Newark Catholic Forensics League
Excellence in New Jersey Speech and Debate Since 1950

Oral Interpretation of Literature

In OI students prepare a prose and a poetry selection.  The selections are read (usually contained in a small black binder) in alternating rounds. The selection may not be part of a play, i.e.: Shakespeare's plays are in blank verse; however, they are plays and therefore not acceptable.  As of 2004 internet sources are acceptable. Students must have their speech's original source with them at each contest in case a protest arises.

In the Newark CFL, there are both JV and Varsity categories.  The designation of JV or Varsity is at the coach's discretion based on his/her assessment of the student's capabilities. 

Varsity OI alternates rounds of prose and poetry all year.

JV OI has the following schedule: prose only (October/November) poetry only (December/January) alternating rounds of prose and poetry (February/March)

To find out more about OI, please look at the ballots and critique sheets of the National Catholic Forensics League.

This page was last updated  09/18/2007