: POETRY COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS 2025

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 pupils’ 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 pupils of government and government-aided

secondary schools from Form 1 to Form 3 only.

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.

2.4​ All participants should be in school uniform; decent and appropriate.

The school’s identity should not be visible throughout the performance.

3.0​ COMPETITION FORMAT

The competition is divided into two sections as follows:

3.1​ Section 1: Prepared Poem

3.1.1​ Each team will recite a prepared poem on a given topic for not
less than 5 minutes and not more than 7 minutes.

3.1.2​ A warning bell will be sounded at the 5th minute and a final bell will
be at the 7th minute.

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

3.2​ Section 2: Impromptu Poem

3.2.1​ Each team will be given a topic and a quarantine time of 10

minutes to prepare the impromptu poem.

3.2.2​ Each team will recite an impromptu poem on a given topic for not
less than 2 minutes and not more than 3 minutes.

3.2.3​ A warning bell will be sounded at the 2nd minute and a final bell will
be sounded at the 3rd minute.

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 KARNIVAL SEMARAK PERPADUAN BAHASA: POETRY COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS 2025

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

4.0​ TEXT

1.1​ Authentic and original prepared poems are highly encouraged.

4.1​ The theme for this year is open.

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

4.3​ 3 copies of the prepared poem must be submitted to the organiser two
weeks prior to the competition.

4.4​ The prepared poem must be typed on an A4 paper (Times New Roman/
Arial, font size 12, spacing 1.15).

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, 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 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.

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 KARNIVAL SEMARAK PERPADUAN BAHASA: POETRY COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS 2025

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.

8.0​ PRIZES

8.1​ Places are awarded as follows:-

●​ Champion
●​ Second Place
●​ Third Place
●​ Fourth Place
●​ Fifth Place
●​ Best Impromptu Poem Award

8.2​ Trophies and certificates of achievement will be awarded to the winners.

Certificates 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 2025 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 by 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.

-END-
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 KARNIVAL SEMARAK PERPADUAN BAHASA: POETRY COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS 2025

KARNIVAL SEMARAK
PERPADUAN BAHASA:
POETRY COMPETITION FOR
SECONDARY SCHOOLS 2025

ADJUDICATION FORMS

Organised by:
The Sports, Co-curricular and Arts Division
Ministry of Education Malaysia

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 KARNIVAL SEMARAK PERPADUAN BAHASA: POETRY COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS 2025

KARNIVAL SEMARAK PERPADUAN BAHASA: ​

POETRY COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS 2025

TIME SHEET

Contestant No. Time (Prepared) Time (Impromptu)

1

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

Timekeeper's
Name
Signature
Date

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 KARNIVAL SEMARAK PERPADUAN BAHASA: POETRY COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS 2025

KARNIVAL SEMARAK PERPADUAN BAHASA: POETRY COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS 2025

SCORE SHEET (POETRY RECITATION)

PREPARED POEM IMPROMPTU POEM

Contestant Content and Overall Content and Overall Total Time Remarks
No. Language Performance Total Language Performance Total
(20 m) (30 m) (30 m) (20 m)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

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​ ​ : ______________________________

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 KARNIVAL SEMARAK PERPADUAN BAHASA: POETRY COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS 2025

KARNIVAL SEMARAK PERPADUAN BAHASA: POETRY COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS 2025

SCORE SHEET (POETRY RECITATION)

PREPARED POEM IMPROMPTU POEM

Contestant Content and Overall Content and Overall Total Time Remarks
No. Language Performance Total Language Performance Total
(20 m) (30 m) (30 m) (20 m)
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

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​ ​ : ______________________________

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 KARNIVAL SEMARAK PERPADUAN BAHASA: POETRY COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS 2025

KARNIVAL SEMARAK PERPADUAN BAHASA: ​

POETRY COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS 2025

FREQUENCY COUNT

Judge
Placing 1 2 3 4 5 Final Placing
Contestant No.

Position Name Signature

Chief Judge

Judge 2

Judge 3

Judge 4

Judge 5

Date

Verified by
 KARNIVAL SEMARAK PERPADUAN BAHASA: POETRY COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS 2025

KARNIVAL SEMARAK PERPADUAN BAHASA: ​

POETRY COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS 2025

RESULT SLIP

Placing Contestant No. Title of Poem School / State

Champion

Second Place

Third Place

Fourth Place

Fifth Place

Position Name Signature

Chief Judge

Judge 1

Judge 2

Judge 3

Judge 4

Date

Signature: Signature:

Verified by: Approved by:

Date: Date :
 KARNIVAL SEMARAK PERPADUAN BAHASA: POETRY COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS 2025

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 internalisation 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, do not make mistakes with 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 them 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 SEMARAK PERPADUAN BAHASA: POETRY COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS 2025

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 artificially.

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 of a storyteller or narrator rather than an
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 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.
 KARNIVAL SEMARAK PERPADUAN BAHASA: POETRY COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS 2025

Poetry Recitation

Marks Content Language

●​ Authentic, deep and unique

●​ Intelligent use of poetic ●​ Creative, unconventional
devices to convey a and impressive use of
significant message language
●​ Poem powerfully and ●​ Pertinent and engaging
41 – 50 effectively reflects the use of words and phrases
poet’s intended style ●​ Strategic use of
●​ Mature and powerful punctuation to convey
treatment of the subject intended meaning
matter effectively
●​ Memorable

●​ Authentic and shows depth ●​ Demonstrates good

●​ Vivid details and imagery command of the language
●​ Clear tone ●​ Creative and original phrasing
31 – 40 ●​ Poet’s intended style is clear ●​ Apt and effective
●​ Poem contains effective word choices
use of poetic devices ●​ Punctuation shows
●​ Subject matter is well treated shades of meaning

●​ Leans towards poetry but ●​ Demonstrates

lacks depth reasonably good
●​ Some sense of complexity command of the
21 – 30 ●​ Use of some poetic devices language
●​ Attempts to follow a ●​ Some interesting phrasing
certain style ●​ Some effective word choices
●​ Subject matter lacks depth ●​ Punctuation is adequate

●​ Leans towards prose ●​ Contains some

●​ Lacks complexity cliché/trite language
11 – 20 ●​ Few / or inappropriate ●​ Little variation in structure
use of poetic devices ●​ Punctuation is inadequate
●​ Subject matter is poorly treated ●​ Few effective word choices

●​ The meaning and/ or

feeling is unclear and /or
non-existent throughout,
●​ More prose than poetry
poem contains clichés or
●​ No complexity
1 – 10 trite language
●​ Hardly any poetic devices
●​ Poor sentence structure
●​ Subject matter is vague
●​ Poor punctuation and
makes little sense
●​ Lacks effective word choices