On June 22, the Jiangsu Regional Finals of the 29th China Daily “21st Century Cup” National English Speaking Competition concluded at Nanjing Forestry University. A total of 39 contestants from prestigious universities such as Nanjing University, Nanjing Normal University, and China Pharmaceutical University competed fiercely. Pan Yefei, a 2021 student from the English program of the School of Foreign Languages, won the First Prize in the Jiangsu Regional Finals and successfully advanced to the National Semifinals. Meanwhile, Chen Ranran, a 2022 English program student, won the Second Prize in the Jiangsu Regional Finals.
The competition consisted of three sections: a prepared speech, an impromptu speech, and a Q&A session. The theme of the prepared speech was “The Revival of Traditional Culture”. The impromptu speech topics were drawn 20 minutes before each contestant’s appearance, and the Q&A involved two on-the-spot questions posed by the judges, requiring immediate responses. To prepare for the event, the School of Foreign Languages established a Discipline Competition Guidance Center, selecting two contestants through internal university trials to enter the provincial competition. Under the guidance of teachers Ma Ying and Li Chao, Pan Yefei and Chen Ranran demonstrated exceptional foreign language skills, broad knowledge, intercultural communication abilities, and critical thinking, ultimately achieving outstanding results.
Founded in 1996 by China Daily, the largest English-language newspaper group in China, the “21st Century Cup” National English Speaking Competition is one of the most prestigious and influential national English-speaking contests in the country. With the motto “Let the World Hear Your Voice”, the competition aims to enhance the ability of Chinese youth to tell China’s stories, strengthen China’s international communication capacity, promote cultural exchange and mutual learning, and inspire young people to contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind.
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