Mandarin Chinese with your group, from the first Chinese characters to precise C2 replies

What Mandarin Chinese asks of an English speaker

Try two questions from the course

Both are taken unchanged from the Mandarin Chinese lessons, with the explanation learners see after answering.

What each level covers

1. A1 Recognize and type foundational Chinese characters and numerals, read greetings, signs and form labels, fill in name and birth-date fields in Chinese order, and write very short notes such as an apology for running late.

   10 skills at A1

   • Recognize foundational Hanzi characters and Chinese numerals
   • Produce foundational Hanzi characters in simple words
   • Recognize familiar words and basic phrases in short written texts
   • Understand basic spoken phrases when delivered slowly and clearly
   • Complete simple forms with personal information
   • Write very short simple personal messages
   • Understand simple written instructions supported by context
   • Recognize basic information in signs, notices, and schedules
   • Follow very simple spoken announcements
   • Exchange basic information in simple written interactions

2. A2 Read personal messages, timetables and shop notices, describe a daily routine with the time placed before the action, and write simple bookings, returns and exchanges.

   8 skills at A2

   • Understand short simple personal messages
   • Follow basic spoken information about everyday matters
   • Read simple public information and service texts
   • Write short everyday messages for practical purposes
   • Describe routine matters in simple connected writing
   • Handle simple written transactions
   • Understand simple directions and instructions
   • Extract key details from short factual texts

3. B1 Follow the conditional Mandarin workshop invitation that requires confirmation before Thursday, and close a concise Monday meeting acceptance with the fixed farewell meaning see you then.

   8 skills at B1

   • Understand the main points of clear texts on familiar matters
   • Understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters
   • Write connected texts on familiar topics
   • Express opinions, plans, and experiences in writing
   • Manage routine written correspondence
   • Understand straightforward narratives and descriptions
   • Follow straightforward presentations and media on familiar topics
   • Summarize factual information from straightforward texts

4. B2 Read a Mandarin forum reply preserving pharmacy deliveries before a street-closure trial, and use the single-character contrast connector to distinguish cancelling ineffective meetings from retaining a weekly meeting with a half-hour limit.

   8 skills at B2

   • Read articles and reports that present arguments and viewpoints
   • Understand extended speech and presentations with clear structure
   • Write clear detailed texts on a range of subjects
   • Write reasoned arguments supporting a point of view
   • Participate effectively in written discussions
   • Understand specialized texts in familiar fields
   • Identify stance, tone, and implication in spoken discourse
   • Synthesize information from multiple written sources

5. C1 Close a request to a review committee for a two-week deadline extension with a set courtesy formula, suggest meeting a friend at the usual café after canceling tonight, and see the irony when a memo welcomes the third final budget of the month.

   8 skills at C1

   • Understand long complex texts across a range of domains
   • Understand extended speech with implicit meaning and complex structure
   • Write well-structured detailed texts on complex subjects
   • Adapt style, register, and conventions to purpose and audience
   • Manage complex written interactions fluently and appropriately
   • Understand implicit meaning, nuance, and rhetorical effect in written texts
   • Take effective notes from complex spoken input
   • Evaluate and synthesize information from complex written sources

6. C2 Read the criticism in a column about a minister's glass-half-full budget speech and in a researcher's slowly spoken thanks for help that never came, and follow an essay defending a nearly invisible repair to a Song dynasty celadon bowl.

   8 skills at C2

   • Understand virtually all forms of written language
   • Understand virtually all forms of spoken language
   • Produce polished, effective texts for demanding purposes
   • Compose nuanced persuasive arguments
   • Handle demanding written exchanges with precision and flexibility
   • Interpret subtle pragmatic and cultural references
   • Critically synthesize diverse written and spoken sources
   • Edit and transform texts while preserving nuance and effect