A Proposal(n.提议) for the Speech Contest

Dear Sir or Madam,

         I’m Li Ming, a second-year student from the English Department. In order to improve the student’s spoken English and develop the public speaking skills, I hope an English speaking contest could be held by the School Students’ Union, with the topic of “University as I see it”.

         The aims of the contest are twofold(两重). First, students throughout the university have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively in English. Second, the contest could serve as a forum for students from different background to share their insights and experience. The contest procedure(n.程序,步骤) is suggested as follows. Two sessions should be included in the contest: the 3-minute prepared speech and a 2-minute impromptu(adj即兴而作) speech based on the topic assigned right after the prepared speech. When the contest is completely over, one first prize, three second prizes and five third prizes will be given to the excellent speakers.

         I sincerely hope my suggestion can be adopted, and I believe this school-wide event will be successfully held.

                                                                                                     Yours sincerely

                                                                                                                                                  Li Ming

Translation

         大运河是世界上最长的人工河,北起北京,南至杭州.它是中国历史上最宏伟的工程之一。大运河始建于公元前4世纪，公元13世纪末建成。修建之初是为了运输粮食，后来也用于运输其他商品。大运河沿线区域逐渐发展成为中国的工商业中心。长久以来，大运河对中国的经济发展发挥了重要作用，有力地促进了南北地区之间的人员往来和文化交流。

         The Grand Canal is the world’s longest man-made river that stretches from Beijing in the north to Hangzhou in the south. It is hailed as one of the most magnificent projects throughout the history of China. It was first constructed in the 4th century BC, and was completed at the end of 13th century AD. Originally, it was built to transport grain and later was also used for the transport of other commodities. Gradually, the areas along the Grand Canal developed into the industrial and commercial bubs of China. Through the ages, it has been playing a vital role in promoting the economic development of China, greatly enhancing the personnel exchanges and cultural interaction between the northern and southern regions.