English proficiency test through creative challenges

When imagining the objects such as fountain pen, breezy weather, pocket watch, and rotary telephone, what scenario comes to mind? Picture a woman immersed in nature's beauty, delicately writing on paper with a fountain pen, eagerly awaiting her lover's call beside a rotary dial telephone. How would you feel about returning to a vintage era while living in the materialistic world of the 21st century? Prepare to witness the unveiling of the enchantment that the 5th Inter College Holy Cross College English Language Festival has meticulously packed for you -- a simulation of the romantic era. Let the curtain fall and reveal the magic that awaits.

For this language festival, Holy Cross College English Language Club (HCCELC) will be hosting 12 diverse sets of events that bring out the creativity of a student through English literature. They are Spell Master- a spelling competition, Enchant Through Verses- a poem recitation, Battle of Masterminds- a literature and pop-culture-based quiz, 'Then the story ends'- a creative writing event, 'Language Championship' -crosswords hangman, a listening and writing test, and 'Labyrinth of Literature' -literature-based treasure hunt are organised in order to sharpen the linguistic proficiencies of youngsters. 'Turn the coat' - a debate with oneself, 'Act It Out' - a cosplay and dialogue of given plays will add to the surprise elements of the festivals. Literary Exposition and Multimedia Presentation are there to test the whimsical persona of the participants. Wall magazines, word toon, and scrapbooks will make the premises of Holy Cross College colourful by showcasing the artistic knowledge of young minds.

The President of HCCELC Tasnim Ashraf shares their excitement saying, "Practicing English is the utmost passion of my fellow panelists. They are working tirelessly so that the participants can enjoy this festival to the fullest. I wholeheartedly thank the participants who have acknowledged us and registered for this grand event because they are the heart of this event."

The moderator of HCCELC Shuvendu Shekher Chakravarty has given his heart and soul to this event as well. "This is really inspiring to see that many students of different institutions gathering on the premises of Holy Cross College on the occasion of 5th Inter College English Language Festival. This proves that English learning status in Bangladesh is getting better day by day. Now we have to take this kind of extracurricular activities related to English learning to rural areas," said Shuvendu.

Faiza Khandoker from Dhaka City College expressed her passion by saying, "I have always been enthusiastic about philology and glottology. Having participated in the 4th HCCELC Inter College Language Festival, I truly felt that my linguistic skills were nurtured. As mystery has always been the main attraction for me, the Labyrinth of Literature excited me the most. The endings of Then The Story Ends have created their own mystery that's inspiring me to try this out as well."

The champions will not only get awards from the guests but also have a networking scope with judges from different industries. The doors are open for college students to be a part of this grand event only at the cost of Tk 100. One can apply within May 23, 2023 and test him/herself among the brightest minds in Bangladesh. Bring your wit, linguistic knowledge, and charismatic persona to this battle and engrave your name as a winner in the 21st century.

The writer is studying BBA in Jahangirnagar University.

iamparsha31@gmail.com