Accounting

Accounting

State Contest Director

LaVerne Funderburk

laverne@funderburkcpa.com

Sample Test & Key

Download the Accounting Sample Test & Key

Integrating Accounting into Classroom Instruction

Five Lessons to Prepare for Accounting Contest

Elements of the Contest

The Accounting Contest is an hour-long contest consisting of 80 – 100 questions that focus on the elementary principles and practices of accounting for sole proprietorships, partnerships and corporations, and may include bookkeeping terminology, the worksheet with adjustments, income statement, balance sheet, trial balance, account classification, journalizing, posting, bank reconciliation, payroll and other items related to the basic accounting cycle.

Additional Information

Visit LaVerne Funderburk's Website for additional information on the UIL Accounting Contest.

UIL Accounting Link

https://www.uiltexas.org/academics/academic-contests/accounting

Calculator Applications

Calculator Applications

State Contest Director

David Bourell

dbourell@mail.utexas.edu

Sample Test & Key

Download the Calculator Applications Sample Test & Key

Survey

Elements of the Contest

The Calculator Applications Contest involves a thirty-minute test comprised of 70 mathematical problems that are solved with a handheld calculator.

Additional Information

Subject Matter

Calculations involve addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, roots, powers, exponentiation, logarithms, trigonometric functions, inverse trigonometric functions, iterative solutions for transcendental equations, differential and integral calculus, elementary statistics and matrix algebra. In addition to straightforward calculation problems, the contest shall include geometric and stated problems similar to those found in recently adopted high school algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, pre-calculus and calculus textbooks, previous contests, and UIL materials related to the contest.

Professional Gateway

Engineering, Science, Mathematics

UIL Calculator Applications Link

https://www.uiltexas.org/academics/stem/calculator-applications

Computer Applications

Computer Applications

State Contest Director

Linda Tarrant

hexco@hexco.com

1-800-PAJAMAS (800-725-2627)

Contest Rules

Section 926 of UIL Constitution and Contest Rules (C&CR).

STATE Test Starter files

Computer Applications STATE Test Starter Files (Microsoft Access Document) updated 4/30/2012

Handbook

Computer Applications Handbook

Frequently Asked Questions

Integrating Computer Applications into Classroom Instruction

Five Lessons to Prepare for Computer Applications Contest

Elements of the Contest

Computer Applications focuses on word processing speed and accuracy, skill in the use of database and spreadsheet applications, and the integration of all of these. Contestants will have the opportunity to produce two printouts and the mandatory tie breaker. Each printout will be assigned a weighted point value, based on difficulty, which will be so indicated on the contest paper.

This is a technology based contest, and the goal is for students to have a thorough, working knowledge of these three applications and be able to complete substantial tasks in all of them and to direct data from one application to another. The difficulty of the elements on tests will increase as we get to higher levels of competition.

Additional Information

Technology keeps changing, and the Computer Applications Contest continues to be pulled forward in the wake. With Microsoft Office 2010 now available, Computer Applications, in the spirit of using the "current or near current version of Microsoft Office," will allow use of either Office 2007 or 2010 for all contests.

Currently, tests are written in Office 2007, and they are tested in both Office 2007 and 2010. Where the applications are not consistent, instructions are added for clarification. So far, most of the differences between the two versions seem again to be in the area of Access report output, and are minimal.

For the official UIL tests for spring 2011, the Constitution clearly specifies the following parameters:

  • Each contestant must provide his/her own laptop computer, printer and blank paper.
  • Each contestant must have a saving device, as a writable CD, a formatted floppy disk or a flash drive.
  • Optionally, a keyboard or keypad may be added, and a mouse may be added.
  • All coaches are required as graders.

On the subject of grading, the Constitution stipulates the following, "All coaches are required to serve as graders, unless excused by the contest director. The contest director may disqualify contestants if a grader is not provided." If a coach has a significant reason to miss the grading of a test and is excused, he/she should provide a substitute to be available to grade. A substitute does not necessarily have to be familiar with the contest, but it helps. Grading this contest is fairly tedious, and it is important to have all coaches present. Experienced coaches serve as guides for newer coaches. Without experience in the grading room, the lengthy process of grading would be even longer. When all coaches are present during grading, all are familiar with the various aspects of the graded test and can explain any issues to students during verification. This in turn makes verification a more streamlined process, and again, serves the best interests of the contestants.

