Poetry

VirtualIndividualEarly Submission

View Official PDF (Page 47)

Competitors must submit an original piece of poetry never before published within a 40-line limit. The piece must clearly relate back to the theme but also be applicable to a general audience.

Format

Virtual (Online)

Early Submission Requirements

Competitors must submit their Poetry piece 2 weeks before the Regional Tournament via MyMIST.

Registration Guidelines

A limit of two (2) students from each team may register for this competition.
Each student competes individually — collaboration is not permitted.

Procedure

Poetry must clearly reflect upon any aspect of this year’s theme.
Submissions must be labeled with MIST ID and title only.
- Competitor’s name must not appear anywhere on the work.
Competitors may incorporate any style or genre: rhymed, lyric, dramatic, narrative, or free verse.
No AI permitted — usage is grounds for point loss and/or disqualification.
All poems must have a title and not exceed 40 lines (excluding title).
Poems must be the original work of the entrant.
- Entries must not have been published, self-published, or broadcast before January 2026.
A PDF copy must be submitted via MyMIST 2 weeks before the Regional Tournament.
- Late submissions result in point deduction.
This is an entirely virtual competition — no copy required at tournament.
Entries should be typed in black ink only.
Entries can be double or single-spaced.
Poetry submissions must include a filled-out “Poetry Analyzing Written Statement.”

Checklist

PDF copy of Poetry Piece on MyMIST (2 weeks prior)
Written Poetry Analyzing Statement
Labeled with MIST ID and competition name

Poetry Analyzing Written Statement

Responses to each section must be typed, not handwritten.

Section 1: Poem Identity

Form of Poetry (e.g., Ballad, Sonnet, etc.)

Section 2: Explanation of Poem

Provide an explanation in 250 words or less

Section 3: Elements of Poetry

Identify at least five (5) elements of poetry from your writing
State line number, type of element, and explanation
Examples: alliteration, metaphor, assonance, personification

Section 4: Example of Inferences

Provide an example of inference from your writing
State line number and explain what you wished to infer
Examples: historical inference, literary inference

Section 5: Mechanics, Grammar, Spelling

Answer all within 500 words or less:

In what ways does your piece represent your individuality? What inspired or influenced you?
Are there subtleties you hoped would come across without explanation?
Do you feel you conveyed the theme well? How did you do so?

Interactive Scoring Ballot

Interactive Ballot

Enter scores to calculate the total automatically.

Criteria	Score
Section A: Technical (10 points)
Technical Poem does not exceed 40 lines Poetry Worksheet is completed Poem is typed in black ink only No identifiers aside from MIST ID
Section Subtotal	0 / 10
Section B: Poem Elements (30 points)
Poem Elements Is the structure easy to follow? Is the form appropriate to the subject? Does the poem enable the reader to see, hear, feel, or think about the subject in a new or potent way? Does it use sensory details and figurative language to create vivid images? Are sound devices (rhyme, alliteration, onomatopoeia) used effectively? Is word choice vivid and exact throughout?
Section Subtotal	0 / 30
Section C: Overall Impression (25 points)
Overall Impression Is the title clearly stated? Does the piece create an appropriate mood? Does the writing convey creativity and originality? Does it grab attention and convey sincerity?
Section Subtotal	0 / 25
Section D: Written Statement (25 points)
Written Statement Criteria Section 1: Poem Identity Section 2: Coherent Explanation Section 3: Elements of Poetry Section 4: Example of Inference Section 5: Mechanics, Grammar, Spelling Interview Questions answered
Section Subtotal	0 / 25
Section E: Overall Experience (10 points)
Overall Experience Rate 1-10: 1 = Very poor, 4-6 = Average, 10 = Exceptional
Section Subtotal	0 / 10
Total Score	0 / 100