|
|
|
|
|
|
Student debaters cross swords in Shanghai
|
|
|
http://en.youth.cn 2006-12-08 10:38:00¡¡¡¡
|
|
|
Student debating teams are now showcasing their wits and eloquence at the 12th China Famous Universities Debate Contest, organized by the Shanghai Education Television Station.
The matches have been videotaped and are shown in Chinese nightly at 10pm on the Education Channel. The final will be held tomorrow, its videotape will be broadcast on Monday at 10pm.
This year the debate that began in 1995 draws top faculty and debaters from eight celebrated colleges throughout China, such as East China University of Science and Technology, the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the University of Macao.
During the week-long event, the eight teams are vying for the Best Debating Team and Excellent Debater awards.
Through skillful presentation and debate, students have argued topics such as "whether the government should increase prices of train tickets during the Chinese New Year," "is it reasonable to charge tuition for postgraduate education?" and "whether writings on personal Internet blogs should enjoy protection of intellectual property rights."
"Ever since its debut, this traditional event has received applause from the institutes," says Liu Zhen, an official from the Education Television Station. "It is a good platform to improve students' overall abilities, widen their scope and foster good team spirit."
Debaters also are required to present improvisational mini-dramas to support their views.
They are judged by a five-member jury panel of famed national scholars.
Professor Wu Gang from East China Normal University, one of the judges, says it's time for young people to turn away from vulgar star-making TV programs.
"The debating contest is a perfect chance to give students' indispensable exercises outside of ivory towers," he says. |
source £º
Shanghai Daily |
|
|
|
|
|
|