Our contest is well past its ten-year anniversary as a UIL contest and definitely past its early probationary period. Many of us have been working with this contest, changing and honing it from the early days and bridging the enormous gap that occurred as we redesigned the keyboarding contest into the Computer Applications Contest. We've weathered many changes together, and there will be more as technology evolves.

I offer my personal thanks after twelve years as contest director to the coaches who have been so supportive and who have worked so hard helping their students develop new skills.

Publications...

Computer Applications Handbook – Be certain that all competitors and coaches read and learn Instructions for Conducting a Contest. This handbook changes somewhat annually. It accompanies all tests sent out, and all contest directors should be adhering to the specifications herein.

All Excel functions in MS Office are listed. Students should learn to use them all. Most translate directly to functions in Access, but some have a different name than in Excel, such as IF is IIF, FIND is InStr, etc. All functions in Access should also be learned.

Constitution & Contest Rules – The following changes have been included in the C&CR: All coaches are expected to serve as graders, and if a coach does not grade or arrange for an alternate grader, his or her student may be disqualified. Networked systems are not allowed. Each contestant must have a laptop or notebook computer plus a printer. No sharing is allowed. An optional mouse and/or keyboard unit is acceptable.

Contact Information...

On most Saturdays while you're grading invitational tests, I'm available in my office (1-800-PAJAMAS, you'll never forget it), or the phone message will direct you to my cell phone. If you hit a roadblock in your grading and want a mediator, don't hesitate to call. Remember that the point is to have a level playing field, make the tests difficult enough so that the cream rises to the top and the top places are earned, not just decided with a tiebreaker, and help the students become very, very competent in this powerful package.

I'm also available during the week at the same number or by email: hexco@hexco.com.

This is your contest. We listen to all the input from both the competitors and the coaches. We want to wield this into the best possible contest, and we know there will be some growing pains again this year. There were actually fewer growing pains than we anticipated last year, and that is thanks to the cooperation from the coaches from all over Texas. Let's continue working together to make this a positive experience as we tread through this continuing transition.

UIL Computer Applications Link

https://www.uiltexas.org/academics/academic-contests/computer-applications

Computer Science

Computer Applications

State Contest Director

Shyamal Mitra

mitra@cs.utexas.edu

Elements of the Contest

The Computer Science contest challenges students to study a broad range of areas in computer science and has both an individual and a team component. Competition consists of a 45-minute written exam for both components, along with a two-hour hands-on programming contest for teams.

At all levels of competition, individual places are determined solely by written exam scores. All contestants compete for individual honors at all levels of competition. Individuals placing first, second and third advance to the next level. For the team component, the team’s top three scores on the written exam are added to its score on the hands-on contest to produce an overall team score. First-place teams advance to the next level of competition.

Additional Information

Background

In philosophical terms, the UIL Computer Science Contest is a competition that challenges students to apply programming concepts and skills, as well as their knowledge of the designated programming language. The contest is also an opportunity for students to expand their knowledge of computer science beyond the classroom and to foster their interest in the field.

The contest was established in the 1990-91 school year with several goals in mind. Among them were the goals of further strengthening the UIL math and science program with a new technological component, and to support Texas public schools in meeting the growing demand for computer education.

The UIL contest was modeled in many ways on the College Board’s Advanced Placement curriculum for computer science, and the foundations of the contest can still be found there. For the first eight years of its existence, Pascal was the designated programming language for the contest. Beginning with the 1998-99 school year, the AP curriculum moved to C++, and UIL Computer Science did likewise. Finally, beginning in the 2003-04 school year, the contest moved from C++ to Java. This keeps UIL Computer Science in line not only with the AP curriculum, but also with trends in collegiate computer science curricula and the professional programming community.

Java is the designated programming language for UIL Computer Science.

General Rules

As with all UIL academic contests, computer science participants must meet general eligibility requirements as defined in the Constitution and Contest Rules.

UIL Computer Science competition begins each year with invitational meets, which are hosted on a voluntary basis by individual schools. The UIL provides contest materials for invitational meets that are scheduled from early January until mid-March. Hosts of invitational meets during this time may elect to use the UIL-provided materials or they may use materials from other sources. Schools that host fall invitationals must find other sources for contest materials - this web site provides a listing of companies and individuals who sell UIL-type practice and contest materials.

