Speaking July 19-23

Describe a person who inspired you to do something interesting

There’s Professor Li, my supervisor in condensed‐matter physics, whom I got to know in a seminar on superconductivity last spring. She mentioned her side project organising science workshops for local high‐school students, and I thought that sounded intriguing. Right, she invited me to co-host a hands-on session on magnetic levitation.

Together, we designed simple demonstrations—using magnets and track kits—to illustrate Meissner effect principles. I must say, watching teenagers’ faces light up when they saw a levitating ring was incredibly rewarding. In other words, her enthusiasm showed me how impactful science communication can be beyond academic journals.

At the end of the day, Professor Li’s example motivated me to balance rigorous research with outreach activities that make physics accessible and fun.

There’s Professor Li, my supervisor in condensed‐matter physics, whom I got to know in a seminar on superconductivity last spring.
/ðeəz prəˈfesə ˌliː maɪ ˈsuːpəvaɪzər ɪn kənˈdenst ˈmætə ˈfɪzɪks huːm aɪ ɡɒt tə nəʊ ɪn ə ˈsemɪnɑːr ɒn ˌsuːpəkɒndʌkˈtɪvəti lɑːst sprɪŋ/

She mentioned her side project organising science workshops for local high‐school students, and I thought that sounded intriguing.
/ʃi ˈmenʃənd hɜː saɪd ˈprɒdʒekt ˈɔːɡənaɪzɪŋ ˈsaɪəns ˈwɜːkʃɒps fə ˈləʊkəl ˈhaɪ skuːl ˈstjuːdənts ənd aɪ θɔːt ðæt ˈsaʊndɪd ɪnˈtriːɡɪŋ/

Right, she invited me to co-host a hands-on session on magnetic levitation.
/raɪt ʃi ɪnˈvaɪtɪd miː tə ˌkəʊ ˈhəʊst ə ˈhændz ɒn ˈseʃən ɒn mæɡˈnetɪk ˌlevɪˈteɪʃən/

Together, we designed simple demonstrations—using magnets and track kits—to illustrate Meissner effect principles.
/təˈɡeðə wi dɪˈzaɪnd ˈsɪmpl ˌdemənˈstreɪʃənz ˈjuːzɪŋ ˈmæɡnɪts ənd træk kɪts tə ˈɪləstreɪt ˈmaɪsnər ɪˈfekt ˈprɪnsəplz/

I must say, watching teenagers’ faces light up when they saw a levitating ring was incredibly rewarding.
/aɪ mʌst seɪ ˈwɒtʃɪŋ ˈtiːneɪdʒəz ˈfeɪsɪz laɪt ʌp wen ðeɪ sɔː ə ˈlevɪteɪtɪŋ rɪŋ wɒz ɪnˈkredəbli rɪˈwɔːdɪŋ/

In other words, her enthusiasm showed me how impactful science communication can be beyond academic journals.
/ɪn ˈʌðə wɜːdz hɜː ɪnˈθjuːziæzəm ʃəʊd miː haʊ ˈɪmpæktfʊl ˈsaɪəns kəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃn kæn bi bɪˈjɒnd ˌækəˈdemɪk ˈdʒɜːnlz/

At the end of the day, Professor Li’s example motivated me to balance rigorous research with outreach activities that make physics accessible and fun.
/ət ði end əv ðə deɪ prəˈfesə ˌliːz ɪɡˈzɑːmpl ˈməʊtɪveɪtɪd miː tə ˈbæləns ˈrɪɡərəs rɪˈsɜːtʃ wɪð ˈaʊtriːtʃ ækˈtɪvətiz ðət meɪk ˈfɪzɪks əkˈsesəbl ənd fʌn/

part3

What qualities make someone a role model？

I think a true role model combines unwavering integrity with genuine empathy. You know, someone who consistently “walks the talk”—upholding principles even when it’s inconvenient—earns respect. At the same time, they listen attentively and show understanding, whether a teammate is struggling with a tricky experiment or personal issue. In other words, their moral clarity and ability to connect on a human level inspire others to both act honourably and support one another.

