Is That a Rule or a Suggestion?

Nika: We need to start recording today. The competition theme is A Small Change, A Big Difference, so I thought we could discuss how one good habit can improve school life.

Sam: That could work, but I had another idea about managing pressure at school. Are you sure the suggested theme is compulsory?

Nika: I assumed it was. Why would they give us a theme if we did not have to use it?

Sam: Let us check the exact guidelines. It says, Participants are recommended to use this year's theme, but they can choose another topic connected to student life. Recommended is not the same as required.

Nika: So, does that mean we have to follow the theme, or can we use your idea?

Sam: We can use my idea. If the instructions say must, have to, or need to, something is compulsory. Should and recommended usually express advice. Can often introduces a choice or permission.

Nika: That makes sense. As long as we choose a topic related to student life, is that acceptable?

Sam: Yes, it is. Managing school pressure clearly fits that condition. Now we should check the time limit. The recording must be between two and three minutes.

Nika: Do you know whether the introduction counts towards those three minutes? I was planning a twenty-second introduction before the main discussion.

Sam: Here is the relevant sentence: The total running time, including the title and introduction, must not exceed three minutes. So yes, the introduction counts towards the limit.

Nika: Then the rule means our entire audio, from the title to the final sentence, has to fit within three minutes. We should keep the introduction short.

Sam: Agreed. There is also a content checklist. We must use original spoken content, present at least two viewpoints, and finish with a clear conclusion. Music and sound effects are optional.

Nika: Let us do a quick learning check. Guideline one: You are recommended to use the suggested theme. That is a recommendation because we should consider it, but we do not have to follow it.

Sam: Guideline two: The complete recording must be between two and three minutes. That is a requirement, and the introduction counts towards the time. Guideline three: You can add music. That is an option.

Nika: Perfect. Our topic will be managing school pressure, with two viewpoints and a clear conclusion. If anything seems unclear, we can ask, Does that mean we have to do it? Or, As long as we follow the main requirements, is that acceptable?

Sam: Exactly. Careful wording tells us what is compulsory, what is recommended, and what is optional. Now that we understand the guidelines, we are ready to record.