Computer Science is included with all other UIL academic contests in spring meet competition, which begins with district-level competition during the last two weeks of March. Each school may enter up to four contestants in Computer Science at the district meet. District winners advance to regional meets, and regional winners advance to the state contest. State Meet contestants are eligible to apply for Texas Interscholastic League Foundation scholarships.

Basic Contest Structure

The Computer Science contest has both an individual and a team component. Competition consists of a 45-minute written exam for both components, along with a two-hour hands-on programming contest for teams.

At all levels of competition, individual places are determined solely by written exam scores. All contestants compete for individual honors at all levels of competition. Individuals placing first, second and third advance to the next level.

For the team component, the team’s top three scores on the written exam are added to its score on the hands-on contest to produce an overall team score. First-place teams advance to the next level of competition.

Scoring Rules

On the written exam, six points are awarded for each correct answer, and two points are deducted for each incorrect answer. No points are given or deducted for unanswered questions. A 15-minute verification period will take place prior to the announcement of official results. The verification period provides coaches and contestants an opportunity to look over their tests and check for grading or tabulation errors. It is crucial to take advantage of the verification period - once official results have been announced they cannot be changed.

For the hands-on programming contest, 60 points are awarded for a correct solution. Five points are deducted from the team score for an incorrect solution. Incorrect solutions will be returned to the team, and they may be reworked and resubmitted for additional consideration. The penalty deductions assessed for incorrect solutions will only be counted in the team score if the team ultimately gets that problem correct. Thus there is no penalty other than the time used for trying a problem and getting it wrong, and a team that gets a problem right on the first try will still receive more points than a team that gets it right on the second or third try.

Materials and Format - Written Contest

Contestants will need to bring pencils and erasers for the written contest. The contest director will provide scratch paper. Calculators are NOT permitted.

The written contest is a 45-minute written exam consisting of 40 multiple choice questions. Answers are recorded on the answer sheet or scantron sheet provided. The test itself may be used as scratch paper.

Materials and Format - Hands-on Contest

Each team may bring two program language reference books or textbooks. Books must be published works that are widely available. Books must also be reasonably free of handwritten notes. Each team must bring media for submitting solutions to judges, either floppy disks or USB flash drives.

A note about floppy disks: State contest directors are aware that floppy drives are no longer standard equipment for many new computers, but floppies continue to be the most practical medium for the contest. External USB floppy drives are inexpensive, as are the disks themselves. However, contest rules do not prohibit the use flash drives. Contestants must be aware of the limitations of using flash drives - remember that you may have one or more flash drives in the judging room when your team is ready to submit another solution. You will need to have enough drives on hand to allow for submitting multiple solutions. Also, any flash drive used for the contest cannot contain any other data - it may contain the problem solution only. Flash drives may be scanned during system check.

Each team will also need a computer to work on. Printers are allowed but not necessary, as all solutions will be submitted on disk. Teams may be encouraged to bring their own computers or to use computers provided by the host site. It’s important to determine which is the case well in advance of the contest - most contest sites REQUIRE teams to bring their own computers.

A team may use ONLY ONE computer during the contest - this means one system, one monitor and one keyboard/mouse. Teams using a laptop computer may use an external display and keyboard/mouse, but these may only be used INSTEAD OF, not in addition to, the laptop's built-in devices. A team may also bring a backup computer to use in case of equipment failure. Only compiler and necessary system software should be installed on the team’s computer. A compiler’s built-in libraries and help functions may be used during the contest, but previously written programs MAY NOT be used and must be removed from the computer prior to competition. A computer's built-in calculation functions may be used during the contest. External calculators may NOT be used.

The hands-on contest is a two-hour programming contest consisting of 12 problems of varying degrees of difficulty. Teams will need to arrive early to allow time to set up equipment. Prior to the beginning of the contest, teams will work a simple "dry run" problem that will help familiarize participants with contest procedures.

Teams submit solutions on disk as they finish them, along with the provided run sheet. Runners transport disks and other items between contestants and judges. When a team submits a correct solution, the judges will return an acceptance form. For an incorrect solution, the judges will return the disk and run sheet with a brief notation indicating why the solution was incorrect. Teams may choose to rework the solution and resubmit it for additional consideration. Contestants also have the opportunity to request clarification from the judges on particular problems - clarification request forms will be provided. Contest standings may be posted periodically during competition at the contest director’s discretion.

