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A Literary Experiment: Writing in the Library SHSID "Sinan Cup" Writing Competition

April 27, 2025

Recently, the middle school division of Shanghai High School International Division successfully held the "Sinan Cup" writing competition. As part of the "Reading Enriches Life" thematic series, this year’s competition focused on the themes of "Reading" and "Growth," providing a platform for literature-loving students to showcase their talents through on-site creative writing. On World Book Day (April 23), awards were presented to the young winners, with the event garnering enthusiastic participation: over 170 students registered, submitting 150 entries, and more than 70 of these received honors.



Focus on Reading and Growth: Writing Authentic Reflections
The competition required participants to write within a strict time limit, without access to external resources. Students relied solely upon their recall of literature and upon personal insights to complete their works in under an hour, from conception to final draft. Submissions ranged from literary fiction to academic or scientific essays, encouraging students to break free from traditional book review formats and explore genres such as poetry, short stories, and prose. Notably, contestants were permitted to bring books to their seats, turning the creative process itself into an extension of reading.



On-Site Writing Showcases Talent: Literature Fuels Creativity
On April 2, literary enthusiasts from grades 6 to 8 gathered in separate venues for the competition. In the sixth-grade venue (Room D605), the rhythmic tapping of keyboards resembled spring rain; seventh graders in Room C605 filled the air with the soft scratching of pens on paper; meanwhile, eighth graders in the library’s B Building drew inspiration from the scent of books. Despite the tight timeframe, participants produced diverse works—poems, essays, and stories—that exceeded expectations in their sharp observations of life, clever references to classics, and linguistic vitality.

Winners shared that the time-bound writing fostered intense focus, allowing them to channel their reading experiences without distractions. This unique "literary experiment" proved that stripping away digital aids could unleash the raw, vibrant creativity of young minds.



Diverse Incentives Spark Participation: Rising Literary Stars Shine
The competition featured a tiered award system, with active participants earning classroom rewards. Categories included Grand Prize, First Prize, Second Prize, and Third Prize. The award ceremony took place at the library on April 23 at 12:30 PM. We congratulate all the award-winning young authors!



Winning works will be featured on the Sinan Literature Club’s official platform and recommended to national publications like Youth Literature and Junior High Students, enabling these young authors to receive feedback from professional writers. Blending reading and writing, this literary celebration empowers more students to navigate the world of words with confidence. The "Sinan Cup" is not merely a contest but a dialogue of souls. May every literature-loving student continue drawing strength from books and crafting their own extraordinary stories. Ahead of the next "Sinan Cup," we will look forward to hearing the whispers of budding literature in the library’s quietude—and witnessing more literary stars rise.


Written by Zhang Xinyi

Proofread by Chad Higgenbottom

Pictures by Ni Minxue, Xu Jing, Chinese Department teachers

Edited by Cong Luo

Reviewed by Chen Fan