For Taiwanese youth looking for opportunities to practice their public speaking skills in English, the long-established English Speech Contest (ESC) hosted by the Rotary Club of Taipei has been a perfect place, for the past six decades, to do just that.
Now in its 61st year, the annual contest is open to college and university students in Taiwan, off-limits only to those who have lived in English-speaking regions for over six months.
SPECIAL TOPIC
Photo Courtesy of Rotary Club of Taipei
Every year the ESC committee chooses a topic from which participants gives a prepared speech. Finalists will compete in a final round, where they will deliver impromptu speeches. This year’s topic is Light.
The contest is set to take place on Saturday and the deadline for registration is Wednesday. The maximum number of contestants is 150.
BIG PRIZES
Self-fulfillment aside, students who do well at the contest also have a chance to immerse themselves in a different cultural environment. This year’s winners will receive prizes such as a scholarship to study English at Niagara College in Canada and a three-week summer camp at an organic farm in southern France. The prize includes homestay accommodation and airfare.
The contest will be held at Taipei European School, 727, Wenlin Road, Taipei City (台北市文林路727號). For more details and registration, go to www.rctaipei.org.tw/ESC2015.
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