Specific procedures for the hands-on contest will vary by host site. Contact the site’s contest director for questions or clarification.

Conclusion

UIL Computer Science can be a challenging, educational and fun experience for students and teachers alike. Contestants have the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom and to build on that knowledge through contest preparation and competition, including the unique experience of the hands-on contest at the regional and state meets.

UIL Computer Science Link

https://www.uiltexas.org/academics/stem/computer-science

Current Issues & Events

Current Issues and Events

State contest director

Bradley Wilson, PhD

bradleywilson08@gmail.com

Sample Test & Key

(Based on past year's events and news)

Download the Current Issues and Events Sample Test & Key.

Rubric

Rubric for Current Issues and Events Essay

Recommended Sites and Sources

www.bbc.co.uk

www.time.com

www.reuters.com

www.theweek.com/

www.nytimes.com

www.pbs.org/newshour/

www.ap.org/

www.npr.org/

Integrating Current Issues and Events into Classroom Instruction

Four Lessons/Two Sponge Activities to Prepare for Current Issues and Events Contest

Elements of the Contest

The Current Issues and Events Contest focuses on a basic knowledge of current state, national and world events/issues and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and one essay. The essay is intended to assess the competitor's ability to synthesize and evaluate information and present it in an informed manner.

Additional Information

More Information on the Essay

Essay Prompts

Topics

The multiple choice test and the essay will cover important domestic and international issues, events, and personalities. Topics tend to (but do not always) fall in to the following categories:

War & Conflict

International

Domestic

Economics

Science / Technology / Environment

Education / Awards / Honors / Media / Deaths

Texas

Questions will be drawn from events occurring in the following date ranges:

Invitational: Sept 1 - Jan 1


District: Sept 1 - Feb 1


Region: Nov 1 - March 15


State: Dec 1 - April 15

Scoring

The multiple choice test is worth 40 points total; the essay is worth 10 points total. The competitor with highest combined score (multiple choice + essay) will be the winner. For a more specific discussion of the scoring, please see the Constitution and Contest Rules.

UIL Regional and State Qualifiers

Remember, if your team or any individual cannot advance for any reason, it is your responsibility to notify the contest officials of the next higher meet as well as the alternate school of your inability to advance.

UIL Current Issues & Events Link

https://www.uiltexas.org/academics/academic-contests/current-issues-and-events

Debate CX

Debate CX

Computers in Debate

UIL Computer Guidelines

Computers in Debate FAQ

Using Computers in Debate (Presentation)

Spring Meet Online Entry Systems

View instructions and logon to the Spring Meet Online Entry System.

Resources & Guidelines

Debate Introduction Video

Internet Debate Research

Debate Frequently Asked Questions

Resources for Speech and Debate Materials

Debate Central

Cross-Examination Debate

2016-17 CX Topic

Clarification of the CX 8-Round Rule

Process for Selecting a CX Debate Resolution

Volunteer to Author a Study Report

Criteria for Judging CX Debate

UIL Debate Link

https://www.uiltexas.org/speech/debate

Debate LD

Debate LD

Computers in Debate

UIL Computer Guidelines

Computers in Debate FAQ

Using Computers in Debate (Presentation)

Resources & Guidelines

Debate Introduction Video

Internet Debate Research

Debate Frequently Asked Questions

Resources for Speech and Debate Materials

Debate Central

Lincoln-Douglas Debate

Suggestions for Online LD Debate Research

UIL Lincoln-Douglas Debate Handbook

Send Suggestions for an LD Debate Topic

Criteria for Judging LD Debate

Debate 101

Debate 101

Information and tips for new coaches

UIL Debate Links

https://www.uiltexas.org/speech/debate

Extemporaneous Speaking

Extemporaneous Speaking

Computers in Extemporaneous Speaking

UIL Computer Guidelines

Tips for the Introduction of Computers into Extemp

Practice Extemp Topics

January/February 2012 Practice Extemp Topics

Meet Extemp Topics

State Topics 2012

Regional Extemp Topics

District II Extemp Topics

District I Extemp Topics

Invitational B Extemp Topics

Invitational A Extemp Topics

Resources & Guidelines

Extemporaneous Speaking Introduction Video

Common Questions Concerning the Extemporaneous Speaking Contest

Extemp Prep Room Materials Guidelines

Extemp Web Resources

Informative Speaking

Criteria for Evaluating Informative Speakers

Persuasive Speaking

Criteria for Evaluating Persuasive Speakers

Film

The purpose of the Young Filmmakers Festival is to provide students with the opportunity to explore the art of cinematic storytelling.

