Glossary
Competition Terms
Section titled “Competition Terms”Ballot
Section titled “Ballot”The scoring form used by judges to evaluate competitors. Contains rubric criteria and point allocations for each section.
Bracket Competition
Section titled “Bracket Competition”An elimination-style competition where teams/individuals are paired and winners advance to subsequent rounds. Examples: Debate, Math Olympics, Quiz Bowl, Improv.
Early Submission
Section titled “Early Submission”Competitions requiring materials to be submitted via MyMIST before the tournament (typically 2 weeks prior). Late submissions incur point deductions.
MIST ID
Section titled “MIST ID”A unique identifier assigned to each competitor. Used on all submissions instead of names to ensure anonymous judging.
MyMIST Portal
Section titled “MyMIST Portal”The online platform for registration, submissions, and tournament information.
Regional Headquarters (Regional HQ)
Section titled “Regional Headquarters (Regional HQ)”The organizing body for your specific MIST region. Contact for region-specific questions and rules.
Rubric
Section titled “Rubric”The detailed scoring criteria used by judges. Specifies what elements are evaluated and how points are allocated.
Spirit Points
Section titled “Spirit Points”Points awarded to teams for attending workshops and demonstrating good sportsmanship. Contribute to overall team rankings.
Academic Integrity Terms
Section titled “Academic Integrity Terms”Academic Misconduct
Section titled “Academic Misconduct”Violations of the Honor Code including plagiarism, unauthorized assistance, or misrepresentation.
AI-Generated Content
Section titled “AI-Generated Content”Content created using artificial intelligence tools (e.g., ChatGPT, DALL-E, MidJourney). Prohibited in all MIST competitions.
Citation
Section titled “Citation”Proper attribution of sources used in submissions. Required when using outside information.
Plagiarism
Section titled “Plagiarism”Presenting another’s work or ideas as your own without proper attribution. Grounds for disqualification.
Quran Competition Terms
Section titled “Quran Competition Terms”Ghunnah
Section titled “Ghunnah”A nasal sound produced when pronouncing certain Arabic letters. Part of Tajweed rules.
The most common style of Quran recitation, on the authority of Asim. Required style for MIST competitions.
Harakah
Section titled “Harakah”Short vowel marks in Arabic (fat’ha, dhamma, kasra). Changing these constitutes a major mistake.
Prolongation/elongation of certain vowel sounds in Quran recitation.
Makhraj
Section titled “Makhraj”The point of articulation for Arabic letters - where in the mouth/throat each letter is produced.
Qalqala
Section titled “Qalqala”A bouncing or echoing sound produced when pronouncing certain Arabic letters with sukoon.
The characteristics or qualities of Arabic letters in pronunciation.
Sukoon
Section titled “Sukoon”A diacritical mark indicating the absence of a vowel (a “resting” letter).
Tajweed
Section titled “Tajweed”The rules governing proper Quran recitation, including pronunciation, rhythm, and stops.
Tafkheem
Section titled “Tafkheem”“Heaviness” or emphasis applied to certain Arabic letters in recitation.
Tarqeeq
Section titled “Tarqeeq”“Lightness” applied to certain Arabic letters (opposite of tafkheem).
The resolution or motion being debated in Parliamentary Debate.
Constructive Speech
Section titled “Constructive Speech”The first speeches by each debater, where main arguments are presented.
Government
Section titled “Government”The affirmative side in Parliamentary Debate, arguing in favor of the resolution.
Collective term for all participants and audience members in a debate round.
Leader of Opposition (LO)
Section titled “Leader of Opposition (LO)”First speaker for the Opposition team.
Member of Government (MG)
Section titled “Member of Government (MG)”Second speaker for the Government team.
Member of Opposition (MO)
Section titled “Member of Opposition (MO)”Second speaker for the Opposition team.
Opposition
Section titled “Opposition”The negative side in Parliamentary Debate, arguing against the resolution.
Point of Information (POI)
Section titled “Point of Information (POI)”A brief interjection (max 15 seconds) offered during constructive speeches. At least one must be accepted per speech.
Prime Minister (PM)
Section titled “Prime Minister (PM)”First speaker for the Government team.
Rebuttal Speech
Section titled “Rebuttal Speech”Later speeches focused on responding to opponents’ arguments. No new arguments allowed.
Speaker
Section titled “Speaker”The moderator of a Parliamentary Debate round.
Bonus Question
Section titled “Bonus Question”A multi-part question awarded to the team that correctly answers a toss-up. Team may confer.
Toss-Up Question
Section titled “Toss-Up Question”A buzzer question where the first team to buzz with the correct answer scores points. No conferring allowed.
Team Structure Terms
Section titled “Team Structure Terms”A registered adult (21+) responsible for supervising the team. Must be on campus at all times.
Coalition Team
Section titled “Coalition Team”A team formed by students from multiple schools. Requires special approval from Regional HQ.
Competitor
Section titled “Competitor”A registered student participant in MIST competitions.
The group of students from a school competing together at MIST. Limited to one team per school.
Submission Terms
Section titled “Submission Terms”Cover Page
Section titled “Cover Page”Required first page of submissions containing title, MIST ID, and competition name. No identifying information.
Hard Copy
Section titled “Hard Copy”Physical printed copies of submissions required at the tournament (typically 3 copies).
Written Statement
Section titled “Written Statement”An explanation of your work required for many competitions. Covers inspiration, process, and theme connection.