VCE Chinese Second Language key terms

The skill of extracting main ideas, specific details and speaker attitude from spoken Chinese heard once or twice, often at natural speed with unfamiliar vocabulary.

Content words such as names, numbers, times and verbs that carry the essential message of a spoken or written text and guide note-taking.

Writing brief symbols, abbreviations and numbers while listening so that details can be recalled when answering questions afterwards.

The speaker's feeling, such as surprise, annoyance or enthusiasm, signalled by stress, pitch and particles rather than by explicit statements.

Restating an idea in different words; exam questions often reword the recording, so matching exact wording alone may mislead candidates.

Prices, dates, clock times and quantities spoken in Chinese; distractors often include a corrected or negotiated figure that must be tracked.

A message the speaker suggests without stating directly, recognised through context, tone or cultural convention rather than literal wording.

A text that explains facts, causes or processes, often using headings, examples and statistics; common in reading sections on social or environmental topics.

The central point a whole passage conveys, usually stated in the introduction or conclusion and distinguishable from supporting examples.

A reading question asking for a specific fact, figure or name located in one part of the text rather than across the whole passage.

Scanning a passage for a name, date or repeated word so the relevant sentence can be reread closely before choosing an answer.

A passage that presents a viewpoint supported by reasons and evidence, sometimes including a counterargument that the writer then rebuts.

The position a writer adopts on an issue, which may be stated openly or revealed through word choice, examples and concessions.

Surrounding words, examples or contrasts that let a reader guess the meaning of an unfamiliar character or phrase without a dictionary.

Inferring an unknown word's sense from word-building elements such as radicals, plus the grammar and logic of the sentence.

Recurring components of Chinese characters that often hint at meaning or pronunciation, helping readers recognise unfamiliar characters.

Words such as 但是, 因此 and 另外 that signal contrast, cause, result or addition and reveal how sentences and paragraphs relate.

The way a paragraph organises a topic sentence, supporting details and a concluding link, guiding the reader through the writer's reasoning.

A short piece of writing presenting the writer's experiences, opinions or plans in a clear, organised and personally voiced way.

The conventional layout of a Chinese letter, including greeting, opening remarks, body, closing wishes and signature in the expected order.

The level of formality in language, ranging from casual spoken style with friends to polite written style for teachers or officials.

Respectful words and structures such as 您, 请 and 麻烦您 used when addressing elders, teachers or people in authority.

The stated length range for a writing task; responses far outside it lose marks, so planning and counting characters matters.

A brief outline of main points and their order, prepared before writing to keep a response coherent and within the word limit.

Marks such as 。，、？ and 《》 that organise written Chinese; using them correctly affects clarity and the accuracy mark.

Words like 个, 本, 张 and 位 that must accompany nouns when counting; wrong choices are a common accuracy error in writing and speech.

Correct use of word order, aspect markers, particles and sentence patterns so that meaning is clear and marks for language are awarded.

Speaking clearly and fluently in Chinese, linking ideas logically and sustaining talk on a familiar topic for an extended turn.

Producing initials, finals and the four tones accurately so that listeners understand words that differ only by tone.

The ability to speak at a steady pace with few long pauses, self-corrections or fillers that interrupt communication.

Exchanging information in a spoken discussion, which requires listening, responding appropriately and asking follow-up questions.

Phrases such as 请再说一遍 or 你的意思是……吗 used to check meaning or request repetition during a spoken interaction.

Words and phrases grouped around themes such as school, health, environment or technology, needed to discuss those topics confidently.

Stating a personal view and supporting it with explanations or examples, a structure expected in both spoken and written responses.