Interactive

Learner Guide

TM
Cambridge IGCSE
Mandarin Chinese 0547

For examination from 2022

Version 1
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Contents
About this guide 4

Section 1: Syllabus content - what you need to know about 5

Section 2: How you will be assessed 7

Section 3: What skills will be assessed 14

Section 4: Example candidate response 15

Section 5: Revision 20

Section 6: Useful websites 31

 Learner Guide

About this guide

This guide explains what you need to know about your Cambridge IGCSE Mandarin Chinese course and examinations. You
should use this guide alongside the support of your teacher.
It will help you to:
9 understand what skills you should develop by taking this Cambridge IGCSE course

9 understand how you will be assessed

9 understand what we are looking for in the answers you write

9 plan your revision programme

9 revise, by providing revision tips and an interactive revision checklist (Section 5).

Studying Cambridge IGCSE Mandarin Chinese will help you to develop the skills you will need:
• to understand and communicate in everyday situations in Chinese
• to develop your own cultural awareness of China and other countries and communities where Chinese is spoken
• to develop essential linguistic skills which will help you in your future studies or in employment.

Section 1: Syllabus content

Find out what topics you will be learning about. Your teacher can give you more detail.
Section 2: How you will be assessed
Find out:
• how many examinations you will take
• how long each examination lasts
• what different question types the examination will contain
• how to approach each examination.
Section 3: What skills will be assessed
Find out what areas of knowledge, understanding and skills you will need to demonstrate throughout the course and in your
examinations.
Section 4: Example candidate responses
Take a look at an example question and answer from a specimen examination paper. Find out:
• how to interpret the question
• how to avoid common mistakes
• how to improve your exam technique.
Section 5: Revision
Discover:
• ways to help you plan your revision
• some basic revision skills
• some ‘top revision tips’
• a revision checklist for each question.
Section 6: Useful websites
Find out about useful resources to help you study for your Cambridge IGCSE Mandarin Chinese course.

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Section 1: Syllabus content - what you need to know about

This section gives you an outline of the syllabus subject content for this course.

Language skills
During your Cambridge IGCSE Mandarin Chinese course you will need to:
• develop your ability to communicate clearly and effectively when speaking and writing
• develop your ability to understand written and spoken texts
• learn how to use a wide range of vocabulary, correct grammar and spelling.
You can think of your Cambridge IGCSE Mandarin Chinese course as having four main areas of skills and understanding
which will be tested at the end of your course.
• Listening
• Reading
• Speaking
• Writing
See Section 3 for more information about these four language skills which you will be developing while studying the topics
listed below.

Topics for study

The content of what you will need to learn is organised in five broad topic areas (A–E) below. When you study these topics
you will get an insight into the country and communities where Chinese is spoken. You will also develop your skills of
Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing through the study of these topic areas.

Here are five main topic areas which you will study during your course:

A Everyday activities

B Personal and social life

C The world around us

D The world of work

E The international world

These topic areas may be studied in any order. Your teacher will decide when it is best to study each topic area. You may
already have done some work on these topic areas before but these will be developed during your course and you will also
meet new topic areas. These five main topic areas will be divided into several sub-topics by your teacher. The list below shows
examples of possible sub-topics which your teacher may choose to focus on during the course.

A Everyday activities
• Time expressions
• Food and drink
• The human body and health
• Travel and transport
B Personal and social life
• Self, family and friends
• Home life
• Colours
• Clothes and accessories
• Leisure time

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C The world around us

• People and places
• The natural world, the environment, the climate and the weather
• Communications and technology
• The built environment
• Measurements
D The world of work
• Education
• Work
E The international world
• Countries, nationalities and languages
• Culture, customs, faiths and celebrations
Ask your teacher for more detail about the topic areas. You can also find more detail in the Revision checklists of this guide.

During your course you will have the opportunity to develop and apply a range of language skills in each of the above five
main topic areas.

You will be expected to read and understand a variety of written and spoken texts taken from the above five main topic areas.
When you read or hear a text you will need to show that you can understand the main ideas, opinions and attitudes. You
will also be expected to select and extract details and occasionally work out the meaning of unknown words from familiar
language you know in texts in the above topic areas.

You should be able to write on familiar, everyday topics and show you can speak the language by taking part in everyday
conversations.

More details about language skills can be found in Section 3.

Vocabulary list
There is a list of vocabulary in the syllabus which covers the essential vocabulary for the five topic areas. During your course,
you will need to learn vocabulary regularly as you meet new topics. This will make sure that you know the essential words and
have a good foundation to acquire new vocabulary. You will already know some of the words on the Vocabulary list from your
earlier study of Chinese but others will be new. Your teacher will be aware of this list and will introduce new vocabulary as
required when new topic areas are introduced. You will also need to learn other vocabulary in addition to this list.

The Vocabulary list can be found in the syllabus.

Grammar and structures

There is a list in the syllabus of grammar and structures which you will need to cover and can expect to meet in your
Cambridge IGCSE assessments. This list covers, for example, which nouns, adjectives, adverbs, verbs (time frames) you will
need to know. Your teacher will again be aware of this list and will introduce new structures as the course progresses.

Make sure you always check the latest syllabus, which is available at www.cambridgeinternational.org

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Section 2: How you will be assessed

You will be assessed at the end of the course using four compulsory components (examinations):
• Paper 1 Listening
• Paper 2 Reading
• Paper 3 Speaking
• Paper 4 Writing
All candidates sit the same four papers. Grades A* to G are available on these four papers for Cambridge IGCSE.
Papers 1, 2 and 4 are written components. Paper 3 is a Speaking test. The Speaking test takes place before the written
components. Your teacher will give you precise details about when this component will take place.

Components at a glance
This table summarises the key information about each examination. You can find details and advice on how to approach each
component in the ‘About each paper and component’ sub-section below.

