The 2019 Beijing University of Chemical Technology (BUCT) English Speech Contest was held successfully at the North Campus on September 26. The contest is also known as the audition of 2019 “FLTRP·ETIC CUP” English Speech Contest and a preliminary match for the11th Beijing College Students’ English Speech Contest. The event echoed happily the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and was in response to the call of the Ministry of Education to “continuously improve college students’ English proficiency” and to create a better English learning atmosphere. Forty one contestants participated in this event, who were selected, in a month, by teachers from Division of College English (for non-English major undergraduates) (shortened as “DCE” thereafter) and the Department of English in the School of Humanities and Law (SHL). The contest was supported by Teaching Administraion Office, who also issued certificates and awards. Prof. Hongbing Zhang, director of DCE, made detailed, pertinent, and humorous comments in the wrapping-up address.

The three-minute prepared speech on “My Big Story in 2049” resonated with all contestants. They did a brilliant job and impressed judeges and audiences with their prowess; freshmen participants shined extremely bright, who all displayed solid English language foundation and proficiency. Their speeches were content-based, vivid in presentation, convincing in argument, fluent in expression, clear and orderly in diction, precise in wording, dignified and graceful in body language, and exceptionally expressive and catching. After a fierce competition, Miss Xinyue Zhao, from class 1901, School of Material Science and Engineering, outshined other contestants for her insightfulness and precision. Miss Yifei Zhang, from class 1701, National Design, ranked No.2 with her beautiful and fluent expression and thought-provoking narration; and Mr. Yupeng Chen, from class 1801, Department of Law won the third prize for his inspiring and wonderful speech. The top two, Xinyue Zhao and Yifei Zhang, with their outstanding performance, would represent BUCT to participate in the Finals of 2019 “FLTRP CUP” National English Speech Contest and the 11th Beijing College Students’ English Speech Contest respectively.

Written by Yaning Zhang from DCE, School of Humanities and Law