第一名
姓  名 蘇宇昂 學  校 國立台南女子高級中學 年  級 二年十八班

得獎感言

Like most people, I found English difficult and confusing at first. I had memorized some basics on grammar, yet they were lifeless and dull. Despite having crammed several vocabulary words into my mind, I could not put together a single sentence. The more I struggled, the more my frustration grew. Just when I was on the verge of quitting, my parents encouraged me to try one final method: entering the world of reading.

I started with children’s books. They’re one of the greatest creations of men, filled with bright illustrations and funny, heart-warming plots. It wasn't always easy, but with tenacious efforts and patience, I soon found myself devouring one book after another. When I had finished the entire section in the library, I was seized by an insatiable hunger for more. So I set out on a new conquest for novels, magazines, and news articles. What started off as a mission to learn English had actually developed into a hobby. Reading became as natural as breathing, and even writing was an enjoyable pastime. Gradually, I incorporated English into my everyday life. I listen to English music, watch American television shows, and even write my diaries in English. One day, I finally reached the conclusion: I don’t fear English any longer; I embrace it.

At the end of the day, I now realize, what matters the most is one’s attitude. Mark Twain once said in his book Tom Sawyer: “Work consists of whatever a body is obliged to do, and that play consists of whatever a body is not obliged to do.” Studying an English textbook is work, but relishing the beautiful poem it introduces is not. You just have to pick a path, such as reading, stay optimistic, and stick to it till the very end.

Lastly, I would like to thank the judges and organizers of this competition for awarding me with first place. I'm extremely honored to be recognized for my years of learning English, and I will continue to work harder in my pursue of excellence.

 

 

Anne of Green Gables

An average book tells a story. A good book leaves an impression. But a truly great book reaches out and touches the soul. I picked up a battered copy of “Anne of Green Gables” on a fateful afternoon, and instantly I was drinking in every word and sentence. Never had a novel painted such beautiful images in my mind, or created such an adorable heroine with whom I fell in love with immediately. Even now, this timeless masterpiece has continued to capture my imagination through its lovely language, and inspire me with its warm theme surrounding family, friendship, sacrifice, and love.

The story unfolds in small, peaceful Avonlea located on Prince Edward Island, Canada. Unmarried sibling Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert planned to adopt a boy to help run their farm, called Green Gables. But due to a mistake made by the orphanage, it was talkative, redheaded, eleven year-old Anne Shirley waiting patiently for them at the train station. Taken by surprise, Marilla disapproved of the unexpected arrangement, but timid Matthew, who had been won over by Anne’s endearing nature, eventually persuaded Marilla to let her stay.

Anne had been an orphan from an early age, therefore lacking proper upbringings. She had a fiery temper and often acted impulsively and instinctively. As a result, she landed herself into numerous troubles. However, she was imaginative, passionate, and bright. She quickly befriends her neighbor’s daughter, Diana Barry, and soon fitted herself into the Avonlea community. The story follows her adventures at school, her playtime with other girls, and her interactions with Marilla and Matthew at Green Gables. As she grew up, she loses her childish tempers and began to focus on her academic performance. But soon after she earns the prestigious scholarship to attend college, tragedy struck. Matthew died of a heart attack, and Marilla’s health was rapidly deteriorating. In the end, Anne made the decision to sacrifice her dream and take care of Marilla. But she remains as optimistic as ever, because she believes she was at the “bend of the road”, and more dreams and fantasies lie ahead.

While I was halfway through reading the book, marveling at the author’s linguistic skills had become a constant habit. L.M. Montgomery cleverly uses sequences of images and metaphors of color and shape to conjure up beautiful landscapes one after another, making them so breath-takingly magical and real. Under her skilled pen, I can lose myself in the sheer beauty of an ordinary natural phenomenon like a mere sunset. Her unorthodox word selection also gave me pleasant surprises from time to time, such as describing the singing of frogs as “silverly”, or the spirit of autumn “pouring delicate mists” into the valleys. Even after finishing the book, those vivid images still linger in my mind.

However, the main reason why this is an all-time favorite of mine is because of Anne. I’ve never found a character so adorable and alive, like she can spring up from the pages and smile sweetly at you. She can love and hate equally strong, and she often delights you with her imagination and speech. She made several hilarious mistakes in the book, such as dying her hair green and accidentally intoxicating her best friend Diana. But there were also several moments when she displayed loyalty, love, and courage. I was deeply touched her selflessness when she sacrificed her chance to go to college to take care of Marilla at the every end. In addition, she was also one of those powerful characters whose words and actions you can resonate and relate to. You can almost taste the fury in your mouth when you witness the injustice she faced. But when you later come across her heartbreaks and grief, your heart will instantly swell with sympathy.

Anne of Green Gables is more than a heartwarming story in a picturesque Canadian town; it teaches lessons about growing up, dreaming, and most importantly, it introduces you to a extraordinary person you will never forget: Anne.