Examples to Us: Winners in National English Competitions
WHO ARE THEY?
Writing: Zuo Mingyao
Public Speaking: Qi Miao
Debate: Tian Yifan
Translation: Shao Qin
No. 1 Zuo Mingyao: English 1602
Awards:
2019 National English Competition for College Students (Second Prize/Class B)
2019 “FLTRP CUP” English Writing Contest (Top Prize/Provincial Level)
2019 Jiangsu Translation Competition (First Prize/Provincial Level)
2018 “FLTRP Cup” English Public Speaking Contest Online（Second Prize）
Scholarships and Honors:
National Scholarship
The First Prize Scholarship
2018 Yuanxiang Scholarship for the Long-term Undergraduate Study Abroad Program (Special Award)
Merit Student
What Does She Have SAY？
Though I have been telling myself “Must be the new sweater I bought the day before the writing contest that had brought me good luck”, it is still gratifying to be recognized for something I’m passionate about. Actually, I have passions for a range of things, but writing seems to be the essential one because it doesn’t come from nowhere, but is a reflection of all my experiences, each one of my virtues and flaws, and my troubled mind. Perhaps I am not in the position to offer any suggestions on writing because I’m struggling as well! Nevertheless, those good tips, I guess, could be boiled down to three steps—Read more, Accumulate more, and Practice more!
No. 2 Qi Miao: English 1605
Awards:
2018 “FLTRP CUP” English Speaking Competition(Third Prize/National Level)
2019 “FLTRP CUP” English Debating Competition(Third Prize/National Level)
2019 “FLTRP CUP” English Speaking Competition(Third Prize/Provincial Level)
2018 “FLTRP CUP” English Debating Competition(Second Prize/Provincial Level)
2018 “FLTRP CUP” English Debating Competition(Top Prize/Jiangnan University)
Scholarships and Honors:
The Second Prize scholarship
The Third Prize Scholarship
What Does She Have SAY？
Getting into English speaking is something I've always wanted, but during the first two years, I took no action. By the time I was a junior, I finally began my journey to making English speeches. I was really surprised at the news that I had entered the national competition, because I had not come to the provincial level-- I participated in the “FLTRP Cup” English Public Speaking Contest Online and succeeded. I even thought it was just a stroke of luck. Once I got to meet all those great English speakers, I found that many of our peers here, like me, wanted to express, to tell our own story and to tell the story of our country. We all share the same passion for speaking. And I've made a lot of excellent friends in the competition. It was at that time that I found confidence and motivation through speaking. So while you're young, try more things! It may surprise you.
No. 3 Tian Yifan: English 1605
Awards:
2019 “FLTRP CUP” English Debating Competition(Third Prize/National Level)
2018 “FLTRP CUP” English Debating Competition(Third Prize/National Level)
2019 “FLTRP CUP” English Debating Competition(Second Prize/Provincial Level)
2018 “FLTRP CUP” English Debating Competition(Second Prize/Provincial Level)
2019 “FLTRP CUP” English Debating Competition(Top Prize/Jiangnan University)
Scholarships and Honors:
The Second Prize scholarship
Scholarship on social works
What Does She Have SAY？
All roads lead to Rome but no one of them is built in a day. Persistence is more precious than choosing at all times. No one is a born debater but fortunately lots of skills and knowledge can be acquired by your own efforts. The result will never let you down if you really focus on one thing and try your hardest to achieve it. However, it is always easier said than done. Selecting something you feel passionate in may be helpful. For me, debate is a momentum to brainstorm and share my opinion with others. This process always make myself pleased and relaxed but not everyone can understand it. So, choosing something you like and insist on it, this is what I learned most in the three years of college life.
No. 4 Shao Qin, English 1605
Awards:
2019 National English Competition for College Students (Top Prize/National Level)
2018 “OCEAN CUP” National Translation Competition (Top Prize/National Level)
2019 National English Speaking Contest for College Students (Honorable Mention)
2019 Jiangsu Translation Competition (First Prize/Provincial Level)
2018 National Interpretation Competition (Third Prize/Jiangsu Provincial Semi-Final)
2019 National Interpretation Competition (Third Prize/Jiangsu Provincial Semi-Final)
2018 Wuxi Translation Competition (Top Prize/Wuxi City Final)
2018 “FLTRP CUP” English Writing Contest (First Prize/Jiangnan University)
2019 Translation Workshop of School of Foreign Studies (First Prize/C-E)
Scholarships and Honors:
National Scholarship
Wuxi Talents Scholarship
The First Prize Scholarship
Merit Student
Pacemaker to Merit Student
What Does She Have SAY？
At my early age, I was entitled “a voracious reader” among my playmates. As time goes by, my enthusiasm in books grows tremendously, leading me into an incredible world of words and thoughts. When I was able to read English books later, another amazing world just came to me. So constantly switching between languages, I developed a taste for translation.
To become a qualified translator, we need lots of practice and patience. Public speaking skills and knowledge of certain fields are especially important for interpreting; extensive reading and writing skills are essential to translators. Fundamentally, what we need to become a good translator, I believe, is the resolution to stay hungry, stay foolish.
Here are my five steps in doing translation: Step one: read the whole text first, and then make a summary of it. Step two: go and read some high-quality essays of the same topic in the target language so as to immerse yourself in the cultural context. Step three: try to hunt out the most accurate words and use them skillfully. Step four: place great emphasis on the logic of English and the avoidance of Chinglish. The last step: when actually doing translation, pay particular attention to all the details and keep in mind the translation techniques and strategies.
Editor: Shao Qin
