How to Participate in English Olympiad | English Olympiad Class 1 PDF Download

What is IEO?

The International English Olympiad (IEO) is an exciting competition arranged by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) for students from grades 1 to 10. It's all about learning numbers and logical skills while having fun. The competition gives students a chance to grow their confidence and become better at building logics and have a good understanding of solving hard and complex problems.

IEO 2023-24 Eligibility Criteria: 

• The English Olympiad Foundation (SOF) mandates that schools register their students for participation.
• Schools not yet registered can complete the registration process by sending an email to the SOF.
• Eligibility for the IEO is limited to pupils in grades 1 through 10.
• Application forms must be completed and submitted solely through the student's respective school; individual applications are not accepted by the Science Olympiad Foundation.
• English is compulsory subjects for all students intending to participate. 
• Participation in the examination is restricted to students from recognized boards such as CBSE, ICSE, and state boards.

Steps to participate in IEO

To take part, students simply need to follow these simple instructions:

Accessing Registration forms:

• Students in classes 1 to 10 are eligible to participate in the SOF IEO.
• Registration forms are given to all the schools that are already part of SOF.
• Schools not yet registered can request prospectuses by emailing info@sofworld.org or making a phone call.

Completing and Returning Forms:

• After all the students have submitted their forms, schools are required to return the registration forms to SOF, completely filled out and in good order, by the specified deadline.

Roll Numbers:

• The school's coordinating teacher is responsible for completing the School Registration Form (SRF) and Students' Registration Sheet (SRS) following the provided guidelines.
• These forms should be sent to SOF's office before the designated submission deadline.
• Upon receipt of the Students' Registration Sheet (SRS) from the school, SOF will register the school and students.
• SOF will then generate roll numbers for all participating students.

Registration Fee Details:

• Schools in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, & Nepal pay a registration fee of Rs 125* (including GST) per student/Olympiad to SOF for the examination.
• An extra charge of Rs 25** per student may be added by schools for in-charge honorarium, teacher remuneration, and other expenses.
• For countries outside India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, & Nepal, the registration fee is US$9 per student/Olympiad*, with an additional US$1** per student for related expenses.
• *Includes GST.
• **Additional charge for related expenses.

Fee Exemption: 

• Students with major physical disabilities or Indian students whose parent was martyred during defense operations are exempt from fees.

No Individual Registrations:

• It's important to note that individual student registrations are not accepted. Students should register through their respective schools to participate in the IEO.

Exam Pattern and Syllabus

Pattern

• The IEO exam comprises three stages for students.
• Section I covers Word and Structure Knowledge.
• Section II focuses on Reading.
• Section III emphasizes on Spoken and Written Expression.
• Section IV on Achiever's Section (higher order thinking ability) questions.
• The question paper includes 35 objective-type questions for Classes 1 to 4 and 50 for Classes 5 to 10.
• Duration: Students have 60 minutes to complete it.

Marking Scheme:

The exam pattern and the marking scheme has been outlined in the table below:

IEO Syllabus for Class 1

Note: There is no negative marking. 

Syllabus:

• Word and Structure Knowledge (Section - 1):  Collocations, Spellings, Gender, Singular-Plural, One word Substitution, Synonyms, Antonyms, Nouns, Pronouns, Verbs, Adverbs, Adjectives, Contractions, Articles, Prepositions, Conjunctions, Tenses, Punctuations and Jumbled words, Basic Questions, Question Tags, Proverbs, Idioms, etc.
  
• Reading (Section - 2):  Search for and retrieve information from various text types like Stories, Anecdotes, etc., Understand information through pictures, Time-table format, etc., Acquire broad understanding of and look for specific information in short texts like messages, Invitations, etc.
• Spoken and Written Expression (Section 3): Ability to understand situation-based variations in functions like apology, greeting, introduction, request, etc. 
• Achievers Section (Section 4): This section covers higher-order thinking questions based on the topics incorporated in the syllabus of section – 1,2,3.

Benefits

1. Enhancement of Language Skills: English Olympiads help students improve their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. They encourage the use of proper grammar, vocabulary, and effective communication techniques.

2. Boost in Confidence: Competing in such events builds self-confidence. Preparing for and participating in the Olympiad challenges students to perform under pressure, which can increase their confidence in their language abilities.

3. Academic Improvement: Regular practice and study for the Olympiad can lead to better performance in school English exams and overall academic achievement.

4. Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills: The challenging nature of Olympiad questions requires students to develop strong critical thinking and analytical skills, which are valuable in all areas of study and in everyday life.

5. Recognition and Motivation: Excelling in an English Olympiad can bring recognition at various levels (school, state, national, or international). This recognition can motivate students to continue striving for excellence.

6. Preparation for Competitive Exams: Many competitive exams (like SAT, GRE, and TOEFL) have significant English components. Participating in Olympiads can serve as good preparation for these exams.

7. Exposure to a Competitive Environment: Olympiads provide students with the experience of competing with peers from different schools or regions, fostering a healthy competitive spirit and exposing them to diverse ideas and perspectives.

8. Scholarships and Awards: High achievers in English Olympiads often receive scholarships, certificates, medals, and other awards, which can be beneficial for their academic and professional futures.

9. Development of Research Skills: Preparing for the Olympiad often involves researching various topics, which enhances students' research skills and their ability to gather and synthesize information from different sources.

10. Improved Time Management: Preparing for and participating in Olympiads requires effective time management skills, which are crucial for success in both academic and personal endeavors.

11. Networking Opportunities: Olympiads often bring together bright students from various regions, providing opportunities to make new friends and establish networks with like-minded individuals.

12. Broadened Horizons: The exposure to advanced levels of English and diverse topics helps broaden students' horizons, making them more knowledgeable and well-rounded individuals.

These benefits, along with the intellectual growth and personal development that come from participating in Olympiad competitions, make them highly rewarding experiences for students. 

Preparation Tips and Tricks

Preparing for the Class 1 English Olympiad may seem difficult, but it's an exciting chance. Instead of just a test, view it as an adventure to discover the world of numbers and logic. With enthusiasm and dedication, you can approach it successfully, enjoying the process of learning and solving problems. 

To support you on this journey, we've prepared some useful tips and tricks:

Preparation:

• Understand the syllabus thoroughly and plan to cover topics each day.
• Choose a consistent time and place for studying to maintain regularity.
• Focus on learning with a clear conceptual understanding.
• Take notes while studying, highlighting key points and important topics for easier revision.
• After completing the syllabus, practice chapter-wise questions and mock tests to identify strengths and weaknesses and improve accordingly.
• Once confident with the syllabus, solve previous year's question papers to understand the exam pattern, enhance time management skills, and improve speed and accuracy.

Exam Strategies:

• Stay calm and focused. Take deep breaths and read instructions carefully.
• Effective time management. Allocate time for each section based on strengths and question numbers.
• Careful reading. Analyze questions before attempting answers and identify keywords.
• Utilize the elimination technique. Eliminate wrong options if uncertain about an answer.
• Double-check. Review answers to avoid mistakes before submitting.

Bonus Tips:

• Stay curious! Experiment, ask questions, and explore the world of numbers and logic.
• Make English fun by using digital whiteboards and interactive communication sessions.
• Believe in yourself. Have confidence in your preparation and give your best effort.

Remember:

• IEO is challenging yet rewarding; focus on learning and enjoying the journey.
• Celebrate achievements, learn from mistakes, and keep your passion alive.