The films shall focus on storytelling using the techniques and tools found in the cinematic arts.

UIL Film Link

https://www.uiltexas.org/film

Journalism

UIL Journalism Contests

Judging

Journalism Judging Criteria

Rubrics

Editorial Writing Rubric

Feature Writing Rubric

Headline Writing Rubric

News Writing Rubric

PowerPoints of Contest Overviews

The documents below provide additional resources for journalism teachers and students.

UIL Editorial Writing, Jeanne Acton

UIL Feature Writing, Jeanne Acton

UIL Headline Writing, Bobby Hawthorne

UIL News Writing, Jeanne Acton

The UIL sponsors four journalism contests - news writing, feature writing, editorial writing and headline writing. Students compete at the district level, and then the top three places advance to regionals. From regionals, the top three places advance to state competition. The UIL journalism program has seen increased participation in recent years. Many contests winners have gone on to excel as professional journalists.

UIL Journalism Link

https://www.uiltexas.org/journalism

Literary Criticism

Literary Criticism

State Contest Director

Mark Bernier

mbernier@blinn.edu

Contest Director's Note

Literary Criticism Director's Web Link

Sample Test

(Not based on current reading list).

Download the Literary Criticism Sample Test.

Reading Lists

Literary Criticism Contest Reading List 2014-15

Literary Criticism Contest Reading List 2013-14

Literary Criticism Contest Reading List 2012-2013

Literary Criticism Contest Reading List 2011-2012

Literary Criticism Contest Reading List 2010-2011

Integrating Literary Criticism into Classroom Instruction

Five Lessons to Prepare for Literary Criticism Contest

Elements of the Contest

The UIL Literary Criticism Contest is a 90-minute test in which the student's familiarity with the concepts associated with literary analysis, authors, and works that represent English-language literary history, as well as some of its classical and international influences, is assessed.

Three sections constitute the scored part of the test; a required tie-breaking essay that invites the student to exercise his or her skill in literary analysis completes the test.

Part 1: Knowledge of Literary Terms and Literary History (30 one-point items)

Part 2: The UIL Reading List - differs year to year (20 two-point items)

Part 3: Ability in Literary Criticism (15 two-point items)

Part 4: The Tie-Breaking Essay

Additional Information

Part 1: Knowledge of Literary Terms and Literary History

The first part of the test, thirty multiple-choice items, is drawn from the Harmon-Holman Handbook to Literature 11e. While the Handbook is fairly exhaustive in its coverage of literary terms and literary history fundamental to the study of the western literary canon, this section's thirty items cover the terms, movements, genres, and events most likely encountered in a serious approach to the wide range of literary concepts, literary works, and critical approaches that characterize western, especially though not exclusively, British and American literary history.

The main part of the Handbook is an alphabetically listed set of definitions and descriptors; from these definitions and descriptors are drawn roughly ten to twelve items.

Among the Handbook's appendices are lists of the recipients of the Nobel Prize for Literature, the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama; from these lists are pulled upwards of eight items. Knowledge of these authors' contributions as referenced in the Handbook's alphabetized discussions can prove productive. See the Handbook's Index of Proper Names.

The remainder of the items constituting the first section, numbering usually ten to twelve, test the student's knowledge of literary history. These items assess the student's familiarity with the chronologies of both the British and the American literary canons as offered by the Handbook, both in its multipage chronology and in its brief discussions of literary movements, literary groups, and critical approaches to the study of literature.

Part 2: The UIL Reading List (differs year to year)

The reading list has traditionally consisted of a novel, a drama, and a selection of poems, though from time to time a set of representative short stories has replaced the novel on the list.

Twenty items, fairly evenly divided, test the student's familiarity with the events, the major thematic concerns, the characterization, and, in the case of the poetry, the technique for which the works are noted. Interpretation as a testable consideration is minimized, if for no other reason than to forestall any ambiguity that could be especially problematic in a multiple-choice test. Historical context as dictated by the themes and the plotlines should be considered eligible: topical allusions are an important aspect of an author's intellectual exchange with his or her audience. Literary biography, unless it is immediately concerned with the literature under investigation, while important, will not be tested.

