HIPPO

1st INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION IN ITALIAN LANGUAGE

Introduction
GLOBAL HIPPO ASSOCIATION in cooperation with University of Perugia,is organising1st
International Competition in Italian Language. The competition is open to high school
students (from 15to 19 years old) and University students (from 18 to 25 years old).The
competition is open to Italian language learners in the following countries: Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Georgia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia. Students
wishing to participate will take tests at the nearest CELI registered centre.

Competition Regulations
1. Dates and Venues
The competition will be run in two rounds: preliminary round and final round. The preliminary
round will be held on 15th March 2014 in registered CELI centres.Schools that wish to become
registered CELI centres need to contact GLOBAL INPUT (globalinput@hippo-competition.org) by
25th October 2013.
The final round will be held in Lido di Jesolo, Italy, on 10 th and 11th May 2014. 6 finalists as well
as a school representative for underaged students (chosen by the school), e.g. the students
teacher, will be invited to the final round of the competition.
GLOBAL HIPPO keeps the right to increase the number of finalists if the number of
applicants exceeds 1,000,all in accordance with the competition regulations.

2.Candidate Application and Fees

Every CELI centre participating in the competition needs to appoint one of their staff as the
competition responsible/contact person. The person will be in charge of applications and will
need to ensure that all the CELI rules and regulations are followed.
The contact person needs to send the completed application forms 1 to registration@hippocompetition.orgby 7th February 2014. No applications will be accepted after this date. They will
then receive a confirmation email and payment instructions.

Application forms can be downloaded from: www.hippo-competition.org

Individual candidates need to complete the HIPPO Individual Candidate Application Form 2 and
send it to registration@hippo-competition.org.
The application fee per candidate is 5 or the equivalent in local currency on the day of payment
Application fee payment needs to be made within 5 working days of the application submission.
In case Global Hippo Association does not receive the payment within 5 working days of the
application submission, the application will be cancelled.
3.Competition Materials
Tests for the preliminary round of the competition will be sent to the approved CELI centre by 12 th
Marchand need to stay closed until the preliminary round start time. Candidate answer sheets
must be sent to
GLOBAL HIPPO ASSOCIATION
Nemanjina 8
23000 Zrenjanin
Serbia
on 17th March and must be delivered no later than 26th March 2014. The return address will be
provided with the materials. The materials delivered after this date will not be
considered.

4. Schedules and Inspections

Each centre decides on the start time of the test depending on the number of participants per
category. All centres must send their schedules by 7 th March 2014 for possible inspections. CVCL
Examination Regulations will apply throughout the competition. 3 The list of Competition
inspectors will be available on the competition website by 12 th March 2014.

5.Competition Preliminary Round

The participants will compete in 3 categories based on the Common European Framework and
will be taking CELI exams:
2

Available on www.hippo-competition.org

Addendum 1

Categories

Age

Exam

CEF
Level

HIPPO 1
HIPPO 2
HIPPO 3

Students born in 1997 and

younger
Students born in 1995 and
younger
Students born in 1988 and
younger

CELI 1 for Teenagers

CEF A2

CELI 2 for Teenagers

CEF B1

CELI3

CEF B2

Bilingual students will not be admitted to the competition.

The tests for the preliminary round of the competition will consist of two parts for Hippo 1 and
Hippo 2: test of reading comprehension/compresionedellalettura (multiple choice questions)and
test of listening comprehension/compresionedellascolto; and of three parts for Hippo 3: test of
reading comprehension/compresionedellalettura (multiple choice questions), test of listening
comprehension/compresionedellascolto
and
test
of
linguistic
competence/competenzalinguistica. The maximum allowed time per part is shown in the table
below. The tests are the same for all the participants of a category and each centre will get a CD
with the listening test audio. It is strictly forbidden to open the competition materials
before 15th March. At least one teacher of Italian must be present during the tests.
There is only one correct answer to every question. One mark is awarded for each correct
answer. One negative mark is awarded for each incorrect answer. Ranking is based on
the average number of marks achieved on both the reading and the listening test.
Answers are given on an answer sheet (OMR form) and not in the test booklet.
READING
LISTENING
LINGUISTIC
COMPETENCE

HIPPO 1
60
minutes
20
minutes
N/A

HIPPO 2
60
minutes
20
minutes
N/A

HIPPO 3
70 minutes
25 minutes
45 minutes

6.Competition Final Round

In the final round of the competition, the candidates will be taking the CVCL CELI exams, all 4
skills included. The reading and listening comprehension tests will have the same structure as

the preliminary round tests. The writing and speaking test samples can be found on www.hippocompetition.org.The exam level for the final round will be one CEF level higher than the one in
the preliminary round.

