KARNIVAL SEMARAK

PERPADUAN BAHASA: POETRY

COMPETITION FOR
SECONDARY SCHOOLS 2025
CONCEPT PAPER

Organised by:
Pejabat Pendidikan Daerah Limbang

Managed by:

SMK Seri Patiambun Limbang

 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
KARNIVAL SEMARAK PERPADUAN BAHASA: POETRY COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS 2025

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

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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 state level will be
judged by a panel of 3 judges, appointed by the Ministry of
Education Sarawak.

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

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
KARNIVAL SEMARAK PERPADUAN BAHASA: POETRY COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS 2025

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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

20 1–4 5–8 9 – 12 13 – 16 17 – 20
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

20 1–4 5–8 9 – 12 13 – 16 17 – 20
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 ● Creative,
poetic devices to unconventional and
convey a significant impressive use of
message language
41 – 50 ● Poem powerfully ● Pertinent and
and effectively engaging use of
reflects the poet’s words and phrases
intended style ● Strategic use of
● Mature and punctuation to
powerful treatment convey intended
of the subject meaning
matter effectively
● Memorable
● Authentic and shows depth ● Demonstrates good
● Vivid details and imagery command of the
● Clear tone language
31 – 40 ● Poet’s intended style is ● Creative and original
clear phrasing
● Poem contains ● Apt and
effective use of effective word
poetic devices choices
● Subject matter is well ● Punctuation
treated shows shades of
meaning

● Leans towards poetry ● Demonstrates

but lacks depth reasonably
● Some sense of complexity good
21 – 30 ● Use of some poetic devices command of
● Attempts to the language
follow a certain ● Some interesting phrasing
style ● Some effective word
● Subject matter lacks depth choices
● Punctuation is adequate
● Leans towards prose ● Contains some
● Lacks complexity cliché/trite
11 – 20 ● Few / or language
inappropriate use ● Little variation in structure
of poetic devices ● Punctuation is inadequate
● Subject matter is poorly ● Few effective word choices
treated

● The meaning and/ or

feeling is unclear and
/or non-existent
● More prose than poetry
throughout, poem
● No complexity
1 – 10 contains clichés or
● Hardly any poetic devices
● Subject matter is vague trite language
● Poor sentence structure
● Poor punctuation
and makes little
sense
● Lacks effective word
KARNIVAL SEMARAK PERPADUAN BAHASA: POETRY COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS 2025

choices