To these novice debaters, the pressure was great, and not everybody could overcome their nervousness. Simon attributes his success to his overseas immersion. "When I was in Durham last year, I enjoyed watching a BBC programme, "Prime Minister's Questions". I think I was applying what I had learnt from Durham in Nanjing," says Simon.

Good debating skills do not come overnight. The six English majors started receiving coaching sessions offered by English Department lecturers several months before the event. As regards the major differences between the Nanjing Normal University team and the HKIEd team, Dr Decoursey, one of the coaches, has this view, "The Nanjing team had a different style from ours, stressing gamesmanship and dealing aggressively with opposing arguments while our students talked about human relationships and entertained their audience."

As HKIEd President, Professor Paul Morris has expressed in his letter of congratulations, the process of making a speech and presenting rational and critical arguments in a debate provides students with the valuable opportunity to engage in a meaningful academic and professional activity, which serves to enhance their intellectual and language competence.

Therefore, whether winning or losing, students will learn a lot from taking part. This view is echoed by Derek Law, Year 4, Bachelor of Education (Languages) student. He particularly values the opportunity to exchange ideas with the Nanjing students, and learn from their skills in presenting arguments.