Age
Categories
HIPPO 1
HIPPO 2
HIPPO 3

Exam

CEF
Level

Students born in 1997 and

younger
Students born in 1995 and
younger
Students born in 1988 and
younger

CELI2 for Teenagers

CEF B1

CELI 3 for Teenagers

CEF B2

CELI4

CEF C1

7. Marking and Ranking

Tests of reading and listening are marked by an OMR device and for that reason need to be
properly filled in. Candidates are required to use a pencil while completing the OMR form. An
OMR sample form will be available on the website two weeks before the preliminary round of the
competition at the latest.
In case an OMR form is not properly filled in and the OMR device cannot read it, the candidate
will automatically be disqualified.
If the overall marks of two or more candidates are equal, the candidate who took less time to
complete the reading test is to be ranked higher. In case the times of two or more candidates are
also equal, the younger or youngest candidate is to be ranked higher.
The ranking list for all categories as well as the names of the candidates who qualified for the
final round will be available on www.hippo-competition.orgby 7th April 2014.
GLOBAL HIPPO keeps the right to increase the number of finalists if the number of
applicants exceeds 1,000,all in accordance with the competition regulations.
The finalists will have to confirm their participation in the final round by 11 th April 2014. In case a
candidate is unable to travel to the finals, the next one on the ranking list will be invited.

8. Final Round
The final round of the competition will be held in Lido di Jesolo, Italy, on 10 th and 11th May. All
underage candidates will be accompanied by a school representative.
Half-board accommodation will be provided for all the candidates and school representatives free
of charge.

The programme of the final round will be available on www.hippo-competition.orgtwo weeks

before the final round at the latest and will include the competition schedule as well as
sightseeing options.

9.

Prizes

All preliminary and final round candidates will receive a certificate of participation.
All candidates who pass the final round tests will be awarded vouchers to take the CELI exam in
the nearest CELI centre and gain an internationally recognised certificate in Italian.
Winners of Hippo 2 and 3 will get a two-week internship in an Italian company. Additional prizes
for the finalists will be announced in due course and before the start of candidate enrolment.

10.

Certificates

The preliminary round candidates who pass the tests with a minimum score of 50% and do not
qualify for the finals, will be given an opportunity to complete their certificate (all four skills) and
take the same level exam at a discounted price (20% off the price list). The candidates who pass
the tests with a minimum score of 75% and do not qualify for the finals, can either take the same
level exam or one level higher at a discounted price. These exams will have to be taken in one of
the CELI centres. The application deadline as well as exam dates will be announced in due
course.

11.

Liability

By applying for the competition, the participants accept the conditions of the competition,
organisation of the competition, marking criteria, assessment and prizes.
The personal data of the participants will be used only for the purposes of the competition and
will not be disclosed to third parties except for the needs of the competition.

ADDENDUM 1
Examination Regulations
Test Materials
-

Do notopen test materials until the time of the test.

Store all test materials in a locked safe, or cabinet, in a locked and secure room.

Invigilators
-

At least one invigilator must be present throughout the test.

At least one teacher must be present throughout the test. The teacher of Italian can also
be an invigilator.

No person who has taught any of the candidates in Italian may act as the sole invigilator.

No relative of, or person directly interested in, a candidate may invigilate a test when this
candidate is present.

Where there are more than 25 candidates, one additional invigilator will normally be
required for each additional 25 candidates, or part thereof.

When only one invigilator is present, this invigilator must be able to contact immediate
assistance without disturbing candidates or leaving the room.

Check the attendance register is available and correct (sent with the test materials) is
available and correct. This document must be completed and returned with the completed
tests.

Only candidates whose names appear on the attendance register should be permitted to
take part in the competition. No tests from unregistered candidates will be accepted.

Tests
-

After the tests, pack and seal the papers, sorting by level.

Post the tests on the first working day to GLOBAL HIPPO ASSOCIATION, Nemanjina
8,23000Zrenjanin, Serbia.

GLOBAL HIPPO ASSOCIATION can only be responsible for the tests from the point of
receipt.

Instructions for Invigilators

Arranging the Room

Check that any display material that might be useful to candidates has been cleared from
the walls.

Check that desks are positioned at least 1 metre apart.

Check that a wall clock is clearly visible to all candidates.

Display a board showing the test start and finish times.

Identifying Candidates
-

Make sure you know the identity of every candidate in the room, by checking if necessary.

Before the Tests

-

Check that candidates have not brought into the examination any material they are not
allowed such as revision notes, mobile phones, dictionaries, etc.

Give out answer sheets (OMR forms). Give time to the candidates to complete the
personal information part of the form. The personal information boxes need to be
completed in BLOCK CAPITALS.

Read out the instructions on the front of the question paper.

Tell candidates when they may begin and how much time they have to complete the test.

During the Examination

-

Do not allow candidates to enter the room if the test has already started.

Be vigilant and supervise the candidates at all times to prevent cheating.

If you discover cheating, take away any unauthorised material and allow the candidate to
continue. Make a note on the attendance register next to the candidates name.

Candidates can leave the room only to go to the toilet and must be accompanied by a
responsible adult.