I think a true role model combines unwavering integrity with genuine empathy.
/aɪ/ /θɪŋk/ /ə/ /truː/ /rəʊl/ /ˈmɒd.əl/ /kəmˈbaɪnz/ /ʌnˈweɪ.vər.ɪŋ/ /ɪnˈteɡ.rə.ti/ /wɪð/ /ˈdʒen.ju.ɪn/ /ˈem.pə.θi/

You know, someone who consistently “walks the talk”—upholding principles even when it’s inconvenient—earns respect.
/juː/ /nəʊ/ /ˈsʌm.wʌn/ /huː/ /kənˈsɪs.tənt.li/ /wɔːks/ /ðə/ /tɔːk/ /ʌpˈhəʊldɪŋ/ /ˈprɪn.sə.pəlz/ /ˈiː.vən/ /wen/ /ɪts/ /ˌɪn.kənˈviː.ni.ənt/ /ɜːnz/ /rɪˈspekt/

At the same time, they listen attentively and show understanding, whether a teammate is struggling with a tricky experiment or personal issue.
/ət/ /ðə/ /seɪm/ /taɪm/ /ðeɪ/ /ˈlɪs.ən/ /əˈten.tɪv.li/ /ənd/ /ʃəʊ/ /ˌʌn.dəˈstæn.dɪŋ/ /ˈweð.ər/ /ə/ /ˈtiːm.meɪt/ /ɪz/ /ˈstrʌɡ.lɪŋ/ /wɪð/ /ə/ /ˈtrɪk.i/ /ɪkˈsper.ɪ.mənt/ /ɔː/ /ˈpɜː.sən.əl/ /ˈɪʃ.uː/

In other words, their moral clarity and ability to connect on a human level inspire others to both act honourably and support one another.
/ɪn/ /ˈʌð.ər/ /wɜːdz/ /ðeər/ /ˈmɒr.əl/ /ˈklær.ə.ti/ /ənd/ /əˈbɪl.ə.ti/ /tə/ /kəˈnekt/ /ɒn/ /ə/ /ˈhjuː.mən/ /ˈlev.əl/ /ɪnˈspaɪər/ /ˈʌð.əz/ /tə/ /bəʊθ/ /ækt/ /ˈɒn.ər.ə.bli/ /ənd/ /səˈpɔːt/ /wʌn/ /əˈnʌð.ər/

Do Chinese people like to inspire their friends and relatives？

I think many Chinese people naturally inspire their friends and relatives through encouragement and leading by example. For instance, parents often share stories of hard-working scholars to motivate their children’s studies, while older siblings demonstrate resilience in internships to spur younger ones on. In other words, inspiration is woven into everyday conversations—through proverbs, personal anecdotes and subtle praise—which kind of reinforces collective ambition and mutual support.

I think many Chinese people naturally inspire their friends and relatives through encouragement and leading by example.
/aɪ/ /θɪŋk/ /ˈmen.i/ /ˌtʃaɪˈniːz/ /ˈpiː.pəl/ /ˈnætʃ.ər.əl.i/ /ɪnˈspaɪər/ /ðeər/ /frendz/ /ənd/ /ˈrel.ə.tɪvz/ /θruː/ /ɪnˈkʌr.ɪdʒ.mənt/ /ənd/ /ˈliː.dɪŋ/ /baɪ/ /ɪɡˈzɑːm.pəl/

For instance, parents often share stories of hard-working scholars to motivate their children’s studies, while older siblings demonstrate resilience in internships to spur younger ones on.
/fɔːr/ /ˈɪn.stəns/ /ˈpeə.rənts/ /ˈɒf.tən/ /ʃeər/ /ˈstɔː.riz/ /əv/ /ˌhɑːdˈwɜː.kɪŋ/ /ˈskɒl.əz/ /tə/ /ˈməʊ.tɪ.veɪt/ /ðeər/ /ˈtʃɪl.drənz/ /ˈstʌd.iz/ /waɪl/ /ˈəʊl.dər/ /ˈsɪb.lɪŋz/ /ˈdem.ən.streɪt/ /rɪˈzɪl.jəns/ /ɪn/ /ˈɪn.tɜːn.ʃɪps/ /tə/ /spɜːr/ /ˈjʌŋ.ɡər/ /wʌnz/ /ɒn/

