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

 

Verbal Spontaneous Problem: WHAT SIZE?

 

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.   At Starbuck, trendy beverages are sold in tall, grande and venti sizes rather than small, medium and large.  Your problem is to describe the size of a product or products and where it or they would be sold.  For example, fish food could be sold in guppy, cod and whale sizes at a pet store.  (Repeat number 5.  Your problem is …”) 

 

C.    For Judges only:

 

The team responses do not have be multiple sizes.  For example, gas could be sold in tank sizes at a convenience store or gas could be sold in Tahoe, Honda, or truck sizes at a convenience store.  

 

 

ÓDon Desrosiers 2004