Big thanks to Don Desrosiers  spontaneous problem writer!!!!!

 

Verbal Spontaneous Problem: SLICED BREAD

 

A. When the team members enter the room, tell them “This is a verbal problem.  You will have one minute to select the five team members who will compete.  The others may sit in these seats and watch (indicate the seats) or leave the room.  They may not assist in solving the problem and may not talk at any time.”

 

B. Judges read to team:

 

1.   You will have 1 minute to think and 3 minutes to respond.  Questions will count against your 1 minute think time.  You may ask the judge questions but may not talk to each other at any time. 

 

2.   You will receive 1 point for each common response and 3 points for each creative response.

 

3.   A number has been placed before you.  Your team is to take turns in numerical sequence (team member #1, team member #2, team member #3, team member #4, team member #5).  You may not skip your turn, or repeat, or pass.  If one member of the team is stuck, the team is stuck. 

 

4.   Once time begins, it will not be stopped.  If a judge asks you to repeat or clarify your answer, it will count against your time.  Please speak loudly and clearly. 

 

5.   Often, we hear that a particular invention or discovery is the best thing since sliced bread.  Your problem is to name the greatest invention or discovery of all time and why it is the greatest.  For example, you might say “Fudge because it cures my sweet tooth”.  (Repeat number 5.  Your problem is …”) 

 

C.    For Judges only:

 

The responses can be either actual or imaginary.  However when judging the responses, creative responses should be humorous or have an unusual connection.  For example, a creative response might be “lasagne was invented to cure Garfield’s appetite”.

 

 

ÓDon Desrosiers 2004