In other words, inspiration is woven into everyday conversations—through proverbs, personal anecdotes and subtle praise—which kind of reinforces collective ambition and mutual support.
/ɪn/ /ˈʌð.ər/ /wɜːdz/ /ˌɪn.spəˈreɪ.ʃən/ /ɪz/ /ˈwəʊ.vən/ /ˈɪn.tuː/ /ˈev.ri.deɪ/ /ˌkɒn.vəˈseɪ.ʃənz/ /θruː/ /ˈprɒv.ɜːbz/ /ˈpɜː.sən.əl/ /ˈæn.ɪk.dəʊts/ /ənd/ /ˈsʌt.əl/ /preɪz/ /wɪtʃ/ /kaɪnd/ /əv/ /ˌriː.ɪnˈfɔːs.ɪz/ /kəˈlek.tɪv/ /æmˈbɪʃ.ən/ /ənd/ /ˈmjuː.tʃu.əl/ /səˈpɔːt/

When do Chinese people like to inspire others？

Let me see… Chinese people often inspire others most intensely during key educational junctures—like the run-up to the Gaokao or university entrance exams. Teachers post motivational posters in classrooms, parents share legendary success stories over dinner, and senior students organise pep rallies. You know, hearing proverbs about diligence and perseverance (“吃得苦中苦，方为人上人”) kind of fuels students’ ambition. At the end of the day, that collective surge of encouragement helps everyone stay focused and reminds them they’re not alone in the pressure cooker of competitive exams.

Let me see… Chinese people often inspire others most intensely during key educational junctures—like the run-up to the Gaokao or university entrance exams.
/let/ /miː/ /siː/ /ˌtʃaɪˈniːz/ /ˈpiː.pəl/ /ˈɒf.tən/ /ɪnˈspaɪər/ /ˈʌð.əz/ /məʊst/ /ɪnˈten.sli/ /ˈdjʊə.rɪŋ/ /kiː/ /ˌedʒ.uˈkeɪ.ʃən.əl/ /ˈdʒʌŋk.tʃəz/ /laɪk/ /ðə/ /ˈrʌn.ʌp/ /tə/ /ðə/ /ˈɡaʊ.kaʊ/ /ɔːr/ /ˌjuː.nɪˈvɜː.sə.ti/ /ˈen.trəns/ /ɪɡˈzæmz/

Teachers post motivational posters in classrooms, parents share legendary success stories over dinner, and senior students organise pep rallies.
/ˈtiː.tʃəz/ /pəʊst/ /ˌməʊ.tɪˈveɪ.ʃən.əl/ /ˈpəʊ.stəz/ /ɪn/ /ˈklɑːs.ruːmz/ /ˈpeə.rənts/ /ʃeər/ /ˈledʒ.ən.dri/ /səkˈses/ /ˈstɔː.riz/ /ˈəʊ.vər/ /ˈdɪn.ər/ /ənd/ /ˈsiː.ni.ər/ /ˈstjuː.dənts/ /ˈɔː.ɡən.aɪz/ /pep/ /ˈræl.iz/

You know, hearing proverbs about diligence and perseverance (“吃得苦中苦，方为人上人”) kind of fuels students’ ambition.
/juː/ /nəʊ/ /ˈhɪə.rɪŋ/ /ˈprɒv.ɜːbz/ /əˈbaʊt/ /ˈdɪl.ɪ.dʒəns/ /ənd/ /ˌpɜː.səˈvɪə.rəns/ /kaɪnd/ /əv/ /fjuːəlz/ /ˈstjuː.dənts/ /æmˈbɪʃ.ən/

At the end of the day, that collective surge of encouragement helps everyone stay focused and reminds them they’re not alone in the pressure cooker of competitive exams.
/ət/ /ðiː/ /end/ /əv/ /ðə/ /deɪ/ /ðæt/ /kəˈlek.tɪv/ /sɜːdʒ/ /əv/ /ɪnˈkʌr.ɪdʒ.mənt/ /helps/ /ˈev.ri.wʌn/ /steɪ/ /ˈfəʊ.kəst/ /ənd/ /rɪˈmaɪndz/ /ðem/ /ðeər/ /nɒt/ /əˈləʊn/ /ɪn/ /ðə/ /ˈpreʃ.ə ˌkʊk.ər/ /əv/ /kəmˈpet.ə.tɪv/ /ɪɡˈzæmz/

Do teachers need to inspire their students？

I think teachers absolutely need to inspire their students, because genuine enthusiasm is contagious. You know, when a professor shares personal anecdotes about tackling a challenging research problem, students suddenly feel that “aha” moment isn’t just theoretical—it’s real. In my experience, those inspirational sparks lead to deeper engagement: classmates volunteer for extra lab shifts, propose their own mini‐projects, and tackle assignments with renewed curiosity. At the end of the day, inspiration transforms passive receivers of information into active learners.

