The 2025 “Young Voices, Shanghai Stories” English Talent Show officially launches its call for entries!
Co-organized by Shanghai Daily and Shanghai Students’ Post, and under the guidance of the Shanghai Global News Network and the Foreign Languages Teaching & Research Center of East China Normal University, this inspiring platform invites young students to showcase their English communication skills, creativity, and cross-cultural perspectives.Starting in March 2025, participants can submit an English composition based on a given theme. Expert judges will assess entries for linguistic accuracy, creativity, and depth of thought. Top candidates will move on to the themed video speech round, with outstanding participants invited to the on-site showcase in late June.We warmly invite primary and middle school students with a passion for English storytelling, public speaking, and cultural exploration to take part in this meaningful competition — an unparalleled opportunity to share your voice with the world, enhance your communication skills, and connect with a global audience!
Eligibility: International and bilingual school students
Categories: Primary school groupMiddle school group
Topic: Come and feel Shanghai, because…
Participants are invited to highlight Shanghai’s most iconic cultural symbols and everyday scenes, telling stories through the lens of “a place, an object, and a story” to showcase the city’s inclusive urban charm.The composition should focus on a specific element, such as the century-old history captured in the Bund’s clock chimes, the artistic energy in Tianzifang’s shikumen alleyways, ferry passengers under the Lujiazui skyline, the coffee aroma drifting from old Western-style houses in the plane tree-lined districts, the vibrant heritage lights of the Yuyuan Lantern Festival, or the cutting-edge exhibitions at art museums along Suzhou Creek…Writers are encouraged to build a warm and vivid portrait of Shanghai through visible urban details, interpreting why this city captivates people and makes them want to stay. The composition should avoid generic praise and instead draw from personal experiences, using authentic stories to convey a multidimensional understanding and love for Shanghai.
How to Participate/Event Schedule：
1. Article Submission: March 27 – April 20
Registration: Participants are required to log in to the registration system to complete the registration process.
Submission: Participants must complete an English composition based on the given theme between March 27 and April 20, and submit it to the registration system by 23:59 on April 20. Only one submission per participant is allowed, and once submitted, compositions cannot be modified.
Word Limit:
- Primary school group: Up to 250 words
- Middle school group: Up to 450 words
2. Article Evaluation: April 23 – April 25
Evaluation Process: A panel of experts will review all submissions. Those meeting the required standard will advance to the next stage.
Evaluation Criteria:
- Correct grammar and vocabulary usage
- Variety in sentence structures
- Accurate understanding of the topic with a unique perspective
- Well-structured and coherent content with a clear focus
- Logical structure, including an introduction, body, and conclusion
- Deeper insights drawn from the theme to provoke thought
Result Announcement: The top 50 students from each group will qualify for the themed video speech round. The list of selected participants will be published on Shanghai Daily’s official WeChat account in late April 2025.
3. Themed Video Speech: April 28 – May 21
Participation: Students will record a spoken speech video based on their previously submitted composition, delivered without reading from a script.
Video Requirements: Maximum length: 3 minutes
Submission: Submit the video to the registration system by 23:59 on May 21. No modifications are allowed after submission.
**4.Video Speech Evaluation: May 26 – May 27
Evaluation Process: A panel of experts will assess all video submissions using a comprehensive scoring system. The top 20 students from each group will advance to the on-site showcase.
Evaluation Criteria:
- Speech delivery without reading from a script
- Clear pronunciation and articulation, with appropriate intonation and pace
- Fluent language use and natural stage presence
- Confident, engaging, and expressive delivery
Result Announcement: The list of finalists will be published on Shanghai Daily’s official WeChat account in late May 2025.
5. Popularity Award Voting: June 9 – June 15
- The 40 finalists from both groups will have their video speech submissions uploaded to the City News Service’s “Community” section for online voting.
- The participant with the highest number of votes in each group will receive the Best Popularity Award, which will be presented at the on-site showcase in late June.
6. On-Site Showcase: Late June
Participation: Finalists will deliver a live speech, and answer questions from judges on-site.
Presentation duration:
- Primary school group: 3 minutes per participant.
- Middle school group: 5 minutes per participant.
**Awards and honors: - Champion:1 per group
- Runner-up: 1 per group
- Third place: 1 per group
On-site winners will have the opportunity to participate in Shanghai’s cultural and tourism promotion initiatives and be awarded corresponding prizes. All awards will be decided and announced on-site, with honors and prizes presented.
Act now! Registration is open to all eligible students. Don’t miss this opportunity to amplify your voice, connect with peers, and grow as a confident cultural communicator. Submit your entry and let the world hear your story!
Click here to submit your work