UIL High School Academics

Competitors are given a choice of two "open - ended" topics. They choose one of them and write an expository essay in a specified time period (2 hours).

The test covers several designated novels, plays, and poems as well as knowledge of literary terms, periods, authors and their works, etc. In addition, contestants are introduced and expected to interpret new material, such as a poem, essay, or excerpt.

This contest consists of speed, skill, and accuracy using three computer applications: word processing, spreadsheet, and database, and on the integration of these applications. The time allotted for the contest includes a 5-minute preview period, 30 minutes for the contest, and an additional 5 minutes for a tiebreaker (in case one is needed). Most tests will require that 2 documents be created and printed. Occasionally a third printout may be required. Students will train on SISD laptop computers and will use this equipment for the contest.

Computer Science-This contest has been both an individual and a team component. District-level competition consists of a 45-minute written exam for both components. This competition challenges students to apply programming concepts and skills, as well as their knowledge of Java programming language. The time allotted for the contest is 45 minutes to answer 40 multiple choice questions. Six points are awarded for each correct answer, and two points are deducted for each incorrect answer. No points are deducted for unanswered questions.

 

This is a 40 minute multiple choice test that consists of 60 questions. The test includes Algebra, Geometry, Pre-Calculus and Calculus. The students are given 6 points for each question that they get correct, -2 for each wrong answer and 0 points for unanswered questions. They are allowed to use approved calculators, which does not include graphing calculators.

This 10 minute test consists of 80 math computation questions. The student is expected to do all computations in their heads. No calculator or scratch paper is allowed. There are numerous tricks that must be learned in order to do this. The number of the last question answered is multiplied by 5.Nine points is subtracted for each wrong and skipped question to arrive at the total score.

This contest focuses on a basic knowledge of current state, national and world events and issues. The content consists of questions which will be posed in such a way as to allow for objective grading and an essay question that all participants are required to answer.

Students will be required to do a wide range of reading in biology, chemistry and physics in order 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.

This contest promotes precise and effective use of words. The three-part contest consists of multiple choice questions of proofreading and vocabulary and words that are written from dictation.

This contest stimulates an active interest in current affairs at the state, national and international levels, and to teach the student to present in a clear and impartial manner the facts about a subject as they appear in the best available sources of information.

This contest encourages the student's exploration of a variety of literary selections, and enhances the performer's and audience's appreciation of literature through the student's interpretation of the work.

This contest trains students to analyze a current issue, determine a point of view and organize and deliver a speech that seeks to persuade listeners.

This contest encourages students to understand, experience, and share prose works through the art of oral interpretation.

This contest teaches students to read critically, to digest and prioritize information quickly, and to write clearly and accurately. Emphasis is placed on mechanical and stylistic precision, lead writing, use of direct and indirect quotes, and news judgment.

This contest teaches students to read critically, to digest and prioritize information quickly, and to write clearly and accurately. Emphasis is placed on mechanical and stylistic precision, lead writing, use of direct and indirect quotes, news judgment, and the ability to think deeply, to compare and contrast and to argue or defend a point of view persuasively.

This contest teaches students to read critically, to digest and prioritize information quickly, and to write clearly and accurately. Emphasis is placed on mechanical and stylistic precision, lead writing, use of direct and indirect quotes, news judgment, and the ability to write descriptively.

This contest teaches students to read critically, to digest and prioritize information quickly, and to write clearly and accurately. Emphasis is placed on the ability to discern key facts and to write with flair and style in order to tell and sell a story.

The aims of the One-Act Play Contest are: (1) to satisfy the competitive, artistic spirit with friendly rivalry among schools, emphasizing high quality performance in this creative art; (2) to foster appreciation of good acting, good directing and good drama; (3) to promote interest in that art form most readily usable in leisure time during adult life; (4) to learn to lose or win graciously, accepting in good sportsmanship the judge's decision and criticism with a view to improve future productions; and (5) to increase the number of schools which have adopted theatre arts as an academic subject in school curricula.

The purpose of the Social Studies Contest is to challenge high school students to read widely and deeply in the areas of social studies. Particularly, students will be required to expand and apply their understanding of:
1) the nature of geography and the physical seting of the earth to physical and cultural environments,
2) the governmental systems, and
3) historical trends, movements and eras, the impact and significance of time and place, cause and effect, and change over time.
Contestants will be allowed 90 minutes to complete a test consisting of 45 objective questions  and an essay.