Component Time and Skills assessed Details Percentage of

marks qualification
Paper 1 35 minutes Listening You will listen to a number of 25%
recordings and answer multiple-choice
30 marks
and matching questions.
Paper 2 1 hour 15 Reading You will read a number of texts and 25%
minutes answer multiple-choice and matching
questions as well as questions
40 marks
requiring short answers in Chinese.
Paper 3 About 10 Speaking You will complete one role play and 25%
minutes conversations on two topics.
40 marks
Paper 4 1 hour 15 Writing You will complete one form-filling 25%
minutes task, one directed writing task and one
task in the format of an email/letter or
45 marks
article/blog.

Remember, you must take all four papers. You should attempt all sections of the written papers.

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About each component

Below are further details about each component.
Paper 1 Listening
Dictionaries are not allowed in the examination.
General points to note:
• There are multiple-choice and matching questions. Each question tests your understanding of a recorded text.
• The questions at the beginning are easier and gradually get more difficult as the examination progresses.
• The earlier texts you will hear are shorter than the later texts.
• You will hear each recorded text twice.
• You should try to answer all of the questions.
• Questions can come from any topic listed in the five topic areas mentioned above in Section 1.
• You are not required to write any answers in Chinese. You will need to answer all questions by choosing the correct
option(s).
• A thorough knowledge of the Vocabulary list is essential for this examination.
Description of question groups
Exercise 1
Task You will hear short texts and answer five multiple-choice questions, each with four options.
Text types Announcements, phone messages or statements.
Total marks 5
Exercise 2
Task You will hear a monologue or dialogue containing factual information and answer five multiple-choice
questions, each with four options.
Text types Short monologue or dialogue.
Total marks 5
Exercise 3
Task You will hear five short monologues and match the names of people with the correct pictures.
Text types Short monologues.
Total marks 5
Exercise 4
Task You will hear a dialogue (conversation or interview) and match the speakers’ opinions/attitudes on
different aspects.
Text types Conversation or interview.
Total marks 5
Exercise 5
Task You will hear a monologue and answer five multiple-choice questions, each with four options.
Text types Monologue.
Total marks 5
Exercise 6
Task You will hear a dialogue (conversation, discussion or interview) and answer five multiple-choice
questions, each with three options.
Text types Conversation, discussion or interview.
Total marks 5

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Paper 2 Reading
Dictionaries are not allowed in the examination.
General points to note:
• The questions at the beginning are easier and gradually get more difficult as the examination progresses.
• The earlier texts are shorter than the later texts.
• Each exercise contains multiple-choice questions, matching questions or questions with short answers in Chinese.
• You should try to answer all of the questions.
• Questions can come from any topic listed in the five topic areas mentioned above in Section 1.
• When you answer questions in Chinese, try not to copy large sections of the text as this will not show the examiner that
you have understood precisely.
• When answering in Chinese, your answer will be marked for communicating the correct message. If there is inaccuracy in
the Chinese it will be accepted provided that the message of your answer is clear.
• A thorough knowledge of the Vocabulary list is essential for this examination.
Description of question groups
Exercise 1
Task You will answer multiple-choice questions, each with four options on some short texts.
Text types Simple descriptions.
Total marks 5
Exercise 2
Task You will match a series of short statements with the correct pictures.
Text types Simple descriptions.
Total marks 4
Exercise 3
Task You will answer multiple-choice questions, each with four options on a short text, short descriptive text,
email, message, postcard or letter.
Text types Signs, notices, instructions, messages, advertisements.
Total marks 3
Exercise 4
Task You will answer questions on a longer text which requires short responses in Chinese.
Text types Email, message, letter or blog.
Total marks 9
Exercise 5
Task You will match a series of questions with four short texts on the description of places, events, services or
activities. All texts are on a common theme.
Text types Short descriptions, advertisements, notices.
Total marks 5
Exercise 6
Task You will answer multiple-choice questions, each with four options on a longer text.
Text types Article.
Total marks 5
Exercise 7
Task You will answer questions on a longer text requiring short responses in Chinese.
Text types Article.
Total marks 9
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Paper 3 Speaking
Dictionaries are not allowed in the examination.
General points to note:
• The Speaking test lasts for approximately 10 minutes.
• You will have 10 minutes of preparation time before the test. During this time you will be given the setting (scenario) of
the role play task to think about. You are not allowed to make notes.
• In the test, there will be a brief warm-up of about 30 seconds. The warm-up is not assessed.
• You will have to complete one role play situation with five questions (approximately two minutes).
• The role plays will be on familiar topics, e.g. transactions in shops, using public transport, directions and ordering food and
drinks.
• You will then respond to questions on two different conversation topics (approximately four minutes on each topic).
• The conversation topics will come from the areas listed in Section 1.
• The first conversation topic will come from topic area A (Everyday activities) or B (Personal and social life).
• The second conversation topic will come from topic area C (The world around us), D (The world of work), or E (The
international world).
• Each conversation topic will have questions which give you the opportunity to show that you can use past, present and
future tenses (time frames).
• Each conversation topic will have questions for you to show you can share views, opinions and your experiences.
• The role play and the topic conversations will be set in everyday, familiar contexts. They will all be based on the topics
listed in Section 1 of this guide.
• A thorough knowledge of the Vocabulary list is essential for this examination.
Description of the Speaking test
Each Speaking test lasts approximately 10 minutes, and is structured as follows:
One role play Timing
A warm-up section which is not assessed. approximately 30 seconds
One role play – candidates respond to five transactional questions to, for example, approximately two minutes
accomplish a task or obtain goods or services .
Total marks for the role play (5 tasks x 2 marks) = 10 marks

Two topic conversations Timing

Two topic conversations – candidates respond to questions on each topic to share views, approximately four
opinions and experiences. minutes for each
conversation
Total marks for both conversations marked together = 30 marks
(15 for Communication and 15 for Quality of Language)

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Mark scheme for the Speaking test

Below is the mark scheme that your examiner will use to assess your Speaking test.
Role play (5 tasks x 2 marks)
Each of the five role play tasks is assessed using the mark scheme below:

2 The information is communicated. Language is appropriate to the situation and is accurate.

Minor errors (e.g. use of prepositions, etc.) are allowed.
1 The information is partly communicated and/or the meaning is ambiguous.
Errors impede communication.
0 No creditable response.

