Will the set-up of the BBC Awards remain unchanged?
No, the formula of the BBC-GNE Public Speaking Awards has changed in following respect:
In the preliminary rounds and semi-finals a distinction will be made between native and non-native English speakers.
However in the National Final finalists from both groups will compete against each other.
For the BBC-GNE Young Writers Awards we are sticking to the well-tried set-up of the last three years. Entrants for this competition are required to write an opinion piece. The conditions are set out clearly under the writing tips on the website.
In the Rules and on the registration form a distinction is made between native and non-native speakers. When will someone considered being a native speaker?
A native speaker is a student who has English as a mother-tongue, or speaks English on a daily basis at home.
What is the closing date for application to enter for the Awards?
The closing date for the preliminary registration for both competitions is 21 December 2008.
The closing date for registration for the Public Speaking Awards is 31 January 2009. Preliminary rounds for the Public Speaking Awards will be held on 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28 February 2009.
The closing date for submitting the texts for the Young Writers Awards is 31 January 2009 .
Is a participant allowed to enter both competitions?
Yes.
