"Basic Guides" were formerly issued for students which, unlike the "Resource Guides", remained the same from year to year. The "Art Basic Guide" focuses on art fundamentals, such as the elements of art, principles of composition, and different 2-D and 3-D techniques. Additionally, a brief introduction to art history is included. The "Economics Basic Guide" reviews fundamental economic concepts in addition to the basics of macroeconomics and microeconomics. The "Language and Literature Basic Guide" provides students with a basic grounding in the analysis of literature and introduces key terms such as synecdoche, metonymy, assonance, and aphorism. The "Math Basic Guide" offers a general overview of major topics in high school math, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, and statistics. The "Music Basic Guide" begins by introducing the student to topics in music theory such as harmonics, rhythm, tempo, and the circle of fifths. It also includes information on a wide variety of instruments and a brief history of Western music. However, beginning in the 2010–2011 competition season, the "Basic Guides" were incorporated into the year's "Resource Guides".