Topic conversations
Both the conversations are assessed together. There is one mark for Communication, out of 15 and one mark for Quality
of Language (also out of 15). Total 30 marks.
Communication

Mark Level Descriptor

13–15 Very good • Responds confidently to questions; may occasionally need repetition of words or phrases.
• Communicates information which is consistently relevant to the questions.
• Frequently develops ideas and opinions.
• Justifies and explains some answers.
10–12 Good • Responds well to questions; requires occasional use of the alternative question(s)
provided.
• Communicates information which is almost always relevant to the questions.
• Sometimes develops ideas and opinions.
• Gives reasons or explanations for some answers.
7–9 Satisfactory • Responds satisfactorily to questions; frequently requires use of the alternative
question(s) provided.
• Communicates most of the required information; may occasionally give irrelevant
information.
• Conveys simple, straightforward opinions.
4–6 Weak • Has difficulty with many questions but still attempts an answer.
• Communicates some simple information relevant to the questions.
1–3 Poor • Frequently has difficulty understanding the questions and has great difficulty in replying.
• Communicates one or two basic pieces of information relevant to the questions.
0 • No creditable response.

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Quality of Language

Mark Level Descriptor

13–15 Very good • Accurate use of a wide range of the structures listed in the syllabus with occasional errors
in more complex language.
• Accurate use of a wide range of vocabulary with occasional errors.
• Very good pronunciation, fluency, intonation and expression; occasional mistakes or
hesitation.
10–12 Good • Good use of a range of the structures listed in the syllabus, with some errors.
• Good use of a range of vocabulary with some errors.
• Good pronunciation and fluency despite some errors or hesitation; a good attempt at
correct intonation and expression.
7–9 Satisfactory • Satisfactory use of some of the structures listed in the syllabus, with frequent errors.
• Satisfactory use of vocabulary with frequent errors.
• Satisfactory pronunciation and fluency despite frequent errors and hesitation; some
attempt at intonation and expression.
4–6 Weak • Limited range of structures and vocabulary, rarely accurate and/or complete; frequent
ambiguity.
• Pronunciation can be understood with some effort; very noticeable hesitations and stilted
delivery.
1–3 Poor • Very limited range of structures and vocabulary, almost always inaccurate.
• Poor pronunciation, rarely comprehensible; many serious errors.
0 • No creditable response.

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Paper 4 Writing
Dictionaries are not allowed in the examination.
General points to note:
• You will need to answer three questions.
• The Writing paper starts with an easier, short question, Question 1, which you can answer with single words or phrases.
• For Question 2, you will need to write about 80–100 characters. Make sure that you complete all of the set tasks.
• In Question 3, you will have the choice between two questions, 3(a) or 3(b). One will be an email or letter and the other
will be an article or blog.
• For Question 3, you will need to write about 150 characters. Make sure you complete all of the set tasks.
• When you write, you should try to be as accurate as possible and use a variety of structures, time frames and vocabulary.
• You will need to plan your time carefully.
• A thorough knowledge of the Vocabulary list is essential for this examination.
Description of questions
The Writing paper has a form-filling task, a directed writing task and an extended writing task.
Question 1
Task You will fill in a form with single words or short phrases in response to a given context.
Total marks 5
Question 2
Task You will complete a directed writing task in 80–100 characters on a familiar, everyday topic.
Total marks 12
Question 3
Task You will choose between two tasks (an email/letter or an article/blog) and complete one of these in
about 150 characters.
Total marks 28
More detail about the Writing paper can be found in Section 4 of this guide.

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Section 3: What skills will be assessed

The areas of knowledge, understanding and skills that you will be assessed on are called assessment objectives (AOs).
You can think of your Cambridge IGCSE Mandarin Chinese course as having four main areas of skills and understanding:
• Listening
• Reading
• Speaking
• Writing
Here is an outline of the four skills that you should aim to have developed by the end of your course.

Assessment
What does the AO mean? What do you need to be able to do?
objectives (AO)
AO1 Listening This is the part of the course • understand the main points and key information in simple
where your ability to understand everyday material
recordings of spoken Chinese is • understand clear speech on a range of familiar topics
assessed.
• understand the description of events and expression of
ideas, opinions and attitudes in simple texts
• identify and select relevant information in predictable
texts.
AO2 Reading This is the part of the course • understand the main points and key information in simple
where your ability to understand everyday material
different kinds of written Chinese • understand authentic factual texts on a range of familiar
will be assessed. topics
• understand the description of events and expression of
ideas, opinions and attitudes in simple texts
• identify and select relevant information in predictable
texts.
AO3 Speaking This is the part of the course • communicate clearly and effectively in a range of
where your ability to speak predictable everyday situations
Chinese will be assessed. • engage in conversations on familiar topics, expressing
opinions and feelings
• use a range of structures and vocabulary with reasonable
accuracy
• demonstrate some ability to maintain interaction
• show some control of pronunciation and intonation.
AO4 Writing This is the part of the course • communicate simple factual information clearly for
where your ability to write in everyday purposes
Chinese will be assessed. • write simple phrases and sentences on a familiar topic
• write simple connected texts describing events,
experiences, opinions and hopes and ambitions
• use a range of simple vocabulary and language structures
reasonably accurately.

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Section 4: Example candidate response

This section takes you through an example question and answer from a Cambridge IGCSE Mandarin Chinese specimen
paper. It will help you to see how to identify words within questions and to understand what is required in your response. A
command word or phrase, is the part of the question that tells you what you need to do with your knowledge. For example,
you might need to describe something, give information, give an opinion and say why you have this opinion.

