<p>16th Greater Houston Area Chinese Speech Competition Language is the tool we use to communicate with each other. The Greater Houston Area Chinese Speech Competition aim to promote the interest in studying, speaking and encourage the exchange of Chinese and American culture. We are grateful for the support from parents every year, which helped students to improve as well. </p><p>We also like to thank the Education section of Chinese Consulate General for backing us each year. Also, our generous host: Chinese Civic Center. Our co-organizers: Sharpstown International School, Houston Independent School District Confucius Institute, Hua Xia Chinese School, The Houston Chapter of China General Chamber of Commerce-USA, and US-CHINA CULTURAL & EDUCATION FOUNDATION.</p><p>Requirements and Rules: All competitors will use Mandarin Chinese in this competition. Competitors are divided into the following groups: 5—7 years old group 8—11 years old group 12—18 years old group Advanced Group: Students who passed 4th grade in Mainland China Non-ethnic Chinese have 3 Groups: Elementary Group Middle-School and High-School (is one) group Adult Group Time: Sunday, Nov. 12th 2017 1:30 PM—Sign In 2:00 PM—Competition Begin Award Ceremony: 4:00 PM (on the same day, Nov. 12th 2017) Competition Location: Sharpstown International School 8330 Triola Lane, Houston, TX 77036-6310 Registration period: From now until Nov. 5th Registration(Starting now until Nov. 5th) : Houston Area Chinese Schools, Chinese Instructors or, You may bring your registration form and fee to: Chinese Civic Center 5905 Sovereign Dr. Houston, TX 77036 Registration Fee: $15.00 per person. Contact: 713.772.1133 or 713.870.5288 Email: [email protected] Time Limit: Speeches must not exceed 3 minutes (About 500 words) Preschool Group will focus on storytelling (About 1-2 minutes) Topics (suggestions): “Inspired” Natural disasters are cruel and merciless, but people usually band together .“Harvey” affected so many lives, talk about your experiences and act of kindness your witnessed from volunteers. Did they make an impact on you? “Natural Disaster Predictions” Do you think we can predict natural disaster with more accuracy? Talk about your plans and support it with research from creditable sources. “Wonderful Home” Our homes are located nearby forests, lakes, reservoirs and at </p><p> different altitudes. What suggestions would you like to offer to our cities’ infrastructure? So, we can be better prepared for future disasters. “Chinese is a gate” Talk about how learning Chinese can present you to different opportunities in life. You may also create your own topic with one central theme, and make sure to reach</p><p> your audience.</p><p>We have assembled our judges from of language experts and artists. None of the judges teach in any Chinese Schools so they are without bias. Judges will grade on pronunciation, usage of words, clarity of main idea, expression and overall presentation (appropriate clothing, body language and how well have you presented your topic). First, Second and Third place winners will receive trophies, certificates, and monetary rewards. Honorable mentions will receive trophies, certificates. Please share this message among friends and encourage them to join. We are also in need of help of all forms from organizations, businesses, associations, and individuals.</p>