Part 3: Ability in Literary Criticism

The final fifteen items assess the student's ability in literary criticism. Upwards of six selections, in toto or excerpted, are provided for analysis. Three to four items, usually, per selection or excerpt ask the student to recognize or understand the literature; the analytical tools represented by the concepts that are covered in the Handbook and that are often exercised in analysis and discussion of literature to a depth often accomplished in the review of the literature listed on the UIL Reading List (see Part 2) are thus applied.

Part 4: The Tie-Breaking Essay

The directions provided for the tie-breaking essay suffice:

Contestants who do not write an essay will be disqualified even if they are not involved in any tie.

Essays that do not demonstrate a sincere effort to discuss the assigned topic will be disqualified. The judge(s) should note carefully this criterion when breaking ties: ranking of essays for tie-breaking purposes should be based primarily on how well the topic has been addressed.

Three pages of blank paper have been provided for this essay; however, it is not expected that the essay will be longer than 150 words; however, the essay should reflect the Handbook's notion that an essay is a "moderately brief discussion of a restricted topic": something more than a few sentences.

UIL Literary Criticism Link

https://www.uiltexas.org/academics/academic-contests/literary-criticism

Mathematics

Mathematics

State Contest Director

Larry White

texasmath@centex.net

Sample Test & Key

Download the Mathematics Sample Test & Key.

Corrections

2013-2014 Mathematics Test Corrections and Comments (5/25/2014)

2012-2013 Mathematics Text Corrections and Comments (6/1/2013)

Integrating Mathematics into Classroom Instruction

Five Lessons to Prepare for Mathematics Contest

Elements of the Contest

The Mathematics Contest consists of a 40-minute, multiple-choice exam with 60 questions, designed to test knowledge and understanding in the areas of basic mathematics, algebra I and II, geometry, trigonometry, math analysis, analytic geometry, pre-calculus and elementary calculus.

Additional Information

Director's Comments: I make every attempt to minimize errors on the keys and make sure that the problems are valid, workable and the correct answer is available. However, with all of my efforts and the efforts of the person(s) proofing the tests, ERRORS HAPPEN. I will post any corrections to the past year’s tests and current year's tests along with any comments pertaining to errors or problem statements (See Test Corrections and Comments in the right sidebar). If anyone knows of any errors or thinks there are errors please email me so I can address them. If a constructive comment on a particular problem is sent to me I will address it and other items in the "Off on a Tangent" section of these postings. Your report of errors and constructive comments will assist me in making the tests better.

UIL Mathematics Link

https://www.uiltexas.org/academics/stem/mathematics

Number Sense

Number Sense

State Contest Director

Larry White

texasmath@centex.net

Sample Test & Key

Download the Number Sense Sample Test & Key.

Corrections

2013-2014 Number Sense Test Corrections and Comments (5/25/2014)

2012-2013 Number Sense Test Corrections and Comments (6/1/2013)

Sequencing

Number Sense Problem Sequencing for the HS test

Integrating Number Sense into Classroom Instruction

Ten Sponge Activities to Prepare for Number Sense Contest

Elements of the Contest

The Number Sense Contest involves a ten-minute, 80 question mental math test covering all high school mathematics courses (See the sequence chart link in the right sidebar). Short cuts need to be developed and practiced in order to compete and finish the test.

Additional Information

Director's Comments: I make every attempt to minimize errors on the keys and make sure that the problems are valid and workable. However, with all of my efforts and the efforts of the person(s) proofing the tests, ERRORS HAPPEN. I will post any corrections to the past year’s tests and current year's tests along with any comments pertaining to errors or problem statements (See Test Corrections and Comments in the right sidebar). If anyone knows of any errors or thinks there are errors please email me so I can address them. If a constructive comment on a particular problem is sent to me I will address it and other items in the “Off on a Tangent” section of these postings. Your report of errors and constructive comments will assist me in making the tests better.

