About the Literary Criticism test

• Part 1: Knowledge of Literary Terms and Literary History (30 one-point questions)

  • This section will cover the terms, movements, genres, and events most likely encountered in a serious approach to the wide range of literary concepts, literary works,  and critical approaches that characterize western literary history.

• Part 2: The UIL Reading List (20 two-point questions)

  • This portion will cover the familiarity with the events, the major thematic concerns, the characterization, and, in the case of poetry, the technique for which the works are noted. 

• Part 3: Ability in Literary Criticism (15 two-point questions)

• Part 4: The Tie-Breaking Prompt

  • Contestants who do not write an essay will be disqualified even if they are not involved in any tie.

  • Essays that do not demonstrate sincere effort to discuss the assigned topic will be disqualified. 

  • Three pages of blank paper have been provided for this essay; however, it is not expected that the essay will be longer than 150 words.