I think teachers absolutely need to inspire their students, because genuine enthusiasm is contagious.
/aɪ/ /θɪŋk/ /ˈtiː.tʃəz/ /ˈæb.sə.luːt.li/ /niːd/ /tə/ /ɪnˈspaɪər/ /ðeər/ /ˈstjuː.dənts/ /bɪˈkɒz/ /ˈdʒen.ju.ɪn/ /ɪnˈθjuː.zi.æz.əm/ /ɪz/ /kənˈteɪ.dʒəs/

You know, when a professor shares personal anecdotes about tackling a challenging research problem, students suddenly feel that “aha” moment isn’t just theoretical—it’s real.
/juː/ /nəʊ/ /wen/ /ə/ /prəˈfes.ər/ /ʃeəz/ /ˈpɜː.sən.əl/ /ˈæn.ɪk.dəʊts/ /əˈbaʊt/ /ˈtæk.lɪŋ/ /ə/ /ˈtʃæl.ɪn.dʒɪŋ/ /rɪˈsɜːtʃ/ /ˈprɒb.ləm/ /ˈstjuː.dənts/ /ˈsʌd.ən.li/ /fiːl/ /ðæt/ /ɑːˈhɑː/ /ˈməʊ.mənt/ /ˈɪz.ənt/ /dʒʌst/ /θɪəˈret.ɪ.kəl/ /ɪts/ /rɪəl/

In my experience, those inspirational sparks lead to deeper engagement: classmates volunteer for extra lab shifts, propose their own mini‐projects, and tackle assignments with renewed curiosity.
/ɪn/ /maɪ/ /ɪkˈspɪə.ri.əns/ /ðəʊz/ /ˌɪn.spɪˈreɪ.ʃən.əl/ /spɑːks/ /liːd/ /tə/ /ˈdiː.pər/ /ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ.mənt/ /ˈklɑːs.meɪts/ /ˌvɒl.ənˈtɪər/ /fə/ /ˈek.strə/ /læb/ /ʃɪfts/ /prəˈpəʊz/ /ðeər/ /əʊn/ /ˈmɪn.i/ /ˈprɒdʒ.ekts/ /ənd/ /ˈtæk.əl/ /əˈsaɪn.mənts/ /wɪð/ /rɪˈnjuːd/ /ˌkjʊə.riˈɒs.ə.ti/

At the end of the day, inspiration transforms passive receivers of information into active learners.
/ət/ /ðə/ /end/ /əv/ /ðə/ /deɪ/ /ˌɪn.spɪˈreɪ.ʃən/ /trænsˈfɔːmz/ /ˈpæs.ɪv/ /rɪˈsiː.vəz/ /əv/ /ˌɪn.fəˈmeɪ.ʃən/ /ˈɪn.tuː/ /ˈæk.tɪv/ /ˈlɜː.nəz/

Why should children learn from role models？

Actually, children often lack the life experience to discern right from wrong, so role models function as living moral compasses. You know, when a teacher consistently demonstrates honesty—returning lost items or acknowledging mistakes—students grasp the value of integrity without being lectured. In other words, ethical standards are transmitted through example rather than admonition. At the end of the day, learning from someone you respect nurtures emotional maturity and helps children build a reliable inner compass.

Actually, children often lack the life experience to discern right from wrong, so role models function as living moral compasses.
/ˈæk.tʃu.ə.li/ /ˈtʃɪl.drən/ /ˈɒf.ən/ /læk/ /ðə/ /laɪf/ /ɪkˈspɪə.ri.əns/ /tə/ /dɪˈsɜːn/ /raɪt/ /frəm/ /rɒŋ/ /səʊ/ /rəʊl/ /ˈmɒd.əlz/ /ˈfʌŋk.ʃən/ /əz/ /ˈlɪv.ɪŋ/ /ˈmɒr.əl/ /ˈkʌm.pə.sɪz/

You know, when a teacher consistently demonstrates honesty—returning lost items or acknowledging mistakes—students grasp the value of integrity without being lectured.
/juː/ /nəʊ/ /wen/ /ə/ /ˈtiː.tʃər/ /kənˈsɪs.tənt.li/ /ˈdem.ən.streɪts/ /ˈɒn.əs.ti/ /rɪˈtɜː.nɪŋ/ /lɒst/ /ˈaɪ.təmz/ /ɔːr/ /əkˈnɒl.ɪ.dʒɪŋ/ /mɪˈsteɪks/ /ˈstjuː.dənts/ /ɡrɑːsp/ /ðə/ /ˈvæl.juː/ /əv/ /ɪnˈteɡ.rə.ti/ /wɪˈðaʊt/ /ˈbiː.ɪŋ/ /ˈlek.tʃəd/

