Here are some details about how the KofC geography bee runs. First please read the general description.
Speaking-round details:
- The order of taking turns receiving questions each speaking round is set once for the whole bee by drawing numbers before the bee.
- Each participant steps to a microphone and has 15 seconds to answer, not including time spent repeating the question if bee officials determine a reason to repeat the question.
- A panel of judges makes a final decision on whether the given answer matches the correct answer.
- After each round, each participant who missed his question that round either has "another chance" crossed out and remains in the bee, or is eliminated if he has run out of chances, with two exceptions:
- If every participant misses his question that round, no misses count for that round.
- If only one participant would be left, then that participant must answer one more question correctly in order to win the bee; otherwise, no misses count for that round.
Writing-round details:
- Each question specifies a time limit, typically one to three minutes.
- The Knights will provide paper and a marker which must be used for writing answers. The marker must be put down at the time limit.
- In case of a tie for best answer, more than one participant will be awarded another chance.
- Writing questions tend to be harder than speaking questions, but don't worry, because writing rounds are won by the best answer given, not necessarily a complete correct answer.
- A writing round may be used to break a tie, such as among second-/third-/fourth-place finishers who were eliminated at the same time, or when the bee's time is running out. In these cases, instead of another chance, the best answer wins the tie-breaker and the higher award.