Chinese

Assessment

Mandarin A level is a two-year course at the end of which students will sit three examination papers. PAPER 1: LISTENING, READING AND WRITING » Written exam: 2 hours » Aspects of Chinese society » Culture and traditions » The development of technology and environment » Development post-1978 » Listening, reading and translation (Mandarin into English) » 80 marks in total » 40% of A Level PAPER 2: WRITING » Written exam: 2 hours 40mins » Two essays: (350 characters each in the target language): one on the film, one on a novel; or both on novels » Translation (English into Mandarin) » 120 marks in total » 30% of A Level PAPER 3: SPEAKING EXAM: » Individual research project » One of four themes i.e. aspects of Chinese society, culture and traditions, the development of technology and environment and development post-1978 aspect » Oral exam: 21-23 minutes (including 5 minutes preparation time) » 72 marks in total » 30% of A Level