Research

The Research activity is an opportunity for participants to go deeper in their faith. They will research, exchange ideas, and improve their communication skills.

The research activity includes two categories: Classic Essay and Poster. 

While both the Poster and the Classic Essay require the same level of deep study and theological accuracy, they differ fundamentally in how they communicate information.

If you are choosing between the two, here are the three main differences:

1. Visual vs. Linear Communication

• The Essay is linear. The reader starts at the first word and reads through to the end. It relies on paragraphs, transitions, and detailed descriptions to build an argument.

• The Poster is non-linear. A viewer can look at a diagram first, then read the conclusion, then look at the introduction. It uses "eye-paths" (arrows, numbered boxes, or layout) to guide the reader. A poster is designed to be understood in 3–5 minutes.

2. Conciseness vs. Depth

• The Essay allows you to explore every detail. You can explain the "why" and "how" of a theological point in great detail over several pages.

• The Poster requires summarisation. You must "distill" your research. Instead of a long paragraph about a Saint’s life, you might use a timeline. Instead of describing a church's architecture, you would use a labeled diagram.

3. "Showing" vs. "Telling"

• The Essay "tells" the story. Your tools are your vocabulary, sentence structure, and quotes.

• The Poster "shows" the story. You use color coding, icons, high-quality images, and bold headers. In a poster, white space (empty space) is actually a tool—it keeps the information from looking cluttered, whereas in an essay, empty space is just wasted paper.

Choose the Essay if you love writing, have a lot of complex information to explain, and want to dive deep into the text.

Choose the Poster if you are good at graphic design, prefer summarizing information into bullet points, and want to use visuals (like icons, maps, or photos) to explain your topic.

Guidelines:

• The research activity could be a solo or group activity for school year 3 and up 

• Group size is 2-7 participants

• You cannot use AI tools like ChatGPT or other text/image/video generators to create any part of your submission. The judges will use detection tools to check for AI-generated content, and any such content will be disqualified.

• The research paper must be related to the Festival theme and answering a specific "thesis" or research question.

• A bibliography must be included with the submission, but it will not be counted towards the final word count.

• Accuracy in spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Even on a poster, professional writing is required.

•  The work must be original and written by the participant. Plagiarism is strictly prohibited and will result in a lower score. If the content is deemed inappropriate for the participant's age level, the work will be disqualified.

• Submissions must be in digital format as PDF file, using Arial 12-point font with double spacing. Include a plain title page clearly stating your church, your name, age group, and the title of your work.

• Please upload your submission to the Google Drive folder for your respective age group.

• Below is a list of suggested topics that connect with this year’s theme.

• Classic Essay consideration

  • • Recommended word count per grade for classic essay:

      • YR.3 and 4: 200-300 words

      • YR.5 and 6: 600-800 words

      • YR.7 to 9: 1200-1500 words

      • YR. 10 to 13: max 2000 words

      • Adults: max 3000 words

  • Word count should be added at the end of the research file.

• Poster consideration

  • Typography: Any text on the poster should be clear and legible. For any accompanying descriptions, use Arial 12-point font.

  • Diagrams & Images: You are encouraged to include diagrams, icons, and illustrations to support your research.

Steps for research:

• Select a topic and think of a specific thesis (have a question your research will answer)

• Choose appropriate resources (books, online publications, etc.)

• Identify the key information you will use and its source (through highlighting, annotating, etc.)

• Reword the key information in your own words

• Add the reworded information to your final copy

• Include your source in your bibliography

Evaluation Criteria:

• Is your research relevant to the essay title. 70%

  •  Relevant contents 20%

  • Depth of the contents 20%

  • Logical flow of the discussion 15%

  • Theological accuracy 15%

• Writing Conventions (Spelling, punctuation and grammar): 10%

• Presentation of the Research: 10%

• Bibliography: 10% 

Topics:

Age group 3 to 4:

Age group 5 to 6:

Age group 7 to 9:

Age group 10 to 13:

Adults: