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Recently, Middle school department held its second Chinese speech contest. Students delivered a series of thought-provoking speeches on themes such as “integrity, friendship, technology, and challenges,” sparking an exciting exchange of ideas.
“AI is a double-edged sword—will AI make people lazy?” Katie's speech topic is highly relevant to the times. In the era of rapid technological advancement, AI has become deeply integrated into daily life. She said, ”If we become overly reliant on AI—for example, students using it to write assignments or professionals relying on it for creative work—it could lead to a decline in learning and creative abilities, and people may become lazy. However, when used appropriately, AI can be a powerful tool for human progress, such as assisting writers in sparking inspiration or helping doctors diagnose illnesses quickly. This reminds us that when using AI, we should maintain critical thinking and allow technology to empower our growth.”
Jim explored the topic of “How technology has transformed us and how we should respond to it,” delving deeply into the benefits and drawbacks of technology. “In this world where AI is growing increasingly powerful, each of us is grappling with the same question: Am I a ‘replicator’ or a ‘creator’? Don't ask what technology can do for you; ask yourself: In a future where technology is highly advanced, what can you still contribute to the world?” Finally, he urged everyone to make a collective commitment: “Let us not allow QR codes to become prisons for the mind, algorithms to determine the weight of the soul, or the flood of binary 0s and 1s to overwhelm the dam of humanity.”
Tiffany theme, “Friendship: A Silent Comfort,” takes us into a warm world of friendship. Friendship is a precious treasure in life. It doesn't need many words. A glance or a moment of companionship can bring comfort when you're feeling down and strength when you're feeling lost. In our fast-paced school life, this sincere friendship is like a spring that nourishes our hearts.
Hayley posed the profound question, “When faced with challenges, should we fight on despite the odds, or give up and surrender?” Life is full of challenges, and when faced with difficulties, we must decide whether to press forward despite the risks of injury or choose to abandon our efforts. This is a question everyone must consider. Her speech inspired her classmates to have the courage to confront challenges head-on and never give up easily.
Gary's “Challenge—My Journey in Mathematics” focuses on academic challenges. In mathematics, difficult problems are like roadblocks, but it is precisely through the process of overcoming these challenges that we gain knowledge and grow. From initial confusion about mathematics to gradually discovering a learning method that suits me, this journey has been filled with sweat and perseverance. “In the face of challenges, we may hit a brick wall, but the crown shines through the cracks.” This powerful statement reminds us that while challenges may be difficult, when we break through obstacles with perseverance and courage, the glory of victory will bloom. The relentless spirit of outstanding female tennis player Zheng Qinwen has become an inspiration to countless people. As the saying goes, “No one can help me achieve my lofty aspirations; I must climb to the summit through snow and ice on my own.” Only by actively facing challenges can one ascend to the peak that belongs to them.
This speech contest is not only a battle of words, but also an inspiration for thought. On stage, students shared their insights on growing up, explored the pros and cons of technology, and sang the praises of the preciousness of friendship, inspiring every student to dare to take on challenges, be good at exploring, and shine brightly on their path to growth in their future studies and lives.
Speech contests bring multiple benefits to language teaching: not only do they inspire students to actively explore topics and expand their knowledge base, but they also improve their language skills through the entire process of writing and expressing themselves. At the same time, contests strengthen the cultivation of logical thinking and encourage students to learn how to clearly structure their ideas. As a platform for testing teaching outcomes, contests not only provide a ladder for students to grow their abilities, but also provide practical examples for innovation in language teaching, effectively promoting continuous improvement in students' language learning.
Bryan、Anna、Jerry、Jimmy、Tiffany、Vicky、Jenna、Sally、Chloe
Cynthia、Gary、Belle、Hendy、Vicky、Andy、Milly、Natalie、Betty、Kris、Aurora、Miya