All information and advice in this section is specific to the example question and response
being demonstrated. It should give you an idea of how your responses might be viewed by an
examiner but it is not a list of what to do in all questions. In your own examination, you will
need to pay careful attention to what each question is asking you to do.

This section is separated as follows:

Question
Words in the question have been highlighted and their
meaning explained. This should help you to understand
clearly what is required by the question.

Mark scheme
This tells you as clearly as possible what an examiner expects
from an answer to award marks.

Example candidate response

This is an example of an answer that a candidate might write
in exam conditions. Good points and problems have been
highlighted.

How the answer could have been improved

This summarises what could be done to gain more marks.

Common mistakes
This will help you to avoid common mistakes made by
candidates. So often candidates lose marks in their exams
because they misread or misinterpret the questions.

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Paper 4
Question 3(a)
4

3 从题目3(a)或者3(b)中选择一个，用中文写150个字左右。
Answer Question 3(a) or Question 3(b). Write about 150 characters in Chinese.

(a) 礼物

你最近收到了一个礼物。写一封电子邮件给你的朋友, 说说：

• 你收到了什么礼物；
• 这个礼物是谁送给你的；
• 你跟他/她的关系怎么样；
• 他/她为什么送礼物给你；
• 收到礼物后，你打算做什么。
[28]

或者

(b) 上网学习 This is a key instruction. You will choose

选择
one of the two tasks. It is important
that you look at both questions 3(a)
《中学生杂志》想了解一下学生对上网学习的看法。给杂志写一篇文
章, 说说： and 3(b) first, and then decide which
Make sure that you question you would like to answer.
notice the word count• 你上网学过什么；
• 你每次学多长时间；
and try to keep within it. 写150个字左右
• 上网学习有什么好处或者坏处；
• 你打算上网学习什么新的东西；为什么。
[28]
What present did you receive? You
will need to say what present you
received to complete the task. Note
你收到了什么礼物 the tense of the question is in the
past. This task must therefore be
answered in the past time frame.

Who gave the present to you?

You will need to say who gave
you the present to complete the 礼物是谁送给你的?
task. Giving details and opinions is
90

important in order to fulfil the task.

What is the relationship like between
you and him/her? For this bullet,
you need to describe the relationship
你跟他/她的关系怎么样? between you and the person who gave
you the present. The present time
frame would be appropriate for giving
Why? This is the key instruction. detailed information and your opinions.
You will need to explain why
he/she gave you the2019
© UCLES present. A 0547/04/SP/22
为什么?
reason must be given to complete
this task. Giving the reasons is
important in order to fulfil the task.
What are you planning to
do? This bullet requires you
你打算做什么? to answer in the future time
frame.

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Mark scheme
This is part of the mark scheme that shows the maximum marks that you can get for each question. The complete mark
scheme can be found in the syllabus.

Task completion (9–10 marks out of 10)

• Completes all tasks. • You need to show that you have answered all parts of the question.
• Gives detailed information, opinions/ • You should add as much relevant information as clearly as you can which
reactions and explanations. refers to the set bullet points.
• The writing is focused and wholly • You should make sure that in the bullet points asking for explanations and
relevant. opinions that you add these in. Do not add something which is not needed to
answer the bullet points.
Range (9–10 marks out of 10)
• Uses extended well-linked sentences • You need to show that you can often write longer sentences which are linked
frequently. by joining words.
• Uses a wide range of simple and • You should be able to use a variety of more complicated verbal structures
complex structures listed in the and other structures listed in the syllabus rather than just short, simple
syllabus to produce sentences of sentences with a straightforward subject and verb, (for example, perfect
varying length. infinitives, dependent infinitives, in a variety of time frames.) You should also
be able to write using as wide a variety as possible of appropriate adjectives
and adverbs to add interest to your answer.
• Uses a wide range of vocabulary • You should show that you can use as wide a range as possible of vocabulary.
appropriate to the task(s). You should be able to use all the words in the Vocabulary list and, in places
go beyond this list when it is relevant to the tasks.
Accuracy (7–8 marks out of 8)
• Writing in characters and use • Your answer should be highly accurate. But, note that your writing does not
of grammar are accurate; not have to be 100% accurate to score in this mark range, occasional errors may
necessarily faultless. be made. You should check your work very carefully as you write it and allow
time for checking again when you have finished.
• Occasional errors in characters • If you occasionally make a mistake in characters and grammar you will still
and grammar do not impede be able to score in this mark range provided that the mistake you have made
communication. does not prevent the reader from understanding what you have written.

Example candidate response

小海，你好！

咋天 我收了 一手机 。这手机 是妈妈送给我的。新手机是珢 色 。珢色是最我

喜欢的颜色 。

我妈妈 的关系非常好。妈妈是一个医生。虽然她的工作很亡 ，但是妈妈很喜欢她的工

作因为她可以邦助 病人。只要妈妈空 ，一起 我们 跑步 去公园因为我们喜欢运动
都 。和爸爸相比，我觉得对我妈妈 的影响更大.

明天我想去学校 我的新手机 。除子 和朋友们打电话，我还会看新闻用我的新手机 .

