Format, Rubrics & Guidelines
Event Format
Compete in all 4 segments of EPC contests (Essay, Speech, Extemporaneous Speaking, and Information Campaign) and earn a GRAND Prize.
Grand Prize will be awarded to the best overall performing High School participant. Qualifying candidates must participate in all possible competitions (essay, speech, Extemporaneous Speaking, and Information Campaign).
Calling all graphic designers and videographers! Compete in our information campaign to use your skills to spread the word about a cause you care about.
Our information campaign includes all types of presentation tools, such as videos, AI-powered campaigns, posters, TikToks, and more.
Extemporaneous Speech Competition
WHAT: The Extemporaneous Speaking competition will judge your ability to speak on a topic in an organized and poised manner with only a few minutes of preparation.
WHO: For now the competition is open for only middle school and high school students.
HOW: You will be given the exact prompt aligning with the EPC theme during the competition, and will have 30 minutes to prepare a 5 to 7 minute presentation based on your personal knowledge and optionally with references. If you decide to join this exciting competition, your speech will be graded on the basis of content and ideas, presentation and delivery, and precision of language. Your goal should be to prepare and present, not to memorize and recollect.
Virtual Event Guidelines
Timing and breakout rooms
There will be at least 4 breakout rooms for the Zoom event. The number of breakout rooms may vary depending on the number of contestants in each level. In general, four breakout rooms include:
Elementary | Middle School | High School | Poster and Multimedia
The speech times will remain at 3 to 8 minutes as below:
- 3 min (Level 1)
- 4 min (Level 2)
- 5 min (Level 3)
- 6 min (Level 4)
- 7 min (Level 5)
- 8 min+ 2 min Q&A (Level 6)
Watch a sample video on how to prepare for the speech
A maximum of 2 minutes will be allowed in between speeches. TIMING SUMMARY: (a) speech: up to 3 or 8 minutes;
CAVEAT: The judge of each contest is the ultimate arbiter of time.
NOTE: At the end of each event, all breakout rooms will automatically close and everyone will be routed back to the main room.
Communication
- The Zoom chat window should not be used for non-EPC related matter.
- Just like an in-person presentation, no help is to be provided to a speaker while they are speaking.
- Under no circumstances should the speaker receive instruction from coaches, parents, or anyone else while the speech is in session.
Zoom/Virtual Etiquette
- All speakers will be required to have their webcam turned on when speaking.
- Everyone signed into the EPC 2021 Zoom meeting must follow the following name designations (cf. “Logistics”, below).
Logistics
- Device audio/video must be verified and cross-checked prior to the event day. For example, the coaches or parents can check devices or the speakers can check each other’s devices (cf. “Internet Interruption”, below).
- Everyone must stay in the Zoom meeting for the whole event. If someone leaves the meeting by mistake, they can rejoin by using the Zoom link and will be directed to where they want to go (cf. “Level 2 for example”, above).
- Name designation must be strictly observed (cf. “Zoom/Virtual Etiquette”, above).
Internet Interruption
- In the event that a speaker’s speech drops or becomes incomprehensible because e.g., the speaker’s device malfunctions or because of WiFi/internet connection issues, the speaker should immediately call into the EPC Zoom meeting room and will be directed back to their breakout room to complete their speech. Call-in information will be made available in advance. • Please note that others may not speak on behalf of the dropped speaker.
- The judges will determine their score based on what the speaker could communicate comprehensively.
- To avoid such issues to the greatest extent possible, each speaker should cross check their device audio/video prior to tournament day and minimize parallel internet usage within the home (cf. “Logistics”, above).
EPC 2024 Information Campaign Guidelines
EPC 2026 Topics Descriptions
Elementary School Category
- Level 1 (Grades 1 & 2): Imagine there were no phones, computers, or internet. Write a friendly letter to a family member or friend to explain how you use technology now to learn about Islam or talk to other Muslims. Explain how life would be different if you didn’t have this technology. Be sure to include all the parts of a friendly letter.
- Level 2 (Grades 3 & 4): Explain the role of technology in your life as a student. Explain some of the benefits and drawbacks of using technology, especially in the classroom or for learning about Islam? Think about what technological balance might look like for Muslim youth. Be sure to use evidence to support your response.
Middle School Category
- Level 3 (Grades 5 & 6) + Level 4 (Grades 7 & 8): Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of daily life—from homework tools to social media filters. Write an essay about how Muslim youth can balance the advantages of AI with the responsibility of staying true to their faith.
– How can AI support learning, creativity, or Islamic knowledge?
– What dangers might come with depending too much on AI?
– Imagine a project or initiative that uses AI to strengthen faith. Explain how it could benefit your community.
High School Category
(Grades 9 to 12): Students will participate in two extemporaneous competitions:
- Extemporaneous Speech: Students receive a speech topic related to this year’s theme and have 15 minutes to prepare before delivering a short, organized speech.
- Extemporaneous Essay: Students receive a different essay topic based on the theme and have 15 minutes to plan and write a clear, focused essay.
NB: Limited Middle school students who competed in the essay/speech contest may also be allowed to participate in this category.
Rubrics
Essay/Speech Rubric (Subject to Change)
Please contact essays@mafiq.org for current format
Calling all graphic designers and videographers! Compete in our information campaign to use your skills to spread the word about a cause you care about.
Our information campaign includes all types of presentation tools, such as videos, AI-powered campaigns, posters, TikToks, and more.
Extemporaneous Speaking Rubric (Subject to Change)
Extemporaneous Writing Rubric (Subject to Change)
Essay Submission
Please review the guidelines once again to avoid getting disqualified. Once you are ready, click the link below to submit.
Rules
*Please be respectful to everyone, including fellow competitors. *If you need to enter or exit a room, please wait to do so in between presentations, as to be respectful to the presenter. *Judges are not permitted to open or close doors, so that they may focus on the competitor’s presentation without distraction. *Participants that are waiting for their turn must remain silent. *Do not distract judges, the presenter or audience. Parents are not permitted to raise questions about the judging during the event. Any dispute must be submitted to essays@mafiq.org in writing Jazakum Allahu Khairun for your cooperation!
Fine Arts
Giving wings to the artists who’d like to take it up as a career or just a hobby. Our students are trained by professionals who help them develop, learn and polish their skills while at school.
Humanities
The study of ancient and modern languages, philosophy, history, and more. We take pride in offering top humanity courses from a dedicated and trained staff.
Science
The study encourages scientific reasoning, discoveries and inventions. Great teachers and well-equipped laboratories help students explore, discover and experiment new things under the best supervision.
Mathematics
Understanding the game of numbers and logic to solve real world problems. Learn mathematics from scholars and university toppers who not make it interesting, but also fun to learn.