中文
HOME
HOME / LATEST NEWS / Content

A Recap of the 8th SHS and SHSID Bilingual Debate Finals in 2024

December 19, 2024

On the afternoon of December 17th, the 8th Annual Bilingual Debate Finals, jointly organized by Shanghai High School (SHS) and Shanghai High School International Division (SHSID), took place in the Zhen Tao Building Lecture Hall. The hall, adorned with highlights from previous years, served as the backdrop for this highly anticipated event, which has become the main stage for bilingual debates on campus.



The Contestants

In the preliminary rounds, participants fiercely debated topics such as the value of self-interest versus altruism and the importance of knowledge versus social connections. After eight rounds of intense competition, two teams emerged victorious, earning their spots in the finals. Each team was composed of two students from SHS and SHSID, with teammates selected through a random draw. The event’s hosts also came from the debate societies of both divisions, highlighting the collaboration between SHS and SHSID.



The Debate Topic

This year’s debate centered around the theme: Uphold Your Beliefs, Even If It Upsets Others vs. Withhold Your Beliefs, If It Upsets Others. These two contrasting yet complementary perspectives provided a rich foundation for the discussion.



The Debate

Throughout the competition, the contestants displayed impressive critical thinking and eloquence in both English and Chinese. They presented their arguments, challenged their opponents, and engaged in free debates, skillfully navigating the bilingual nature of the event. English allowed for precision, while Chinese conveyed deep passion, enhancing the overall debate experience.


Constructive Speeches


Cross-examination


Free Debate


Final Summary


Judge’s Insights



We were honored to have Professor Lai Changsheng, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and champion of the World Chinese Debate Championship, as the guest judge. Professor Lai provided insightful comments in both languages, reflecting the bilingual format of the competition. He praised the students for their strong critical thinking, persuasive debating techniques, and the depth of their discussions. He also noted how language influenced their delivery — with English allowing for precision and Chinese enhancing their emotional expression.He encouraged the students to pursue their personal goals while also developing empathy and understanding for others’ perspectives. After the event, many students gathered around him, eager to seek advice and take photos, creating a warm and engaging atmosphere.



Award Ceremony

The results of the competition were announced at the conclusion of the debate:


Champion: The Con-Side (with 5 votes)


Runner-up: The Pro-Side (with 2 votes)


Best Debater: Sun (4th Speaker, Con-Side)


This bilingual debate not only provided a unique platform for students to showcase their debating skills but also fostered greater interaction between SHS and SHSID students. The school continues to embrace its mission of contributing to the personalized development of every student and is committed to offering more diverse and high-quality opportunities in the future. With the successful conclusion of the 8th SHS & SHSID Bilingual Debate, we look forward to even more exciting debates in the years to come!



Written by Shanghai High School Bilingual Debate Committee 

Photos by SHS Media Center