VCE Chinese Second Language Advanced key terms

A chosen topic that the student researches in depth and presents in the oral examination, linking it to a Chinese-speaking community and to personal reflection on the topic.

The spoken talk of about three to four minutes in which the student explains the detailed study, its sources, its main findings and what was learned from the research.

The interactive part of the oral examination in which the assessor asks questions about the detailed study, and the student responds spontaneously and supports ideas with evidence.

The focused question that guides the detailed study and shapes which sources are chosen, what evidence is collected and how the presentation is organised.

Any article, interview, survey, video, website or other material used to gather information for the detailed study, which must be evaluated for reliability and relevance.

The extent to which a source can be trusted, judged by the author's expertise, the publication date, the evidence given and whether the information can be confirmed elsewhere.

An unfair slant in a source that favours one side of an issue, often shown through loaded word choice, missing viewpoints or selective use of facts.

A further question asked after an initial answer, testing whether the student can extend, justify or reconsider a point without relying on memorised material.

A request or statement that makes a meaning clearer, for example asking the speaker to explain a term or restating an idea in simpler words.

To express the same idea in different words, a strategy used when the exact vocabulary is unknown or when a listener has not understood the first attempt.

A deliberate technique used to keep a conversation going, such as paraphrasing, asking for repetition, using fillers or gesturing to convey meaning.

A person's position or opinion on an issue, which in oral and written tasks should be stated clearly and supported with reasons or examples.

Facts, examples, statistics or expert opinions used to support an argument and make a claim convincing to the reader or listener.

A reasoned line of thinking in which a claim is presented and then backed by evidence, explanation and logical links between ideas.

The way a text or speech is organised, including introduction, body paragraphs, transitions and conclusion, so that the audience can follow the ideas easily.

A word or phrase such as 因此, 然而 or 此外 that links sentences and paragraphs and signals relationships like cause, contrast or addition.

The level of formality in language, chosen to suit the audience and purpose, ranging from casual spoken style to formal written style.

Vocabulary and grammar suited to essays, reports and formal letters, avoiding slang and casual fillers and using complete, well-linked sentences.

The style of Chinese used in writing, which tends to be more compact and structured than everyday speech and uses written-style vocabulary and patterns.

The style of Chinese used in speech, including colloquial words, sentence-final particles and looser grammar, which differs from formal written expression.

A particle such as 吧, 呢, 啊 or 嘛 placed at the end of a sentence to show mood, attitude or soften the tone in speech.

The skill of understanding spoken Chinese from recordings, including main ideas, specific details, attitudes and the purpose of the speaker.

An important word in a question or passage that carries the main meaning and helps the listener or reader locate the relevant information quickly.

Brief written records made while listening or reading, using abbreviations, symbols and key words to capture main points and supporting details.

The central message or overall point of a text or recording, which is broader than any single detail and is often stated or implied at the beginning or end.

A specific piece of information in a text or recording, such as a name, number, time or reason, that supports or illustrates the main idea.

Working out meaning that is not stated directly by combining clues in the text with background knowledge and logical reasoning.

The attitude or feeling conveyed by a speaker or writer, such as approval, doubt, sarcasm or concern, often signalled by word choice and intonation.

A fixed four-character Chinese expression with a meaning beyond the literal words, used to express ideas concisely and to show cultural knowledge.

A common traditional saying that expresses folk wisdom or a general truth, often used in speech and writing to illustrate or reinforce a point.

The shared values, customs, beliefs and practices of a community, which shape language use and are a central theme in studying Chinese-speaking communities.

A person's sense of belonging to a group, shaped by language, family background, migration experience and cultural practices.

The movement of people from one country or region to another, often discussed in terms of settlement, adaptation and links to the home culture.

Actions and policies aimed at conserving nature and reducing harm such as pollution and waste, a frequent topic in listening and reading passages.

The advance of tools and systems such as the internet, artificial intelligence and mobile devices, and their effects on daily life and society.

The process of teaching and learning in schools and beyond, including issues such as study pressure, curriculum and access to opportunity.

Assessment tasks completed during Unit 3 and Unit 4 at school, contributing to the final study score and covering speaking, listening, reading and writing outcomes.

The formal assessment at the end of the year, including an oral component and a written component with listening, reading and writing sections.