Language Centre
Chinese (Mandarin) Elementary Course
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Key information
Key information
- Duration
- 1 term per sub-level; 10 weeks per term
- Attendance mode
- Part-time, live online session/blended learning
Course overview
Chinese (Mandarin) Elementary (HSK 2) builds on the foundation of Beginners 1–3. The course expands vocabulary and grammar to around 300 words and enables students to handle more everyday situations in Chinese.
By the end of the course, students will be able to understand and participate in simple conversations on daily life, travel, shopping, and some other personal topics. Students will continue practicing all four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing, while learning to recognise and write an increasing number of Chinese characters. This course is delivered by the Language Centre.
Method
The course is taught in both English and Chinese and develops all four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Learners will gain a balanced understanding of Chinese grammar and vocabulary while practising how to comprehend and produce Mandarin in real-life contexts. The lessons combine guided practice in language structures with interactive, communicative activities such as role-play, dialogues, and short writing tasks.
This will be achieved through 20 hours of blended learning: this is composed of 15 hours of online structured lessons with the teacher. This is supplemented by a minimum of 5 hours of guided independent learning supported by complementary material. The course objective will be achieved within the 10-week course.
Materials
HSK Standard Course 2 Textbook
HSK Standard Course 2 (Beijing Language and Culture University Press) Liping, Jiang
ISBN-13: 978-7561937266
Course materials are not included in the fee. We strongly recommend waiting until your course is confirmed before purchasing the textbook.
Entry requirements and progression route
To be able to join Chinese Elementary 1, you need to have completed a Beginners course in Mandarin Chinese at SOAS Language Centre or have an equivalent knowledge of guided learning hours (approximately 60 hours). The progression route from Chinese Elementary 1 is to Chinese Elementary 2; from Elementary 2 to Elementary 3. Upon successful completion of Chinese Elementary 3 you will be able to progress to a Pre-Intermediate level course.
Please note, that each term, courses are subject to quorum requirements.
For course dates and information, please see our timetables.
Structure
Chinese Elementary 1
(HSK 2 Lessons 1–5)
By the end of the course you should be able to:
- talk about what you want or need to do
- describe people and things more precisely
- ask yes/no questions in different ways
- talk about when events happen
- give simple opinions
- talk about routines and simple daily activities
Chinese Elementary 2
(HSK 2 Lessons 6–10)
By the end of the course you should be able to:
- talk about what you are doing right now
- describe abilities and possibilities
- ask about and give directions
- talk about being busy or occupied
- make simple plans and invitations
- describe locations of objects and places
Chinese Elementary 3
(HSK 2 Lessons 11–15)
By the end of the course you should be able to:
- talk about how you feel and basic health situations
- compare people, objects, and situations
- describe past experiences and recent events
- talk about future intentions and upcoming events
- discuss everyday cultural or social activities
- give reasons and make simple suggestions
The above is an indication of content that may be covered over the duration of the course, but it could vary depending on the level and progress of students in the class.
Contact us
Disclaimer
Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules.
Related information
See the full list of Language Centre short courses in Chinese on the Chinese language homepage.
