It can be challenging studying for the National Bible Bee Competition, especially for first time contestants. So here is a rundown of what to expect, as well as some tips from NBBC alumni to help you as you prepare for the NBBC.
National Bible Bee Competition Multiple Choice Test
Before contestants arrive at the National Bible Bee, they will already have taken the Multiple Choice Test or MCT. The MCT is similar to the Qualifying Test in that it is a multiple choice written test that is taken online. The contestants’ score on the MCT will be combined with their score in the Oral rounds, and the two scores together will determine which contestants will move on to the Semi-Final Challenge Rounds.
The MCT will be 60% study passage and memory passage content and context, 30% cross-references for both the study passage and the memory passages, and 10% Hebrew/Aramaic words. Here are some tips for preparing for and taking the MCT.
When preparing for the MCT
- Know the study passage well, you don’t have to memorize it: this can mean simply reading through the study passage until you pretty much know what happens in each part of each chapter.
- If you don’t finish memorizing your memory passages, it’s a good idea to read through the rest of them so that you have a general idea of what happens in them.
- Blueletterbible.org is an amazing tool for study, you can look up definitions, see the original language, read commentaries, and so much more. Definitely take advantage of it.
- There are many contestants that make study materials that you can use, be sure to take advantage of those. Many of them are posted on the National Bible Bee social community.
- When studying Hebrew/Aramaic words, look for keywords in the study passage, or words that are used often. Flashcards were always super helpful for me when studying Hebrew/Greek/Aramaic.
When Taking the MCT
- Get plenty of sleep the night before the MCT and eat a good healthy meal before you take it.
- Don’t study too hard for a day or two before the MCT, mostly just do light reviewing.
- Before taking the MCT be sure to pray, and leave the results up to God.
- Make sure you understand each question before answering, and don’t rush
- Don’t leave any question blank; if you don’t know the answer to a question, just guess, you have a 25% chance to get it right.
- Keep a paper and pencil with you while taking the MCT, mark down the questions you aren’t sure about and come back if you have extra time.
- After finishing the MCT, relax and do something fun, you’re done with this part of the competition!
National Bible Bee Competition Oral Rounds
The Oral recitation rounds will take place at the NBBC. Each contestant will have two judges, and will be asked to recite a number of passages within a time limit. Orals score will be combined with the MCT scores to determine the Semi-Finalists.
Preparing for Orals
- When preparing specifically for Orals, the first and most important thing I would do is pray. Pray without ceasing for everything, trusting that the Holy Spirit will bring all things to remembrance at the perfect time
- Focus on perfecting your shorter passages, as these are more likely to be asked in the preliminary round due to time constraints.
- Practicing mock rounds with others is extremely helpful, especially with people you’re not as familiar with. This serves two purposes: building your confidence and offering the opportunity to proclaim God’s Word to others, which is the ultimate blessing.
The day before/during Orals
- Make sure you get enough sleep the night before Orals, and eat a good meal the morning of.
- Don’t stress too much, competition is great, but remember to have a good time with your friends.
- Pay attention to how fast or slow you need to speak, and ensure your words are clear and intelligible. One trick that sometimes helps during the Preliminary round is passage counting: keeping track of which passage you are on. For instance, you can mentally assign a number to each passage and visualize it before reciting that said passage, so you know when you are halfway through.
After the Competition
Well you did it! you made it through the Preliminary rounds of the National Bible Bee Competition! Congratulate each other on a job well done and leave the results up to God, not everyone can qualify for Semi-Finals. Now go enjoy the rest of the week at the National Bible Bee!
Written by NBB Alumnus: Philip Minica
