Change and Beyond · Adult University Group: Special Edition of CCTV's 5th "Hope Star" English Talent Competition: Special Edition of CCTV's 5th "Hope Star" English Talent Competition (Adult University Group)

Author: Organizing Committee of the 5th CCTV "Hope Star" English Talent Show
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-07-01
Features: Dear readers, thank you for choosing this book. The CCTV "Hope Star" English Talent Show is a high-level English competition for students across the country. By this year, it has successfully been held for five editions. Anyone who has watched the competition will sincerely admire the quick responses, authentic pronunciation, and fluent language of these contestants. Last year, at the conclusion of the 4th competition, our China Renmin University Press edited and published the series "Change and Beyond: Stories Behind the CCTV 4th 'Hope Star' English Talent Show," divided into three volumes for primary, secondary, and university/adult groups. The content includes introductions to all contestants who entered the national finals, articles by parents or teachers introducing how the contestants learned English, as well as live recordings of the competition, competition rules, and behind-the-scenes highlights. This series was well-received by students and parents, and "Change and Beyond" became a catchy slogan. Indeed, from the growth stories of these contestants, we deeply feel that mastering English can change lives and even personalities; learning English well not only helps overcome one's environment but also transcends oneself. Now, the larger 5th competition, covering a broader range of provinces and cities, has concluded. Building on last year's experience, we have edited and published this new series, "Change and Beyond: Special Edition of the CCTV 5th 'Hope Star' English Talent Show," divided into four volumes for primary, junior high, high school, and university/adult groups, focusing more on the contestants' personal stories and their English learning methods. In addition to articles by parents or teachers on how the contestants learned English, there are also first-person accounts by the contestants themselves, making it more intimate, engaging, and persuasive. To give you a more intuitive and clear understanding of the entire competition, we have also compiled and published a companion VCD series, "CCTV 5th 'Hope Star' English Talent Show," featuring live recordings of all semi-finals and finals at the national finals. This allows you to thoroughly understand the competition rules, content, procedures, and the on-site performances of all contestants, serving as the best guide for participation and an essential reference material. At the same time, watching the contestants' performances will undoubtedly greatly inspire your interest in learning English and boost your confidence in mastering it. In summary, if reading this series or watching the competition VCDs inspires you and brings you benefits, that will be our greatest comfort and encouragement.
The CCTV "Hope Star" English Talent Show is a major television English competition organized by the Education and Science Program Center of CCTV. Adhering to the principles of "cultivating interest, boosting confidence, and setting role models," it provides a stage for English enthusiasts to practice, showcase themselves, and seize opportunities, gaining widespread popularity among audiences. Since its inception in 2000, the competition has been held annually for five years. Participants come from various industries, primarily students, representing all administrative regions of mainland China. It has influenced over 20 million people. The competition process consists of two stages: the national selection and the national finals. The national selection is conducted through regional sub-competitions, with three rounds—preliminary, semi-final, and final—selecting contestants based on their regions. Contestants register in the corresponding sub-competition according to their location. Those in regions without sub-competitions are selected by the organizing committee. The national finals are held at CCTV, with champion contestants from each sub-competition group traveling to Beijing. The finals include semi-finals and finals, with judges composed of authoritative experts in English studies and foreign teaching professionals. CCTV provides live recordings of the national finals and award ceremony. The organizing committee welcomes enterprises and institutions in education, culture, publishing, and other industries across mainland China to host sub-competition activities under the unified leadership of the organizing committee, responsible for promotion, sponsorship, registration, and competition organization in their respective regions. By focusing on education and collaborating with CCTV, they can develop together with "Hope Star."
From February to July 2000, the inaugural competition was held, with the country divided into seven sub-competitions. Twenty contestants participated in the national finals without being grouped. In the end, Zhan Ying from Shanghai International Studies University won the championship, while Han Jiang from Beijing Foreign Studies University and Shao Wei from Shanghai International Studies University took second and third place, respectively. The broadcast of the inaugural competition added fuel to the fervent wave of English learning across the country. Its flexible and diverse competition format, vibrant visuals, relaxed and enjoyable style, as well as the contestants' youthful charm and high English proficiency, left audiences amazed.
From February to August 2001, the 2nd competition was held, with 54 contestants from 19 administrative regions participating in the national finals. Sun Zheng from Peking University won the adult group championship, while Zhong Yurou from Hangzhou Xuejun High School won the junior group championship. The contestants not only gained experience but also formed deep friendships. This competition generated significant social buzz, with enthusiastic registrations. Statistics show that the oldest participant was an 86-year-old, while the youngest was a 3.5-year-old toddler.
From February to July 2002, the 3rd competition was held, with 36 contestants emerging from 16 administrative regions to compete in the national finals in Beijing. Yang Jin from Qingdao Dexian Road Primary School, Liu Hongyue from Changchun Foreign Languages School, and Ding Yuanyuan from Beijing Language and Culture University won the championships for the primary, secondary, and university/adult groups, respectively. The registration phase of this competition was even more intense, with long queues at registration points in Hubei, occasionally causing traffic congestion. This competition also drew attention from leaders, with the Vice Minister of Education and the Deputy Director of CCTV observing the competition and awarding prizes to the winners.
From January to May 2003, the 4th competition was held, with 45 contestants from 21 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions competing for the championship title. Zhao Wei from Wuhan University, Li Laiyin from Shenzhen Donghu Middle School, and Jia Ruxin from Shijiazhuang Beixin Street Primary School won the championships for the university/adult, secondary, and primary groups, respectively. The 4th competition coincided with the nation's united fight against the SARS epidemic. All contestants, judges, and staff persevered and achieved success, composing a song of resilience against SARS through their actions.
From April 22 to April 29, 2004, the finals of the 5th competition were held at CCTV, with 90 contestants from 31 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions gathering in Beijing to compete for the championship title of the CCTV 5th "Hope Star."