The Estonian Association of Teachers of English invites students from grades 7 and 8 to participate in a speaking competition.
EATE also invites teachers of English to participate in a preparatory webinar where we discuss how to best prepare the students for a speaking competition. The online webinar takes place on February 19 at 16:00.
The webinar link will be sent to participants who have registered via this LINK by the deadline of February 16.
About the competition
The aim of the EATE Open 2026 speech contest is to encourage students in grades 7–8 who have a good command of English to further develop their language skills and to perform confidently and engagingly in English. Another goal is to guide students to research the selected topic, read and watch various materials, and connect information found on different aspects of the topic into a coherent whole.
Participation
Each general education school may be represented by TWO students from grades 7–8 (lower secondary level).
Registration
Pre-registration deadline: February 20 via this LINK
Final registration deadline: March 20
NB! Pre-registration requires indicating the number of speakers and the school. This information is needed for the organisers to set up teams and rooms. On March 20, teachers are expected to register the students’ names and speech titles. A registration link will be sent to pre-registered participants only.
Time and Place of the competition
April 7, Tallinn French School, 13:00, Hariduse 8 (primary school building)
Competition Structure
The speech contest consists of two rounds.
Round 1: A prepared speech on a previously announced and prepared topic. (See below for topics)
Length: 3 minutes, followed by questions from the jury
The speech must be delivered from memory.
Small note cards may be used during delivery.
Round 2: Impromptu Speech, a 2-minute speech prepared on-site on a randomly drawn topic.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
The only permitted aids in the preparation room are an English explanatory dictionary, paper, and a pen.
Notes may be used during delivery, no questions will follow the impromptu speech.
Awards
The best speakers will be selected in both rounds.
All participants will be recognised with a certificate.
Prepared Speech Topics (Grades 7–8)
Students must prepare a 3-minute speech on one of the topics, and the speech must have a title.
My Life on Social Media: How do different platforms affect my daily life, communication, and learning?
School Life and the Dream School: What is good about my school, and what would I change to make it a better place for learning and being?
Environmental Heroes: Small Actions, Big Changes: What environmentally friendly choices can I make, and why are they important?
Why Are Hobbies Important? How do leisure activities help develop skills and character?
Technology and the Future: How will robots, artificial intelligence, or new inventions change my life in 10 years?
Cultural Diversity Around Us: What does a multicultural world mean to me, and how can I understand different traditions?
Friendship and Support: A True Friend in Need: How to build and maintain good friendships and help those who need assistance?
Sports and Health: Movement as a Lifestyle: Why is physical activity important at my age, and how can I find a suitable sport for myself?
Animals and Their Protection: Is keeping pets a responsibility or a joy? How can we protect endangered species?
Time Is Money: Time Management: How can I learn to use my time wisely so there is enough time for both school and hobbies?
Some examples of Impromptu Speech Topics
Is it better to read a book or watch the movie adaptation?
What is the most important skill to learn for the future?
The benefits and challenges of having a long commute to school.
For questions about the competition, please contact EATE at eateselts@gmail.com