UIL Number Sense Link

https://www.uiltexas.org/academics/stem/mathematics

One Act Play
face

Theatre

The League's One-Act Play Contest, founded in 1927, is the largest high school play production contest or play festival in the world. More than 14,000 Texas high school students in more than 1,000 plays participate in 300 plus contests, which take place from the beginning of March through the three-day, 40-production State Meet One-Act Play Contest. The One-Act Play Contest is supported by more than 200 college and university faculty members serving as critic judges. The League's theatre program is considered by historians to be the foundation of educational and community theatre in Texas. It continues to be a major factor motivating increasing numbers of schools to offer theatre arts as an academic subject.

The UIL One-Act Play contest is a competition where similarly sized Texas schools present an 18-40 minute play usually adjudicated by a single judge. The contest is held on a single day and open to the public. There are five possible levels of competition: Zone, District, Area, Region, and State. At each level of competition the judge awards individual acting awards as well as selecting two productions to advance to the next level of competition. After the awards are announced the Judge gives an oral critique to each of the schools. Because of the wide participation and diversity of plays produced certain rules and guidelines have been adopted by the State One-Act Play Office. These rules are in place to ensure safety, allow for equity, satisfy legal standards, and make the running of the contest practical.

UIL One-Act Play Link

https://www.uiltexas.org/theatre

Oral Interpretation (Prose & Poetry)

Oral Interpretation

Oral interpretation is an art of recreation and every piece of literature presents its own challenge. While there is no absolute “how-to-do-it” formula, the principles of analysis and presentation are crucial. As you will discover when you review different judges’ evaluations of a performance, each judge brings his or her own perspective about performance. One should strive to achieve a balance between literary analysis and interpretative technique, because that is essential to the art of oral interpretation.

UIL Oral Interpretation Link

https://www.uiltexas.org/speech/oral-interp

Ready Writing

Ready Writing

State Contest Director

Ruben Rodriguez

rjrodriguez1103@hotmail.com

Sample Essay Prompts

Download the Ready Writing Sample Essay Prompts.

Rubric

Grading Rubric for Ready Writing

Integrating Ready Writing into Classroom Instruction

Five Language Arts Lessons to Prepare for Ready Writing Contest

Elements of the Contest

In the Ready Writing Contest, the students are given two hours to write expository compositions. They have a choice between two prompts, each an excerpt from literature, publications (past and present) or speeches.

Additional Information

Expository writing explains, proves, or explores a topic in a balanced way, allowing the argument and the evidence given to be the deciding factor in the paper.

The composition is judged on interest (60%), organization (30%) and correctness of style (10%).

UIL Ready Writing Link

https://www.uiltexas.org/academics/academic-contests/ready-writing

Robotics

Robotics

Early exposure to hands-on learning and STEM education is one of the best ways to engage students and ultimately set them on a long-term path for success in college and a career of their choice. Robotics programming allows students to receive exposure to real-life problem solving in a competitive, fun environment.

UIL activities exist to complement academic curriculum and are designed to motivate students as they acquire higher levels of knowledge, to challenge students to confront issues of importance, and to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of specific skills. The robotics pilot program is believed to do exactly that.

UIL Robotics Link

https://www.uiltexas.org/academics/stem/robotics

Science

State Contest Directors

Biology Director: Dr. Debra Hansen

Chemistry Director: Dr. Paul McCord

Physics Director: Dr. David Bixler

Sample Test & Key

Download the Science Sample Test & Key.

Integrating Science into Classroom Instruction

Two Lessons to Prepare for Science (Biology) Contest

Two Lessons to Prepare for Science (Chemistry) Contest

Two Lessons to Prepare for Science (Physics) Contest

Elements of the Contest

The purpose of the Science Contest is to challenge high school students to do a wide range of reading in biology, chemistry and physics, to gain an understanding of the significance of experiments rather than to recall obscure details, to be alert to new discoveries and information in the areas of science, to gain an understanding of the basic principles as well as knowledge of the history and philosophy of science, and to foster a sense of enthusiasm about science and how it affects our daily lives.

The contest consists of a two-hour objective test with 60 questions – 20 from biology, 20 from chemistry and 20 from physics.

Additional Information

Awards

Individual Competition: First, second and third place overall winners qualify for the next higher level of competition. Alternates are named for the overall winners. If an individual qualifier cannot compete at the next higher meet, the alternate shall be notified and allowed to compete.

Top Scorer: The contestants with the top score in each of the three subject areas qualify for the next higher level of competition. One alternate is named for each of the three subject areas. If a top scorer qualifier cannot compete at the next higher meet, the alternate shall be notified and allowed to compete.