In other words, ethical standards are transmitted through example rather than admonition.
/ɪn/ /ˈʌð.ər/ /wɜːdz/ /ˈeθ.ɪ.kəl/ /ˈstæn.dədz/ /ə/ /trænzˈmɪt.ɪd/ /θruː/ /ɪɡˈzɑːm.pəl/ /ˈrɑː.ðər/ /ðən/ /ˌæd.məˈnɪʃ.ən/

At the end of the day, learning from someone you respect nurtures emotional maturity and helps children build a reliable inner compass.
/ət/ /ðə/ /end/ /əv/ /ðə/ /deɪ/ /ˈlɜː.nɪŋ/ /frəm/ /ˈsʌm.wʌn/ /juː/ /rɪˈspekt/ /ˈnɜː.tʃəz/ /ɪˈməʊ.ʃən.əl/ /məˈtʃʊə.rə.ti/ /ənd/ /helps/ /ˈtʃɪl.drən/ /bɪld/ /ə/ /rɪˈlaɪ.ə.bəl/ /ˈɪn.ər/ /ˈkʌm.pəs/

Who can influence children more，teachers or parents？

To be honest, it really depends on the context and the child’s needs. For emotional support and value formation, parents are unparalleled—they know a child’s personality best. On the other hand, when it comes to academic mentorship and peer-level role-modelling, teachers carry unique authority. In my own journey, parental encouragement motivated me to apply for graduate school, whereas my professors’ research guidance honed my technical skills. At the end of the day, both play indispensable but distinct roles.

To be honest, it really depends on the context and the child’s needs.
/tuː/ /biː/ /ˈɒn.ɪst/ /ɪt/ /ˈrɪə.li/ /dɪˈpendz/ /ɒn/ /ðə/ /ˈkɒn.tekst/ /ənd/ /ðə/ /tʃaɪldz/ /niːdz/

For emotional support and value formation, parents are unparalleled—they know a child’s personality best.
/fɔːr/ /ɪˈməʊ.ʃən.əl/ /səˈpɔːt/ /ənd/ /ˈvæl.juː/ /fɔːˈmeɪ.ʃən/ /ˈpeə.rənts/ /ɑːr/ /ʌnˈpær.ə.leld/ /ðeɪ/ /nəʊ/ /ə/ /tʃaɪldz/ /ˌpɜː.sənˈæl.ə.ti/ /best/

On the other hand, when it comes to academic mentorship and peer-level role-modelling, teachers carry unique authority.
/ɒn/ /ðiː/ /ˈʌð.ər/ /hænd/ /wen/ /ɪt/ /kʌmz/ /tə/ /ˌæk.əˈdem.ɪk/ /ˈmen.tɔː.ʃɪp/ /ənd/ /pɪər/ /ˈlev.əl/ /rəʊl/ /ˈmɒd.əl.ɪŋ/ /ˈtiː.tʃəz/ /ˈkæ.ri/ /juːˈniːk/ /ɔːˈθɒr.ə.ti/

In my own journey, parental encouragement motivated me to apply for graduate school, whereas my professors’ research guidance honed my technical skills.
/ɪn/ /maɪ/ /əʊn/ /ˈdʒɜː.ni/ /pəˈren.təl/ /ɪnˈkʌr.ɪdʒ.mənt/ /ˈməʊ.tɪ.veɪ.tɪd/ /miː/ /tə/ /əˈplaɪ/ /fə/ /ˈɡrædʒ.u.ət/ /skuːl/ /weərˈæz/ /maɪ/ /prəˈfes.əz/ /rɪˈsɜːtʃ/ /ˈɡaɪ.dəns/ /həʊnd/ /maɪ/ /ˈtek.nɪ.kəl/ /skɪlz/

At the end of the day, both play indispensable but distinct roles.
/ət/ /ðiː/ /end/ /əv/ /ðə/ /deɪ/ /bəʊθ/ /pleɪ/ /ˌɪn.dɪˈspen.sə.bəl/ /bʌt/ /dɪˈstɪŋkt/ /rəʊlz/

Words