Northeastern University
Annual Chinese Language Speech Competition
Nov. 10, 2016
The fun and big-prized annual Chinese Speech Competition is back again! This competition
gives students who are currently taking, or have taken, Chinese classes at Northeastern
University or elsewhere, a great opportunity to showcase their oral Chinese proficiency. It will
also be a warm-up for the Chinese Bridge Speech Contest for university students from the
New England area in April 2017.
Date:
Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016,
• Contests: 6:30-8:00 p.m.
• Chinese Dinner starts at 6:00 pm
Location:
Dinner and award ceremony at 320 Shillman, followed by contests at Ryder Hall.
• 296 Ryder (Elementary Level)
• 220 Ryder (Intermediate Level)
• 271 Ryder (Advanced Level)
Sponsors:
• The Chinese Language Program at World Languages Center, CSSH, NEU
• The Confucius Institute at UMass, Boston
Registration and Rules:
The competition will be divided into three categories, with different requirements:
• Beginning level speech recitation (CHNS 1101-1102 levels)
o Students memorize a short poem, a story, a joke, a tongue twister, an excerpt from
Chinese philosophical works, or anything similar.
o Students introduce themselves, the piece that they will recite, then recite the piece.
(All in Mandarin) The time allowed is between 1 and 2 minutes
•
Intermediate level speeches （CHNS 2101-2102 levels)
o Students prepare a short speech on a topic of their choice. Speeches must be
memorized (cannot refer to notes).
o The time allowed is between 1 and 3 minutes, including a brief self-introduction.
•
Advanced level speeches（CHNS 3101-3102, CHNS 4101-4102 levels)
o Students prepare a short speech on a topic of their choice. Speeches must be
memorized (cannot refer to notes).
o The time allowed is between 2 and 4 minutes, including a brief self-introduction.
Essays:
• Students will write an essay on a topic of their choice. They can develop the content based
on their own language level and learning experiences.
• It must be original work, but a native speaker or a Chinese teacher may help with minor
editing.
• Essay must be emailed to the student’s Chinese instructor or [email protected] by
9 pm on Nov. 7.
Follow-Up Questions:
During the contest, the judges will ask two follow-up questions related to the speech topic to
each contester immediately after the speech.
Application:
• Anyone who has NOT grown up in a Chinese-speaking
family/environment is encouraged to apply.
• Fill out the Application Form online,
http://survey.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_a5Dr
eRnqKuLCfbf, by Nov 1, 2016. Each participant is
required to fill out a completed Application Form. You
can the QR code to access the form as well.
Judging:
The judge panel will consist of native speakers and NU
faculty. Each speech will be judged based on the content,
organization, language ability (pronunciation, tones,
grammar/vocab usage), timing, and overall presentation.
Prizes:
• All eligible participants will be awarded five bonus points towards their Chinese final exam.
• Three prizes will be awarded to the winners at EACH language level:
• First Prize: $80 voucher from Dumpling Palace (one for each language level)
• Second Prize: $50 voucher from Dumpling Palace (one for each language level)
• Third Prize: $30 voucher from Dumpling Palace (two for each language level)
For questions, please contact Hua Dong ([email protected]).