VCE Chinese Second Language flashcards

33 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Two playings of audio

In the listening section, each recording is heard twice. The first playing is for understanding and noting answers; the second confirms or corrects them.

Contrast signal words

Words such as 但是, 可是 and 不过 introduce a contrast. In listening tasks the corrected or final information after these words often carries the answer.

Distractor numbers

Speakers often mention one figure then revise it, for example a price or time. The later, corrected figure is normally the answer to record.

Cause and effect markers

因为…所以, 由于 and 因此 signal reasons and results. Recognising them helps locate why something happened in a listening passage.

Keyword note-taking

During listening, write only key nouns, numbers and verbs as abbreviations. Full sentences waste time and cause the next answer to be missed.

Answer order in listening

Listening questions follow the sequence of the recording. This means answers are found progressively, and a missed item should be abandoned quickly.

Purpose marker 为了

The structure 为了… expresses purpose, meaning 'in order to'. It commonly introduces the reason for an action in both listening and reading texts.

Question words in answers

为什么 requires a reason, 怎么 a method, 什么时候 a time, 谁 a person. Matching the answer type to the question word earns marks in reading.

Skimming then scanning

Skim the whole text first for gist, then scan for specific details requested by the questions. This order prevents misreading the main idea.

Not-given option

In true/false/not-given items, 'not given' applies when the text neither states nor contradicts the statement, even if it seems plausible.

Text types in reading

Reading passages include notices, advertisements, emails, letters, diary entries, web posts and short articles, each with distinct layout and tone.

Paragraph topic sentences

The first and last sentences of a Chinese paragraph usually state its main point, making them efficient targets when matching headings to paragraphs.

Connectors showing structure

首先, 其次, 另外 and 总之 organise a text into ordered points. They help readers predict where a specific piece of information will appear.

Radicals as meaning clues

A character's radical often hints at its meaning category, such as 氵 for water or 讠 for speech, helping infer unfamiliar vocabulary from context.

Answering in characters

Reading answers must be written in Chinese characters, not pinyin or English. Reusing the passage's own wording reduces errors and saves time.

Matching headings to paragraphs

Repeated key terms within a paragraph signal its topic. Comparing those terms with the headings identifies the correct match efficiently.

Informative text criteria

The informative writing task is marked on content relevance, range and accuracy of vocabulary and grammar, and appropriateness to the required text type.

Evaluative text stance

The evaluative task requires a clear position supported by reasons and examples. Description alone without argument loses marks for content.

Formal and informal register

Use 您 and formal openings when writing to adults, and 你 with informal wording for friends and peers. Register mismatch affects the language criterion.

Letter conventions

Chinese letters open with a salutation such as 亲爱的, develop body paragraphs, and close with a sign-off and the writer's name and date.

Chinese punctuation marks

Chinese writing uses 。，？！：； and 《》 for titles. English commas and full stops are incorrect and can reduce the language accuracy score.

Word count as criterion

Each writing task specifies a required length, and word count is assessed. Responses far below the minimum lose content marks regardless of quality.

Useful sentence patterns

Patterns such as 虽然…但是, 不但…而且 and 除了…以外 add structural variety, which is rewarded under the range of grammar criterion.

Character accuracy

A missing or wrong stroke can change a character's meaning. Pinyin is not accepted in place of characters in writing responses.

Diary entry features

A diary entry includes a date, uses first person and an informal reflective tone, and records events and personal reactions rather than formal argument.

Speaking conversation opening

The conversation begins with greetings and personal questions about school, family, hobbies and plans before moving to the detailed study discussion.

Detailed study requirement

The detailed study is chosen in advance from the prescribed themes and discussed without reading a prepared script; memorised recitation is penalised.

Extended answer structure

A strong spoken answer states a point, adds a reason, then gives an example or detail, producing several connected sentences rather than a single reply.

Speaking assessment criteria

Speaking is assessed on communication, content, range and accuracy of language, and pronunciation and fluency, so all four areas need attention.

Requesting repetition

If a question is unclear, saying 对不起，请您再说一遍 is an acceptable repair strategy; examiners may rephrase or repeat once.

Fillers and fluency

Repeated fillers such as 那个, 就是 and 嗯 lower fluency scores. A short silent pause is preferable and sounds more controlled.

Mandarin tone accuracy

Mandarin has four tones plus a neutral tone. Incorrect tones can change word meaning and impede comprehension, affecting the pronunciation score.

Preparation notes only

Preparation time before speaking is for noting keywords and answer structure. Writing full sentences to read aloud harms fluency and is detectable.