Task completion = 8 out of 10

Range = 7 out of 10
Accuracy = 5 out of 8

Total mark awarded = 20 out of 28

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Examiner comment
The writing is mostly relevant to the set tasks and includes some opinions and some extra supporting details. If reasons for
why the present is given had been included, all the set tasks would have been covered. There are some extended sentences
with varied length, including attempts in some complex structures. The vocabulary used was varied where appropriate.
Errors in some character writing or missing characters in sentences impeded comprehension. Where there are mistakes in
sentence order, they did not often stop the messages in the writing being communicated effectively.
Task completion
In terms of task completion, most of the five tasks are done quite well. Development of writing is shown for tasks two, three
and five but on the fourth task, no reasons are given for why he received the present. It is essential that all of the set tasks are
attempted and covered with relevant detail. If an answer is to score high marks for task completion, it should include not just
opinions but also reasons which explain these opinions and extra clear supporting detail. The writing is mostly relevant to the
set tasks but the answer for task one is straightforward. It was pleasing to see the candidate make the effort to give detailed
information and explanations for task three, and to use comparison to express opinions in the last sentence in paragraph two
, which are also relevant.
Range
The candidate uses a good range of vocabulary which is appropriate to the task. In addition, sentences are of a varied length
and there is evidence of the candidate attempting some complex sentence structures. However, there needs to be a greater
range and variety of structures to achieve the higher band.
Some key verbs in sentences were missing, e.g. which should here have been 我收到了 and which should here
have been 带我的新手机去学校. There are some attempts of using complex structures such as 只要…就…in and 对…
in although they were not always successful. A well-linked sentence such as the comparison structure 和……相比 in the
second paragraph is used securely, but complex structures like this should be used more often.
The vocabulary used is appropriate. The candidate uses mostly simple vocabulary but, on occasion, the attempts of using
最、颜色 in and 有空 in , 帮助 and 影响 in paragraph two added some depth to the vocabulary. However, they
were not always secure.
Accuracy
To score the top band the character writing and grammar, including the sentence order, must be accurate, although the mark
scheme does not require the writing to be 100% flawless, providing communication is clear.
Errors in a few frequently used characters occurred, e.g. , , and and is also incorrect in 帮助, which is a
slightly less common character. The measure word 个 is missing in and . Adjectives were attempted but the use of 的
for an adjective is not secured, e.g. 跟/和我 is missing in .
The time frames and model verbs were used securely, however, there are a few errors in the sentence order, e.g. 我们就一起
去公园跑步 for and and 因为我们都喜欢运动 in . This occurred in , and also, which sometimes
impeded communication.

How the answer could have been improved

Overall this is typical of a response that would get a middle-range mark. The work would have scored well for completion of
task but could have been improved by ensuring reasons for why the present was given to him were included. A greater range
and variety of language structures and vocabulary could have been attempted and the work needed careful checking for
accuracy of character writing and to make sure that there were no missing characters in sentences.

Common mistakes
These are some of the most common mistakes made by candidates when answering this type of question:
• Candidates do not read the question carefully.
• Candidates do not pay close attention to the question words and, as a consequence, their answers contain irrelevant
material.
• Candidates do not have a habit of ticking each task once it is covered, therefore, tasks might not all be completed.
• Candidates do not think carefully about the time frames required to answer each task.
• Candidates do not always remember to include at least two opinions/reactions and explanations.

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• Answers are often longer than the advised length of 150 characters. (Very long answers tend to include inaccuracies and
irrelevant material).
• Some sentences are short and are not joined by linking words. They could be made more complex by linking them better.
• Accuracy in character writing are not always checked by candidates. Inaccuracies of characters could cause ambiguity or
confusion, which impede communication.
• Candidates do not always pay enough attention in checking sentence order and the message can become confused.
• Missing measure words or wrong measure words is a common error.

General advice
In order to answer this kind of question well:
• Read both questions 3(a) and 3(b) and choose the one with the set tasks that you can say the most about it in Mandarin
Chinese.
• Highlight the question words on the question paper and make sure that you give relevant information when answering
them.
• Tick off each task as you answer them.
• Write a few time words you may want to use, e.g. past time frame words such as, 昨天, 上个月, 上个周末, 去年 and
future time frame words such as, 明天, 下个月, 下个周末, 明年.
• Make a quick list of structures you want to include, e.g. 不但……而且……, 虽然……但是……,因为……所以……, 对…...,
越……越……, 如果……就……,不是……而是……Try to use these structures in your answer so your sentences are longer.
• Plan your answer carefully and try to write at least two sentences for each task, therefore providing further detail.
• Always put in reasons for feelings and opinions and try to develop your answer by adding supporting, relevant details.
• If a task asked you about 为什么? you must include an explanation. Furthermore, ensure you justify your opinions in your
answers, where appropriate.
• Take great care in character writing with characters you know you often have difficulty with.
• Quickly write down a complex sentence you remember accurately on the scrap paper, and use this to counter check if you
have got the sentence order correct in your writing. Extra care should be placed on the order of words expressing time,
places and activities.
• Check all the measure words and make sure they match and have the correct agreements.
• Make sure you write as clearly and neatly as possible. If you want to cross anything out just put one line through the
material you do not want the examiner to consider.

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Section 5: Revision
This advice will help you to revise and prepare for the examinations. It is divided into general advice for all papers and more
specific advice for each of the papers.
Use the tick boxes to keep a record of what you have done, what you plan to do or what you understand.

General advice
Before the examination
Find out when the examinations are and plan your revision so that you have time to revise. Create a revision timetable
and divide it into sections to cover each topic. Start revising for your Speaking test before revising for the other papers as
this test will take place before the written papers.
Find out how long each paper is, how many questions you have to answer, how many marks there are for each question.
Learn the meaning of the words used in questions and how to apply them to the information given. Look at past
examination papers and specimen papers and highlight the words in the questions and check what they mean. Make sure
that you learn common question words such as 什么？哪儿？什么时候？怎么样？为什么？谁？
Make revision notes on each topic area. Try different styles of notes.
Work for short periods, then have a break. Revise small sections of the syllabus at a time.
Make lists of positive and negative opinions/feelings which you can use in lots of different situations.
Make a list of time words. Categorise them into three groups (e.g. past time frame, present time frame and future time
frame).
Test yourself by writing out key vocabulary for each topic you study. Divide the words to be learnt into small lists.
Try drawing an item or symbol for key vocabulary. Sometimes you can learn better using visual aids.
Learning at least all of the vocabulary on the Vocabulary list is essential. You can find it in the syllabus or ask your teacher
for a copy. Tick off items as you learn them during the course.
Make sure you learn the most common verbs thoroughly. Try writing out verbs in different tenses (e.g. past time frame,
present time frame and future time frame) by using spider diagrams and word maps.
Remember that you can’t leave all of your revision until shortly before the exams. You need to revise “little and often”
throughout the course and revisit vocabulary and structures regularly.
Keep a checklist of words and structures which you know you often spell or use incorrectly. Look at the list frequently and
tick the words you know and can spell.
Time yourself on past and specimen papers so that you become aware of how to plan your time during the real
examination. Try to get as much practice as you can on past and specimen papers so you know what to expect.
Look at mark schemes to help you to understand how the marks are awarded for each question. Refer to the syllabus.

