Subjective Events

Judged Compositions and Productions

At a Glance


20 Storytelling Instructions.   Grades: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8


Contestants hear a story that they retell for their audience in their own words. This activity encourages the use of recall and also allows young students to bring their own expression and insight to the story.

Prose/Poetry Interpretation

20 Poetry Instructions Grades: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7-8*


Students select, prepare, and read a literary poetry selection, with introduction, within a six-minute time limit. Presentations are evaluated on aspects of performance, such as appropriateness of selection, introduction, control of presentation, and overall effectiveness. The focus of the contest (poetry versus prose) alternates each year:  PROSE in 2019, POETRY IN 2020, PROSE in 2021, et ceteraGrade levels 7 and 8 are combined for competition.

Impromptu Speaking

20 Impromptu Instructions Grades: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7-8*



*Grade levels compete together.

Modern Oratory

20 Modern Oratory Instructions.    Grades: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7-8*


A challenge in writing and speaking, students prepare a short speech to examine the pros and cons of an issue (choice of 5 topics) and defend their points of view, incorporating a variety of speech and language arts skills.

*Grade levels compete together.

Creating Writing



Grades: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8


20 Creative Writing Instructions


Ready Writing

20 Ready Writing Instructions Grades: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8


This event brings challenge for the gifted writer. Students are given a choice between two prompts. Each prompt defines the audience and provides the purpose for writing. Time limits vary by grade level.

On-Site Drawing

20 On-Site Drawing Instructions Grades: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8


Using a display still life model consisting of from 4 to 7 objects, contestants produce a rendering on regular drawing paper using any drawing media. Contestants have 45 minutes at the contest site to produce their work of art to be judged by qualified artists and displayed in an art show during the remainder of the tournament day.

One-Act Play


20 OAP Rules +Play Title Registration Form

Grades: 1 2 3 4 5 6-8*


Students draw upon a wide range of skills as they work together to perform an original or published drama under time and set limitations.
2019-2020 OAP Approved List ( The List of Approved Long Plays for 2019-2020 is also found in the Appendix of the One-Act Play Handbook)

*Grade levels compete together.