Common Questions Concerning the Extemporaneous Speaking Contest

Q. The C&CR requires printed Internet sources to include the downloaded URL on the hard copy. If my computer doesn’t automatically download the URL, what do I do?
A. See explanation below:

Printing URLs on downloaded documents:

Printing the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) on downloaded documents is a straightforward process. Here, we have attempted to illustrate how to accomplish this task on the most recent version of one of the most used browsers. If you have a different version or browser than the one illustrated, go to your browser’s help feature and search for “print URL”. All modern browsers have this feature and the process for enabling the feature will be similar to that described below.

Printing URLs in Internet Explorer 7

Enter the Print Preview mode. Use the Header Button to turn the Header and Footer on.

After you’ve ensured the Header and Footer will print, enter Page Setup screen.

The Page Setup will look like this:

In the Footer box, you need to make sure that ‘&u’ is included so Internet Explorer knows to print the URL. Your task is complete.

The nomenclature for how a browser knows you wish to print the URL may vary. When in doubt, use your help menu to find how your browser enables the function.

Q. Are preparation materials for the UIL Current Issues & Events contest (such as discussion question essays) allowable in the Extemporaneous Speaking preparation room?
A. No. The essays/paragraphs is considered “prepared notes”, which are prohibited in the C&CR rules for Extemporaneous Speaking.

Q. Should an index be taken to the front of the prep room when the speaker is drawing his/her topic?
A. Although there is no rule that prohibits this, it is a poor practice. Speakers doing this will sacrifice valuable prep time selecting their topic and it will appear that they do not know their files well enough for topic selection.

Q. Are contestants required to select only one filing method or are they allowed to use a hybrid of both paper files and computer files in the preparation room?
A. A combination is allowed, as long as rules regarding materials are followed.

Q. Annotations are not allowed on the index. Could you provide some examples?
A. Annotations are defined as “explanatory notes or comments.” The following are examples of a proper index versus an improper index due to added annotations:

Proper: third party candidates
Improper: third party candidate frontrunners

Proper: State of the Union
Improper: State of the Union repercussions

Proper: campaign finance reform
Improper: campaign finance reform/areas of greatest impact/losses