2 Effective Methods for IB Chinese B SL Listening：Focused and Extensive Practice

/ , ,

Listening comprehension is a crucial skill for mastering Chinese, and it plays an especially important role in the IB Chinese B SL exam. In this exam, students are tested on their ability to understand spoken Chinese in various contexts.

1.  Focused Listening vs. Extensive Listening

Focused listening focuses on details like vocabulary and pronunciation, ideal for precise content such as news reports or academic presentations.…

Vanessa Branch: Hollywood Actress’s Journey to Mastering Mandarin

/ , ,

Many parents may worry about whether their children, growing up in a non-Chinese-speaking environment, will be able to learn and use Mandarin in a way that benefits their future careers. Vanessa Branch’s story may offer some inspiration. As a Hollywood actress, she embarked on a journey to learn Mandarin and successfully crossed cultural and linguistic barriers, making a significant mark in the Chinese film industry.…

10 Essential Chinese Terms for Global Import-Export Success

/ , ,

In the fast-paced world of international business, clear communication is essential, especially when working with Chinese partners in the import-export industry. For business professionals learning Chinese, one major challenge is understanding the industry-specific terms that frequently arise in trade discussions. Without this knowledge, negotiations can become unclear, and important details may be misunderstood.…

3 Effective Methods to Improve Chinese Handwriting for Chinese Exams

/ , ,

Chinese handwriting, especially in standardized exams like HSK (汉语水平考试) and IB Chinese B, is crucial, as the clarity and accuracy of your handwriting directly affects the legibility and accuracy of your answers, which in turn significantly influences your score.

These exams require a correct understanding and use of Chinese characters, and poor handwriting may hinder the examiner’s ability to read and understand the answers.…

3 Reasons Kids Have the Natural Edge in Learning Chinese

/ , ,

Many parents hesitate when it comes to letting their children learn Chinese, thinking it’s a difficult language to master. With its tones, characters, and grammar, Chinese can seem overwhelming. However, the truth is that children have a natural advantage when it comes to learning Chinese. Thanks to the way their brains are wired, kids can pick up the language more easily and quickly than adults.…

Why Tone and Intonation Both Matter in Mandarin Question Sentences？

/ , ,

“Why do Mandarin questions require both tones and intonation?” When I first started learning Mandarin, this question puzzled me. In Mandarin, asking questions involves not only intonation to indicate inquiry but also maintaining precise tones for each word. For instance, in the sentence “你去哪儿?”(Nǐ qù nǎr, Where are you going?),…

4 Practical Strategies to Help Kids Overcome Resistance to Mandarin Learning and Thrive

/ , ,

Learning Mandarin can be an exciting yet challenging experience for children, especially when they encounter obstacles that lead to frustration or resistance. Parents play a crucial role in supporting their children through these difficulties, and the right approach can make all the difference.

1.  Understanding Your Child’s Emotions and Needs
First step: Understand the source of their resistance

For non-native speaker, the complexity of Mandarin—such as its unique characters, tones, and grammar—can feel overwhelming.…

Effective Method to Conquer Culture-related Problems in IB Chinese B SL

/ , ,

Feeling overwhelmed by all the cultural topics you need to know for the IB Chinese B exam? Whether it’s festivals, traditions, or family values, it can be tough to keep everything straight. But here’s the secret: thematic note-taking. By organizing your “culture” notes effectively, you can simplify your studies and improve both your language skills and cultural understanding.…

Top 10 Essential Chinese Phrases for Expats: Navigating Daily Life in China

/ , ,

Moving to a new country can be both exciting and daunting, especially when it comes to language barriers. For expats in China, mastering a few essential Chinese phrases can significantly enhance your daily life and help you connect with locals. Whether you’re ordering food, asking for directions, or shopping, these phrases will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.…

Should I Learn Simplified or Traditional Characters?

/ , ,

When you begin learning Chinese, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to study Simplified or Traditional Chinese characters. Both writing systems have deep historical roots, and each offers unique insights into the Chinese language and culture. Today, we’ll explore the history behind these two writing systems, their modern applications, and factors to consider when choosing which one to learn.…

Conquering Speech Writing Questions in IB Chinese B SL

/ , ,

In the IB Chinese B exam, one of the key writing tasks is composing a speech. This can be a challenging but rewarding exercise for students aiming to demonstrate their writing skills and ability to argue effectively.

In this article, we’ll break down the structure of an IB Chinese B SL speech and explore essential writing techniques, using a speech writing sample to illustrate these concepts.…

Tips for Chinese Character Memory: Tricks for Polyphonic, Similar & Homophonic Characters

/ , ,

When you are determined to learn Chinese, are you quickly blocked by the “big mountain” of Chinese characters? Those complicated strokes, changeable pronunciations, and the numerous polyphonic characters similar-shaped characters and homophonic characters make you feel so confused that you even begin to doubt whether you can learn Chinese well.…

Scroll to Top