How to learn/revise vocabulary and grammar

Start learning vocabulary very early. It is very difficult to memorise long lists of words just before the exam. You may find
it easier to learn words by topic, as this can help to reinforce meaning and connections between words.
During your course, make sure that you learn all new vocabulary and revise previously met vocabulary as often as you
can.
It is probably best to focus on learning 15–20 words per day. Test yourself as you go.
Learning vocabulary can be done with a partner, but don’t forget to do the memorising before you test each other. Agree
on a section of vocabulary, spend 10 minutes in silence working on it and then test each other for 5 minutes.
You may like to annotate and use a highlighter on your vocabulary revision lists. Tick off the words that you know and
concentrate on the ones that you still need to learn.

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You may find it helpful to start your revision session by reviewing the words that you learnt last time. You could end your
revision session by creating a vocabulary test for you to do at the start of your next session.
Pleco is an app for learning and revising vocabulary. You can also create flashcards by using Quizlet, which contains the
vocabulary aimed at Cambridge IGCSE Mandarin Chinese level.
Make a list of words that are particularly relevant for talking about your own life and interests. For example, if you love
playing basketball, look up and learn the key words that you might need in order to talk or write about this activity.
Sometimes a word just doesn’t seem to stay in your memory, so try to say it in a sentence that means something to you.
Giving it a context like this can help it to stay in your mind.
Visual associations work for some people. Draw pictures that help you to remember certain characters can help you to
revise. You can’t do this for every word but it can help with some of them.
A good tactic might be to learn adjectives in pairs of opposites -高/矮, 聪明/笨, 长/短, 冷/热.
Make a list of verbs expressing future time frames, e.g. 打算, 计划 . Test yourself.
When learning, some people find that saying (or singing) the words out loud works well. Why not try it!
The Cambridge IGCSE Mandarin Chinese syllabus has a list of grammar points to revise. Look them up in your grammar
notes or textbook and tick them when you know them.

During the examinations

Read the instructions carefully and try to answer all the questions on the Listening and Reading papers. On the Writing
paper answer Question 1, Question 2 and either Question 3(a) or 3(b).
Do not answer more questions than are needed as this will not gain you more marks.
Do not leave out questions or parts of questions. Remember, no answer means no mark.
Read each question carefully.
• Identify the key words in questions – you could underline or circle them.
• Identify other key vocabulary and perhaps underline or circle that too.
• Make sure you identify the question words such as 什么？ 哪儿？ 什么时候？ 怎么样？ 为什么？ 谁？
Read all parts of a question before starting your answer. Think carefully about what is needed for each part.
Only write what is relevant and needed to answer the question.
Remember to cross out clearly any incorrect answer that you do not want the examiner to consider.
Always start your answer on the given line and not above it or below it.
For multiple-choice and box ticking questions make sure you tick the correct number of boxes. If you tick too many you
will not get the mark. If you tick too many boxes by mistake, cross out the incorrect one(s) clearly.
On the written papers, remember to write clearly in black or blue pen. Do not write first in pencil and then write over the
top in pen. If an examiner can’t see an answer clearly you will not get the mark.
Make sure that your writing is clear and easy to read.
Check your spelling and grammar very carefully.

Paper 1 Listening advice

Remember that there are six types of exercise in this paper. The recordings that you hear at the beginning of the paper are
shorter than the later recordings. The questions gradually get more difficult.
When you read the instructions for each exercise, think about the topic area, the setting, who is talking and about what.
Think about the kind of vocabulary that you are likely to hear.
Think about the kind of information that you are being asked for in the questions. This will give you an indication of what
to listen out for.
Follow the instructions carefully and make sure that you know how many answers to choose. Most questions will require
you to indicate just one answer but on the last exercise, you will need to choose two answers for each question.
Try to answer all of the questions. If you are unsure, make an intelligent deduction.

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The texts may contain words that you don’t know, but you should be able to work out the meaning of them from the
context or other clues given in the texts.
In questions which are based on longer recorded texts, do not decide on an answer too quickly before the speaker has
finished what s/he is saying.
If you do miss an answer, try not to panic. Instead, continue concentrating and focus on the next part of the recording and
the next question so that you do not lose your place.
Paper 2 Reading advice
Start from the beginning of the paper and work your way through. The texts that you read will get longer as the
examination progresses.
The later exercises have longer texts and more complex questioning. Make sure that you allow enough time to answer
them.
On multiple-choice questions, choose one option only.
On questions requiring you to answer in Chinese characters keep your answers as brief as possible. Many of the questions
will not require you to answer in a full sentence.
Select the correct material carefully and do not add extra detail which does not answer the question as this may mean
you do not get the mark because you have not shown that you have understood the text and/or the question.
Answers in Chinese characters will be marked for communication rather than for accuracy. Inaccuracies will be tolerated
by the examiner providing that the message of your answer is clear.
The matching questions require careful study. You may need to check two or three details within each description in order
to identify the correct answer.
If the reading passage has a title, make sure that you read it as it will give you a clue about the content of the text.
Remember that on longer reading texts, the questions follow the order of the information in the text.
The texts may contain words that you don’t know, but you should be able to work out the meaning of them from the
context or other clues given in the texts.
Check that you know and understand the question words (e.g. 什么？ 哪儿？ 什么时候？ 怎么样？ 为什么？ 谁？).
If two marks are allocated to a question, remember to give two answers, one on each answer line.
Try to answer all of the questions. If you are unsure, make an intelligent deduction.
Make sure that you allow enough time to check all of your answers carefully.

