Some Words to Young English Learners
Written by Shelly
It was a long and rewarding weekend. I went to Xiamen with Dina and six students last weekend. These youngsters were to take part in the Recitation and Writing Competition held in Xiamen University. It was the first R&W competition held at provincial level in Fujian. Three youngsters were to take part in the recitation section, the other three writing section. Contestants in recitation Part are Laramore, Corange and Charles.
Charles, a young man from Grade one was offered this rare opportunity to practice his English. We teachers do hope that he will gain some experience and increase his English proficiency from this experience. In preparation, we teachers offered coaching to these young contestants. During the practicing process, corange seemed to show little confidence in herself despite the fact that her English proficiency is quite above the average level of her classmates. Christina, Corange’s tutor, threw key words one after another to the girl in the hope that she will overcome her anxiety and irresolution. It was indeed a laborious and intensive preparation.
Much to us teachers’ relieve, however, Corange cast away her worries and outperformed herself when she showed up in the competition. She carries a smile on her face; she has some eye contact with the question master; she illustrates her points clearly and neatly. She communicates sincerely and earnestly with the judgers and the audience, We teachers are so glad to see the change in this young girl.
As to laramore, I secretly have a much higher expectation of her. I do hope that she will outshine other contestants on the stage. Eventually I was satisfied with her performance. She reads the English poem as clearly and briskly as usual. During the impromptu speech, she gives us a one-minute speech which is logically structured and explicitly stated. Generally speaking, I was pleased with Laramore’s performance and what pleased me more is what she told me later in Wechat. After the contest, she told me that after watching the recording of her performance, she felt that there is still a gap between herself and the other contestants. Her frank comment pleased me so much, for I believe, if a youngster manages to see her defects and shortcomings, she will definitely make dramatic progress as long as she makes conscious effort in that particular direction.
Laramore’s words brought back a maxim to my mind : “Know thyself.” I believe that you make progress at the preliminary condition that you “know thyself.” You face yourself honestly and examine yourself with a cool detachment; you come to know your defects and limitations as well as your strength, and nothing makes a teacher more pleased than seeing her students growing up and shinning with her youthful glamour. This youthful glamour comes not only from one’s experience and observation but from one’s in-depth thinking as well. In other words, it is far from being enough to have experience alone; it is the following-up observation and thinking that push you forward to a higher destination.
A Short Introduction to the Contest
2017 R&W competition is composed of three parts. The first part is reading a poem. Ten pieces of poems were sent to contestants in email three days before the contest. During the contest, the contestants draw lots to decide which poem he or she will read on the stage. The second part is impromptu speech. Contestants again draw lots from about 20 key words. They are asked to deliver a one-minute speech on the key word they have chosen. After choosing the key word, they have about 20 seconds to get prepared. The final part is Q&A.
Below are some key words given to the contestants. The contestants have about 20 seconds to organize their minds before giving their impromptu speech. Students who are interested in public speech may use the following key words to practice their oral English.
happiness, internet (internet addition), family, two-child policy , education, shared bikes, civil-servant, unforgettable friendship, interest, hardship experience ,
ant tribe, wealth and health, festival, family, technology, travelling abroad, on-line shopping, knowledge and wisdom, America dream, love, spring rain, environmental protection.
