Source: CCTV.com

11-28-2008 09:27

Special Report:   2008 CCTV Cup ESC CCTV杯英语演讲大赛

Silence may be golden. But so is the voice of the fine orator. Over the past four days, 23 college students, reached for eloquence, engaged in spirited repartee - and competed for supremacy in the final rounds of the CCTV Cup English Speaking Contest. The final competition, at the CCTV studios, Wednesday evening was intense. Six finalists battled for the highest honor in China's ultimate test of English.

The winner is Shi Yupeng, from Fudan University. The student  from Shanghai, who majors in Biology, emerged as grand champion.

Two second-place finishers and three who shared third-prize, also were given golden awards as finalists.

The six finalists emerged from the pack after four days of stiff competition at the CCTV network studios. Competitors took time out from their academic studies. The winners are awarded tours to the UK and Australia, where they will be able to advance their English language skills to a higher level still.

Two second-place finishers Zhang Ruiting and Chai Yifei

The winners savoured victory and reflected on the importance of mastering a second language - as a significant achievement along their chosen career path.

The winners came a long way to reach the final rounds. All 23 who made it to the semi finals survived tough preliminary rounds in their home locales. The six finalists were selected from among those 23.