Tell the candidates to stop writing at the end of the test.

After the Tests

-

Collect the tests and answer sheets before candidates leave the examination room
ensuring that all details on the front page have been completed.

Sign the attendance register.

Pack and post the answer sheets together with attendance register.

ADDENDUM 2

HIPPO
1stINTERNATIONAL COMPETITION IN ITALIAN LANGUAGE

Preliminary Round Instructions

INTRODUCTION
1. The competition coordinator is required to send the detailed exam timetable per category
by 7th March 2014 to info@hippo-competition.org.
2. Tests for the preliminary round of the competition will be sent to the LCCI centre/ approved
school by 12th Marchand must stay closed until the preliminary round start time. The
competition coordinator is responsible for safe keeping of the materials. Candidate answer
sheets must be sent to GLOBAL HIPPO ASSOCIATIONon 17th March2014. The competition
coordinator is required to store the rest of test materials in a locked and secure room for 5
days after the exam. After this period, the materials can be used in class or as practice
papers.

GENERAL REGULATIONS
1. Appointed invigilators are required to ensure and maintain order both in and in front of the
examination rooms.
2. Only appointed invigilators and registered candidates are allowed to enter the examination
rooms. The rest of the teachers, staff members and parents are not permitted in
examination rooms before, during or after the exam, up until the centers invigilators have
collected the completed exam material and sealed the envelope containing the answer
sheets.
3. Candidates may not enter the examination room until instructed to do so.Before the exam,
the invigilators will read the names of candidates who are registered for the competition,
and only these candidates are allowed into the examination room. Upon entering the
examination room, the invigilator checks if the candidate knows his/her unique candidate
number. Candidates are only permitted to have a pencil and eraser on their desks.

Invigilators must make sure the candidates mobile phones are turned off. Candidates are
not permitted to use dictionaries or any electronic devices during the examination.

4. Having arranged the room and directed the candidates to their seats (with a minimum of 1
meter distance between the candidates) the invigilator must make sure each candidate
signs the attendance register and checks the spelling of his/her name.
5. Do not allow candidates to enter the room if the test has already started. If a candidate is
late for the examination, he/she must wait for the next group to take the test - he/she
cannot join the group that has already started the session.
6. After being called into the examination room, no candidate may leave the room until the
reading and listening tests are over. Only after the completion of these tests can the
invigilator allow a short break, but not until the exam materials have been collected and
answer sheets safely packed. After all the candidates are back to their seats, the
invigilators can distribute paper sheets for the writing test.
7. The candidates first take the reading test, then the listening test, and finally the writing
test - a short essay on a separate sheet of paper.
8. When the candidate finishes the writing task, he/she hands the paper to the invigilator and
immediately leaves the examination room - end of competition.
9. No communication between the invigilators and candidates is permitted during the
examination.

THE READING TEST

1.

After distributing the reading tests and answer sheets to the candidates, invigilators are
required to inform the candidates of examination regulations (GENERAL REGULATIONS
above).

2.

After distributing the reading tests and answer sheets to the candidates, invigilators
instruct the candidates to fill in their unique candidate number on the answer sheet.

3.

Candidates must not open the reading tests until instructed to do so by the invigilator in
charge of time keeping.

4.

The exam starts the moment the invigilator in charge of time keeping has completed the
announcements and officially started the examination.

5.

Having finished the test, the candidate raises his/her hand and waits for the invigilator to
come and make a record of the time taken for completing the test. Invigilators must use
pens. Invigilators will first write down the completion time on the attendance register by
the candidates name, and after that on the answer sheet as well. Invigilators will then
collect the reading test script, leaving the answer sheet on the desk. Candidates must not
write down/make a record of their own time.

6.

Candidates who finish the reading test must remain seated until the test is over, without
distracting other candidates.

7.

Once all the candidates have finished the reading test, the invigilator may distribute the
listening test.

THE LISTENING TEST

1. The test starts the moment the invigilator plays the CD, and finishes 5 minutes after the
recording is over. After the recording is over, candidates may transfer their answers from
the scripts to the answer sheets.
2. When the listening test is over, the invigilators collect answer sheets from all candidates.
FOR HIPPO 1 AND HIPPO 2 THIS IS THE END OF THE COMPETITON
LINUISTIC COMPETENCE
1. Invigilators distribute the linguistic competence test.
2. After the time is up, or after the last candidate has finished the test, invigilators pack all
the examination materials in the same envelope and are required to seal it.
END OF COMPETITION

RETURN OF EXAM MATERIALS

1. The competition coordinator is required to keep the exam materials in a safe and secure
room without anybody elses access until the return of the exam materials to HIPPO
ASSOCIATION.
2. Candidate answer sheets must be sent on 17 th March 2014 to the following address:
GLOBAL HIPPO ASSOCIATION
Nemanjina 8
23000 Zrenjanin
Serbia
(with reference HIPPO COMPETITION)