Cambridge IGCSE Chinese as a Second Language is recognised by universities and employees as proof of knowledge and understanding of the language. Learners studying the syllabus are often studying the language in order to promote their educational or employment prospects. They gain an understanding of a wide range of social registers and styles, and learn to communicate appropriately. The Topics selected relate to the interests and needs of the learners using Chinese as a Second Language, e.g education, the world of work, current affairs, health and welfare, travel, school affairs.
Cambridge IGCSE Chinese as a Second Language offers learners the opportunity to develop practical communication skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Learners will be presented with a variety of stimuli that will build up their skills in reading and writing. They will learn to select relevant details, understand the difference between what is directly stated and implied, and practise writing for different purposes and audiences. Learners will listen to a range of spoken material, including talks and conversations, in order to develop listening skills. In both written and spoken Chinese, learners will be able to respond to factual information as well as abstract ideas. Learners will engage in conversations on a variety of topics, and develop their skills in expressing their viewpoints with a degree of accuracy and clarity.
Cambridge IGCSE Chinese as a Second Language will enable learners to become independent users of Chinese and to use Chinese to communicate effectively in a variety of practical contexts.
Paper 1 (2 hours) Reading and Writing- Written examination consisting of five exercises that test a range of reading and writing skills. Type of task include: information transfer, short-answer questions, multiple-matching, functional writing and extended writing.
Paper 2 (Approx. 35-45 minutes) Listening- Written examination consisting of four exercises that test listening skills. Candidates listen to recording of short and longer spoken texts. Types of task include: short-answer questions, gap-fill sentences, information correction and multiple choices questions.
Component 3 (10-12 minutes) Speaking- Candidates complete a topic presentation, a topic conversation and a general conversation.
Cambridge IGCSE Certificates are general qualifications that enable learners to progress either directly to employment, or to proceed to further qualifications. Candidates who are awarded grades A* to C in Cambridge IGCSE Chinese as a Second Language are well prepared to follow courses leading to AS and A Level Chinese, or the equivalent.