Aims

(1) To consolidate the linguistic foundation provided in CHN103 and CHN104 with a view to further study, while continuing to develop reading, listening, writing and speaking skills.
(2) To provide students with sufficient target language competence and inter-cultural sensitivity for communicative interaction with native speakers and to enable them to cope with typical situations met during a potential period of study abroad.
(3) To continue to provide students with skills necessary to become better language learners.

Outline Of Syllabus

We use a task-based, communicative approach, and encourage peer learning through pair and group work. Assessment is by portfolio of written coursework, aural exam, oral exam, and written exam. Building a portfolio of assessed coursework helps you to monitor your progress and stimulates independent learning and learner autonomy. Formal exams provide a summary assessment before continuing on to your Year Abroad.

Basic grammatical structures and items of vocabulary relating to the list below will be covered (corresponding to Lessons 12-23 of Integrated Chinese Level 1 Part 2). Items which have already been introduced in CHN1003 and CHN1004 will be further consolidated:

Notions: Time sequence and duration; direction and location; distance; completed action; result; progressive aspect; future probability; ability; experience; negation; comparison; passive verbs; kinship; forms of address.
Functions: Greeting and taking leave; describing intentions; requesting; expressing thanks; asking directions; writing letters; discussing professions; giving reasons; apologising; describing objects/places/situations; comparing; talking about personal interests.
Situations: Studying; sports; sightseeing; meeting people; eating, socialising and celebrating; transport and travel; healthcare; shopping; making practical arrangements.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

1. Key grammatical structures and vocabulary are introduced and practised using a task-based communicative approach. In order to make sure that 312 hours of private guided study does take place, each contact hour is followed up by homework assignments relating to what has been introduced and/or practised during the contact hour. Individualised formative feedback is then provided as an integral part of the teaching programme.
2. Oral and aural skills (i.e. speaking and listening) are practised throughout the course in task-based activities. Students are required to spend at least one hour a week in the Open Access Centre, working on listening work prescribed by the teacher.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Continuous Assessment tests give students and staff the opportunity to monitor and review initial progress during Semester 1, while the portfolio of written coursework provides motivation for independent learning and allows students to assess further progress in Semester 2. The formal written examination, oral and aural examinations provide a summary assessment, as well as a chance to review progress before progressing on to the period of study abroad..

Knowledge of basic grammatical structures and vocabulary are assessed in all assessed work. Knowledge of the orthographic system is assessed by continuous assessment tests, portfolio of written coursework and formal written examination, while that of the phonological system is assessed by aural and oral examination.

Listening skills are assessed by aural and oral examination, while speaking skills are assessed in the latter only. Reading skills are assessed by continuous assessment and formal written examination, while writing skills are assessed by portfolio of written coursework and formal written examination.

Resit is by 100% written examination (150mins).