Paper 3 Speaking advice

Learn all new structures and points of grammar carefully and practise using them in your speaking.
Ask your teacher if s/he can make a recording of useful questions which you could try to answer at home.
It is essential that you learn all question words (such as 什么？ 哪儿？ 什么时候？ 怎么样？ 为什么？ 谁？ 多少？
多久？) carefully so that you know what you are being asked by the examiner.
Learn numbers and quantities carefully. This will be useful for the role plays.
Learn how to ask for things to be repeated or to indicate that you have not heard something.
Practise answering questions about yourself or people/places that you know. Be aware of how you pronounce the
words and how quickly you talk. Practise answering questions about a topic of interest, focusing on the accuracy of your
grammar and your sentences and giving as much detail as possible. It can be helpful to record what you say so that you
can listen to your answers again and identify where you could improve.
For each of the two conversation topics that you are asked questions on during your Speaking test, try to give answers
which are as detailed as possible. The aim is to answer the questions with a short paragraph of speech. Extend your
answers by adding examples and extra details (when, where, who, with, why, etc.). Give your opinions and support them
with reasons and explanations.
If your teacher/examiner wants you to try to give a longer answer, they may say something like 还有什么？ (anything
else?). If your teacher/examiner asks you to elaborate, try to do so.

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Try to practise speaking Chinese as much as possible. Revising with a friend can help.
Speak clearly and try not to rush.

Paper 4 Writing advice

Learn all new structures and points of grammar carefully and practise using them in your writing.
Learn how to spell and write accurately expressions for ideas such as how to express disappointment, how to be pleased
about something, how to be in agreement with somebody, how to give an apology and how to give positive and negative
opinions and preferences.
Learn a set of more complex sentence structures to use when writing. Comparatives and superlatives can be good ways of
expressing opinions. Aim to include linking words, such as 先, 然后/再, 最后 and structures such as 好处是……坏处是to
express opinions.
Practise writing about a person who you know well. Then re-write your description, making any simple sentences into
more detailed ones.
Work out which grammar mistakes you make when writing. Practise writing on different topics, making sure that you
review your work and correct your grammar mistakes afterwards.
Make sure that you practise writing answers to past and specimen questions so that you know how long to spend on each
question.
When reading through a question paper for the first time, you may find it helpful to underline or circle the question words
so that you know precisely what you are being asked.
In Question 2, think about which time frame each bullet point is asking you to write in.
In Question 3, think about whether each bullet point is asking you to write about things in the past time frame, present
time frame or future time frame.
In Questions 2 and 3, try to include a good range of structures which will show that you can use a wide variety of
language.
In the exam, plan your time carefully. You may find it useful to write a brief plan for each question that you answer. In
your plan, you may wish to write down relevant key verbs in the appropriate time frame. Draw a line through your plan
after you have finished with it.
Try to stick to the word limits in Questions 2 and 3. What you write must be relevant to the set bullet points. Irrelevant
material will not gain you credit.
Make sure that you allow enough time to check all of your answers carefully. Ensure that you have covered all of the set
tasks. You could then check that the sentences you have written are in the right word order, and you could also check the
accuracy of the characters and agreement of measure words and adjectives with 的.

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Revision checklists
In the next part of this guide we have provided some revision checklists. These include information from the syllabus that you should revise. They don’t contain all the detailed knowledge
you need to know, just an overview. For more detail see the syllabus and talk to your teacher.
The table headings are explained below:

Question You should be able to R A G Comments

For each of the These are the key skills and understanding you need to You can use the tick boxes to show when you have revised You can:
examination papers answer these types of questions. an item and how confident you feel about it.
• add further information of your
for Listening, Reading,
R = RED means you are really unsure and lack confidence; own, such as useful structures/
Speaking and Writing,
you might want to focus your revision here and possibly points of grammar to check, refer to
there is a list of
talk to your teacher for help. the list of grammar and structures
questions.
in the syllabus
A = AMBER means you are reasonably confident but need
some extra practice. • add key vocabulary areas and
phrases to check from the topic
G = GREEN means you are very confident. areas and Vocabulary list in the
As your revision progresses, you can concentrate on the syllabus
RED and AMBER items in order to turn them into GREEN • pinpoint areas of difficulty you need
items. You might find it helpful to highlight each topic in to check further with your teacher
red, orange or green to help you prioritise. or textbooks
• include reference to useful websites
and other resources.
Note: the table below cannot contain absolutely everything you need to know, but it does use examples wherever it can.

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Paper 1 Listening
Question You should be able to R A G Comments
Exercises 1 and 2 Understand the main points and key information in 8 short recordings, and one
short recording (a monologue or dialogue), dealing with everyday needs, e.g.
• Simple transactions in shops
• Simple directions or instructions
Understand (straightforward) factual information and (simple) ideas from a
range of sources, e.g.
• Announcements
• Phone messages
• Dialogues
Understand material on a range of familiar topics, e.g.
• Leisure activities
• Tourist information
• Accommodation
• Transport
• Weather
• Meals
• Prices
Identify and select main points and specific information on the above kinds of
topics.
Exercises 3 and 4 Understand (straightforward) factual information and (simple) ideas and
opinions in a short informal conversation and a dialogue or two shorter
dialogues on a range of familiar, everyday topics, e.g.
• Personal and family information
• Food and drink
• Travel and transport
• Shopping
• Local area

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Question You should be able to R A G Comments

• Employment
• School
• Leisure activities
• Countries and nationalities
• Languages
• Celebrations
• Customs
Understand descriptions of events, opinions, emotions and ambitions (future
intentions) in simple texts.
Identify and select main points, specific information, and details on the above
kinds of topics.
Exercises 5 and 6 Understand descriptions of events, opinions, emotions and ambitions in two
longer conversations, discussions or interviews.

