Chinese Mandarin Year 2 (Lower Intermediate)

Please note that some topics of the Chinese Mandarin Year 1 short course will be revised at the beginning of the academic year. The course outline below is only a guide and topics will be studied according to students' needs and progress.

Term 1

Topics covered
Chinese language learning experience; impression of China; trip planning; holiday; health; get-togethers and socialising; Chinese and Western food
Grammatical structures 

Using "得" to link a verb and an adverb; making comparisons using " 比…..得多"; "的" as the past particle and to introduce a noun clause; end of sentence "了";Using "什么"in negative sentences; difference between "并且" and "和"; noun clause signalled by "的"; "去" as a direction indicator; "把" sentence; words indicating procedures and sequences.

Learning objectives
o Talking about learning experiences
o Describing a holiday location Giving reasons for doing or not doing something Explaining some health problems
o Telling a cooking recipe
o Discussing dining etiquette

Term 2

Topics covered
Chinese traditions; New Year celebration; interests and hobbies; education and studying abroad; employment; applying for a job
Grammatical structures
Using "才" and "就."; using the continuous particle "正在" ; the end-of-sentence "了"; sentences of comparison and contrast; using verbal phrases to modify a noun; shortened forms; passive voice introduced by " 由"; conditional sentence introduced by "如果……的话".

Learning objectives
o Greetings on New Year's Day
o Talking about traditions
o Expressing preferences of literature
o Talking about football match
o Writing a letter
o Discussing student life
o Talking about job market
o Making job application

Term 3

Topics covered
Transport and environment; computers and the internet; marriage and children; social reform and changes
Grammatical structures
The formal passive voice marker "被";Informal passive voice markers; Notional passive voice; Use of "得 děi"; Complex structures "不但….而且" and "不仅….还"; "了" as potential compliment of a verb; "得 de" before a verbal phrase or clause; Complex patterns such as "宁愿…也"; Differences between "问", "让", "叫" and "请"; "把" sentence; Using "虽然….但是"

Learning objectives

o Talking about different transport
o Discussing the benefits of riding a bike
o Going to the internet bar Sending emails
o Comparing the changes in perception for marriage
o Preparing for a wedding
o Discussing successful township and village enterprise