The exciting English speech contest has finally begun! A total of 32 outstanding competitors from Grade 10 and Grade 11 who entered the semi-final round of “Maple Leaf Cup” English Speech Contest of Maple Leaf International School-Wuhan presented a wonderful speech show in high school multimedia room on Wednesday, Nov. 17 and on Thursday, Nov. 18. Maple Leaf students' language and thinking ability are fully demonstrated by their passionate and eloquent speech.

      精彩纷呈的英语演讲比赛复赛终于拉开帷幕！经过初赛的激烈角逐，高一、高二各有16名选手晋级本次武汉枫叶国际学校“枫叶杯”英语演讲比赛复赛，并于本周三（11月17日）和周四（11月18日）在高中阶梯教室分别进行了高一专场和高二专场的精彩博弈。选手们各个慷慨激昂，侃侃而谈，充分展现了枫叶学子出类拔萃的语言和思维能力。

      In the semi-final round, competitors were equally divided into two sessions according to the grades they are in and each session consists of 16 students. Each of them randomly drew one from 20 different topics and the judges for the two sessions were the same, which guaranteed the justice and equity of the contest. Competitors were required to give an impromptu three-to-four-minute speech based on the topic they drew and answer one or two questions by the judges. In the excitement of the contest, the students were not affected by any. Instead, they were more relaxed, with more attractive content and gestures. The judges and audience under the stage repeatedly applauded. That's the charm of English speech. It makes you feel relaxed and addictive. 

      比赛现场，选手需要从20个不同演讲话题中随机抽取一个进行即兴演讲，每位选手的话题都独一无二，且高一和高二专场的比赛都由相同的外教担任评委，从而保证了评分的公平和公正。演讲话题涉及到社会和个人生活等方方面面，比如“微笑的力量”、“科技是否让生活变得更好”、“你人生中最难忘的事”等，从而引导学生思维，对生活和社会进行深入思考。选手抽取话题后会有五六分钟的台下思考准备时间，然后直接上台演讲；评委们在每一位选手演讲完之后会就演讲内容提1-2个问题，充分考验学生各项能力。在紧张刺激的比赛中，选手们并没有受到任何影响。相反，他们更加从容大方，演讲内容和肢体动作也更具吸引力。引得台下的评委和观众连连叫好，或感动或鼓舞着在座的每一位听众。演讲的魅力正是如此，让人心旷神怡，欲罢不能。

      The stirring semi-final result came out immediately afterwards. Let’s have a look who entered the Hubei final round! Wish them a more remarkable performance then!

      激动人心的复赛结果已经新鲜出炉，赶快来围观吧！经过一路披荆斩棘，期待他们在大区决赛中有更优异的表现！