Identify and select specific information, (factual information) and details.

Identify and select main points, themes, opinions, ideas, emotions and attitudes
in predictable texts.

Work out the meaning of occasional unknown words and expressions from the
context.

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Paper 2 Reading
Question You should be able to R A G Comments
Exercises 1 and 2 Understand the main points and key information in short simple texts, e.g.
• signs and notices in public places (restaurants, and bus/railway stations and
airports)
Identify specific information and details in short simple descriptions and texts,
e.g.
• Adverts
• Brochures
• Timetables
• Instructions
• Messages
Exercises 3 and 4 Understand two short factual texts (e.g. emails, messages, blogs, or letters) on a
range of familiar, everyday topics and situations, e.g.
• Personal and family information
• Travel and transport
• Food and drink
• Shopping
• Local area
• Employment
• School
• Leisure activities
• Countries and nationalities
• Languages
• Celebrations
• Customs
These two texts will be longer than in exercises 1 and 2.
Identify and select main points, specific information and details in simple
predictable texts.

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Question You should be able to R A G Comments

Exercises 5 and 6 Understand the description of events and expression of ideas, opinions and
attitudes in a set of short simple texts (e.g. short descriptions, advertisements)
on a common theme.
Understand the description of events, opinions, emotions, hopes and ambitions
in one text (e.g. an article). This text will be the longest text on the paper.
Identify main points, themes, opinions, ideas, emotions and attitudes in the set
of texts.

Paper 3 Speaking
Question You should be able to R A G Comments
Role play Take part in one short role play situation with five transactional tasks, e.g.
• To obtain goods or services
• To give information
• To arrange to go out
• To change a hotel room
Communicate on familiar topics to meet simple needs, e.g.
• Food and drink
• Shopping
• Transport
• Directions
• Tourist requirements
Communicate using a range of structures, tenses (past, present and future
time frames) and vocabulary relevant to the given situation.
Pronounce clearly so that the message is clear.

Topic conversations 1 and 2 Take part in two unprepared conversations on familiar topics, e.g.
• Family
• Friends
• Life at home
• Clothes
• Food and drink
• Travel and transport
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Question You should be able to R A G Comments

• Languages
• Celebrations
• Customs
• Technology
• Hobbies and interests
• Education
• Work
(The maximum time is four minutes for each conversation).
Describe past events and experiences, opinions, hopes and ambitions.

Give brief reasons for opinions and plans.

Communicate with reasonable accuracy, using a range of structures, tenses

(past, present and future time frames) and vocabulary relevant to the given
situation.

Link shorter sentences into one connected sequence of points.

Use ways to keep the conversation going (e.g. ask for repetitions or if more detail
is required).

Pronounce and use speech patterns clearly so that the message is clear.

Say as much as you can in response to each question and develop your answers.

Paper 4 Writing

Question You should be able to R A G Comments

Question 1 Communicate simple factual information by filling in a form providing simple
details on a given topic, e.g.
• Personal details
• Jobs
• Hobbies

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Question You should be able to R A G Comments

Question 2 Write a series of simple phrases and sentences linked with simple linking words
(e.g. and, but, because, then), on one familiar everyday topic, e.g.
• Home life
• School
• Holidays
• Leisure activities and interests
Write 80–100 characters
Use a range of simple vocabulary and language structures with reasonable
accuracy.
Question 3 (a) or Question Write one simple connected text (a connected sequence of points) (e.g. email/
3 (b) letter or article/blog) on familiar topics, e.g.
• Plans and arrangements
• Celebrations
• Customs
• The environment
• Communications and technology
• Hobbies and interests
• Education
• Health
• Work
• Travel
Write 150 characters

Describe past events and experiences, opinions, hopes and ambitions.

Give brief reasons for opinions and plans.

Communicate with reasonable accuracy using a range of structures, tenses/time

frames and vocabulary relevant to the given situation.

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Section 6: Useful websites

The websites listed below are useful resources to help you study for your Cambridge IGCSE Mandarin Chinese course. The
following sites are also often used by learners and teachers and provide direct access to internet resources.
Cambridge Assessment International Education is not responsible for the accuracy or content of information contained in
these sites. The inclusion of a link to an external website should not be understood to be an endorsement of that website or
the site's owners (or their products/services).
The website pages referenced in this guide of work were selected when the guide was produced. Other aspects of the sites
were not checked and only the particular resources are recommended.
www.quizlet.com
This website is a good platform for learning vocabulary. There are ready-made vocabulary lists for this course that learners
can find. In addition to that, learners can also start to comply their own vocabulary list. The site allows learners to generate
interactive activities or flashcards, therefore, learners can do revision at home. Teachers can print out tests or vocabulary list
for teaching. There is also functions for group competition by creating games via Quizlet Live.

www.memrise.com
This is another useful website for consolidating vocabulary learning. Learners can find the course online and do the linked
games and tests using this website.

www.hello-world.com/games/conversations.php/?language=Mandarin&translate=English
A very useful website to practise listening. The website contains a vast range of topics if the learners are interested in other
aspects of Mandarin Chinese and the countries where the language is spoken.

www.hskreading.com
The website contains a collection of reading texts, which learners can practise according to their capability.

www.ctcfl.ox.ac.uk/Lang%20work/Grammar%20database/Grammar_database_content.htm
The Oxford university website is very useful for learning grammar. Though its comprehensive list, it leads you to understand
the grammar points and there are linked exercises too.

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Cambridge Assessment International Education
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