Language Bee

You are invited to enter Colina's Language Bee, presented via a fascinating multimedia (PowerPoint) format; it is a contest of knowledge and strategy (such as use of "process of elimination" in narrowing answer choices).

Some 40-50 multiple-choice items will be presented one at a time via Powerpoint-type slides. Some sample questions appear in the scrolling banner at the top of this page. Contestants may be asked to work alone or in pairs (with one answer per question between the partners); the exact format for this year's Bee will be determined by Colina, and will be announced the morning of the contest.

Each contestant will answer in one of two ways (to be announced on the morning of the contest):
a) electronically, by "punching in" the the answer on a system known as Qwizdom (don't worry, you don't have to know a thing about Qwizdom; you'll be shown that morning); or else, b) manually, by "bubbling in" on a Scantron form.

For instance, you might hear Yogi Berra say "It's deja vu all over again," and be asked, from among five choices, what grammatical error exists in the sentence. (The answer is that there's a redundancy.)

Or, perhaps you’ll be presented five photos of signs from stores, and be asked to identify the one with the punctuation error in it. Maybe it is a sign that states "Its here! The new Chevy." (The sign should read "It's" rather than "Its.)

The Bee may include items pertaining grammar, usage, diction, punctuation, capitalization, general information about language and linguistics and other items.

It’s academic fun--low pressure, high excitement. No standing in front of everyone to answer questions (as one has to do in our spelling and geography bees). Every contestant is “in” until the end of the Bee; the winner is determined based on the number of questions correctly. For all or most Bee items, you will be asked to select the best choice from among four or five choices; a given question may be presented within a context, which may or may not be helpful in arriving at the correct answer.

Please note the deadline above for signing up. Once you’re signed up, no reminder notice will be sent to you, so be sure to mark the Bee date/time in your personal calendar or assignment notebook. Names of all the contestants will be listed on Colina’s website after the Bee.

The winner will receive an iPod Nano and a plaque, as well as recognition on Colina's website, at a PTSA meeting, and over the P.A. system. The first place winner automatically earns an invitation to Awards Night. The top three scorers in each grade level receive recognition on Colina's website and the P.A. system.

Well-developed language skills are important for good communication. Misunderstandings between people can sometimes be averted by clear communication; examples exist, even on an international scale, wherein conflicts were caused partly by erroneous or imprecise language. Entering the Language Bee is one way of "turning on" to language. In this sense, each contestant is a winner. Then, too, there is the recreational element: Be sure to have fun in the Bee!

Parents of contestants are welcome to attend as an audience.