How to organise a literature quiz

A literature quiz works best when the questions, scoring and room setup are ready before guests arrive. Start by fixing the date and venue, then build the quiz rounds, check every answer and collect registrations. In the final week, assign teams, confirm dietary requirements and test the presentation with the projector, laptop, microphone and speaker. On the day, allow time for tables, chairs, registration, catering and scorekeeping rather than trying to do everything at the last minute.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Reserve venue
2
Set quiz date
2 people
3
Set up the quiz
2 people
4
Prepare quiz rounds
2 people
5
Check the quiz questions
2 people
6
Check answers
2 people
7
Send invitations
8
Process registrations
9
Collect dietary requirements
10
Confirm registrations
11
Assign teams
2 people
12
Send out team assignments
13
Confirm venue and technical setup
14
Create the quiz presentation
2 people
15
Print response forms
16
Print score sheets
17
Sorting quiz materials
18
Do the shopping
2 people
19
Chill drinks
2 people
20
Prepare snacks
3 people
21
Set up catering
2 people

Event

22
Open venue
23
Set up tables
3 people
24
Set up chairs
3 people
25
Connect the technical equipment
2 people
26
Test the quiz presentation
2 people
27
Set Up Registration
2 people
28
Receive participants
3 people
29
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
30
Explain the quiz rules
31
Present quiz rounds
2 people
32
Hand Out Answer Forms
2 people
33
Collect answers
2 people
34
Process scores
3 people
35
Serve snacks
2 people
36
Refill drinks
2 people
37
Announce the winners
38
Handle prize ceremony
2 people
39
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

40
Collect waste
3 people
41
Wash dishes
2 people
42
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
43
Disconnect equipment
2 people
44
Clean the venue
3 people
45
Check materials
2 people
46
Return borrowed items
2 people
47
Store leftover food
48
Send results and photos

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
Registration desk
Judges' table
Stoolsqty 2

Tableware

Reusable glassesqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 10

Equipment

Laptop
Projector
Projection screen
Wireless microphone
Speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Coolersqty 3
Kitchen timerqty 2

Stationery

Ballpoint pensqty 70
Answer formsqty 70
Score sheetsqty 20
Team badgesqty 20
Name stickersqty 70
Pen holdersqty 8
Tapeqty 4
Scissorsqty 2

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Book decorationqty 12
Prize trophiesqty 3

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 6

Cleaning

Dishpanqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Broom and dustpan

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the date and reserve the venue before writing the final quiz. Check that the room has enough tables and chairs for your planned teams, plus a separate judges’ table and registration desk.
Prepare the quiz in rounds, then have every question and answer checked by someone who is not the original writer. This catches ambiguous wording and gives the scorer a reliable answer key.
Close registration several days before the quiz so you can assign teams, send team badges or name stickers, and confirm dietary requirements. Keep a short waiting list if the venue has a fixed capacity.
Test the presentation, projector, projection screen, wireless microphone and speaker in the actual room at least one day beforehand. Pack extension cords and power strips; missing connections are a common source of delays.
Print answer forms and score sheets before event day, with spare copies and ballpoint pens. Chill drinks and prepare snacks in advance, then set up reusable glasses, plates, cutlery and serving platters before the first round starts.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a literature quiz?: Set the date and reserve the venue at least 6 to 8 weeks ahead. Finish the questions and answer check no later than 7 days before the quiz, leaving the final week for registrations and logistics.
How many questions should a literature quiz have?: Plan about 40 to 60 questions across 5 to 8 rounds for a quiz lasting roughly 2 to 3 hours. Add a short break if the quiz includes refreshments or more than 50 questions.
When should I assign teams for a literature quiz?: Assign teams 3 to 5 days before the event, after registrations and dietary requirements are confirmed. Send the team assignments before the day so guests know where to sit and the registration desk can work quickly.
How early should I set up the room for a literature quiz?: Open the venue at least 90 minutes before the advertised start time. Reserve the first 30 minutes for tables, chairs and registration, then use the remaining time to connect equipment, test the presentation and set out quiz materials.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.