Team Competition: Four members of the winning team will advance to the next higher level of competition. If a member of a school’s team is unable to compete at the next higher level of competition, only one substitution may be made. The substitute shall give the contest director a letter certifying eligibility signed by a school administrator.

Use of Calculators in the UIL Science Contest

The UIL rule for the use of calculators in the science contest, in Section 952 of the Constitution & Contest Rules, states that the calculator “cannot have built-in or stored functionality that provides scientific information, and cannot have wireless communication capability. If the calculator has memory, it must be cleared.” The use of graphing calculators is not prohibited. The requirement is that the memory must be totally cleared. For many graphing calculators, this means that you must select “all” when choosing which memory to clear.

Several people have asked for clarification about specific calculators, but there is no longer a single approved list of calculators. Coaches and contestants should be careful that the calculators they select do not violate the restrictions of the rules. Dr. Denis Kohl, UIL state contest director, believes that a calculator such as the HP 33s, which provides a short list of physics constants, is allowable because a list of physics constants is included on the test, so no additional scientific information is provided that would benefit any contestant. However, he will not allow a student to use a calculator that will accept memory cards or memory sticks, as these could be reloaded after calculators were cleared at the beginning of the contest.

Instructions for clearing the most commonly used calculators can be downloaded from the following link: Instructions for Clearing Calculators, courtesy of Tony David Potter of Texas Competitive Mathematics. Competitors may bring a spare calculator into the contest room, but if both calculators were disallowed, the student would have to take the test without any calculator. Science coaches, not contestants, should be prepared to assist contest directors in seeing that all calculators are completely cleared prior to the beginning of the contest at the district, regional and state contests if needed, just as coaches should be available to assist in grading.

UIL Science Link

https://www.uiltexas.org/academics/stem/science

Social Studies

Social Studies

State Contest Director

Sample Test

(Not based on current reading list).

Download the Social Studies Sample Test.

Rubric

Rubric for the Social Studies Essay

Integrating Social Studies into Classroom Instruction

Four Lessons/ Two Sponge Activities to Prepare for Social Studies Contest

Elements of the Contest********

The Social Studies Contest consists of 45 objective questions and an essay. Students are expected to master primary reading selections, as well as specific documents, and to be familiar with general-knowledge social studies concepts and terms. Each year, the contest focuses on a different topic area and a reading list that is provided by UIL.

UIL Social Studies Link

https://www.uiltexas.org/academics/academic-contests/social-studies

Spelling and Vocabulary

Spelling and Vocabulary

State contest Director

Linda Berrey

lberrey@sbcglobal.net

Sample Test

(Not based on current year's spelling list).

Download the Spelling & Vocabulary Sample Test.

Integrating Spelling and Vocabulary into Classroom Instruction

Four Lessons/ Three Sponge Activities to Prepare for Spelling and Vocabulary Contest

Elements of the Contest

Each year, the UIL Spelling and Vocabulary Contest is based on a different vocabulary list provided by UIL and consists of a three-part test:

Part I: A fifteen minute section of 30 multiple choice questions focused on vocabulary and proofreading, and

Part II & III: The written spelling of 70 words pronounced aloud to contestants.

Additional Information

Eighty percent of the test will come from the UIL “Word Power” list that changes each year. Twenty percent will come from outside sources, such as commonly used words, proper names/words in the news, and words that are representative of important elements of the English language.

The “Word Power” list can be ordered online from the UIL Study Materials Online Store.

UIL Spelling & Vocabulary

https://www.uiltexas.org/academics/academic-contests/spelling-and-vocabulary

Theatrical Design

Theatrical Design

The purposes of the Theatrical Design Contest is to foster appreciation of good theatrical design, to increase the number of schools which have adapted technical theatre as an academic subject in school curricula, to learn to lose or win graciously, accepting with good sportsmanship the decision and critique with a view to improve future projects and to satisfy the competitive, artistic spirit with friendly rivalry among schools.

Each school submits designs to the UIL office as directed in the current Theatrical Design Guide. The designs are adjudicated and rated and advancing schools are announced. Schools receive a critique. Qualifiers at state are ranked first through sixth.

UILTheatrical Design Link

https://www.uiltexas.org/theatre/theatrical-design