HQ Society
Chinese Beginners · Practice Resource
Set 1 · Listening · Reading · Writing
Aligned to the NSW HSC Chinese Beginners syllabus. All listening and reading texts are original to HQ Society.
Practice resourceNot an examination paper80 marks
80marks
3sections
~2 h 25 minworking time
Your answers save automatically on this device
Section I

Listening

30 marks10 texts · played twiceanswer in English

Each recording is played twice in the exam. Try the question first, then open its transcript to check. Answer in English.

Familiarisation — listen first to get used to the voices
0:00 / 0:00
Female你最喜欢哪个季节？
Male我最喜欢秋天，天气不冷也不热。
Female我也是。秋天可以去公园看树叶。

Question 1

2 marks

What is the purpose of the message?

0:00 / 0:00
Male喂，妹妹，今天晚上爸爸妈妈从中国回来。我去工作，你去机场接他们吧。
✓ What scores marks
  • Answer in ENGLISH — the recording is in Chinese, your answer is in English.
  • The recording is played twice: use the first listen for the gist, the second to pin down the specific details (who / what / when / where / why).
  • Give one detail per mark; if it is a table, complete EVERY cell.
✗ What loses marks
  • Leaving out a detail the recording clearly gives (e.g. the time but not the place).
  • Translating the whole text instead of answering the question, or answering in Chinese.
How to structure your answerAnswer in English, one clear point per mark — cover every detail (and every table cell).
For this question
Top band: Both halves are required for full marks: the purpose (ask the sister to collect Mum and Dad from the airport tonight) AND the reason the brother gives (he has to work, so cannot go himself).
Common slip: Only saying 'parents are coming back from China tonight' — that is background, not the purpose. The actual purpose is the request that the sister go to the airport to pick them up.
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
The purpose of the message is to ask the sister to pick up Mum and Dad from the airport tonight, because the brother has to work and cannot collect them himself.

Question 2

2 marks

Complete the table using information from the conversation.

0:00 / 0:00
Activity
When
WhereThe park
Male这个周末我们去打篮球，好吗？
Female好啊，什么时候？
Male周日下午两点。
Female在公园吗？
Male是的。我们去公园。
✓ What scores marks
  • Answer in ENGLISH — the recording is in Chinese, your answer is in English.
  • The recording is played twice: use the first listen for the gist, the second to pin down the specific details (who / what / when / where / why).
  • Give one detail per mark; if it is a table, complete EVERY cell.
✗ What loses marks
  • Leaving out a detail the recording clearly gives (e.g. the time but not the place).
  • Translating the whole text instead of answering the question, or answering in Chinese.
How to structure your answerAnswer in English, one clear point per mark — cover every detail (and every table cell).
For this question
Top band: All three cells must be correct: Activity = basketball, When = Sunday 2 pm (both the day AND the time), Where = the park (already given). The full-mark answer hinges on catching '周日下午两点' as Sunday 2 pm.
Common slip: Writing only 'Sunday' or only '2 pm' for the When cell — both the day and the time are needed. Some also miss that 打篮球 is basketball (not just 'play ball').
Model answer
ActivityBasketball
WhenSunday 2 pm
WhereThe park

Question 3

3 marks

Explain what students should bring with them on the trip.

0:00 / 0:00
Female同学们，下个星期三我们要去山上玩。山上很冷，所以你们要多带衣服。我们会有食物和水，可是你们要带自己的水杯。山上风大，请你们带帽子。早上八点在学校门口见！
✓ What scores marks
  • Answer in ENGLISH — the recording is in Chinese, your answer is in English.
  • The recording is played twice: use the first listen for the gist, the second to pin down the specific details (who / what / when / where / why).
  • Give one detail per mark; if it is a table, complete EVERY cell.
✗ What loses marks
  • Leaving out a detail the recording clearly gives (e.g. the time but not the place).
  • Translating the whole text instead of answering the question, or answering in Chinese.
How to structure your answerAnswer in English, one clear point per mark — cover every detail (and every table cell).
For this question
Top band: All three items WITH their reason: extra clothes (cold), own water bottle (school supplies food and water but NOT bottles), and a hat (windy). Linking each item to its reason is what reaches the 'thorough' band.
Common slip: Listing the items without the reasons, or saying students must bring food and water — the text says the school provides food and water; students only bring their own water bottle.
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
Students should bring extra clothes because it will be cold on the mountain. They should bring their own water bottle, as the school will provide food and water but not water bottles. They should also bring a hat, because it will be windy on the mountain.

Question 4

1 mark

How will Xiaoming and his friend travel to the cinema?

0:00 / 0:00
Female小明，星期六我们去看电影吧。
Male好啊，电影院在哪里？
Female在城里。
Male我们坐公共汽车去？
Female公共汽车太慢了。我家有车，我爸爸开车送我们。
Male太好了，谢谢。
✓ What scores marks
  • Listen for the overall meaning, then eliminate the options that don't fit.
  • The correct option is usually re-worded — don't just match a single familiar word.
✗ What loses marks
  • Choosing an option because you heard one word from it (a distractor).
How to structure your answerRule out the options that don't fit the overall meaning, then pick the one the recording re-states.
For this question
Top band: The correct option is C (by car) — Xiaoming's friend rejects the bus as too slow and her dad will drive them. Tick C only.
Common slip: Choosing A (by bus) because 公共汽车 is mentioned — but the bus is rejected as '太慢了' (too slow); they go by car instead.
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
C (by car)

Question 5

3 marks

Explain why Xiaobai decided to attend the Chinese Culture Day.

0:00 / 0:00
Female喂，小白，我听说学校下个星期有中国文化日，你去吗？
Male我去，因为我妈妈是中国人，我想学中国文化。
Female那天有什么活动？
Male上午写汉字，下午做饺子，还可以学唱中国歌。我都想试一试。
Female真好，我也去！
✓ What scores marks
  • Answer in ENGLISH — the recording is in Chinese, your answer is in English.
  • The recording is played twice: use the first listen for the gist, the second to pin down the specific details (who / what / when / where / why).
  • Give one detail per mark; if it is a table, complete EVERY cell.
✗ What loses marks
  • Leaving out a detail the recording clearly gives (e.g. the time but not the place).
  • Translating the whole text instead of answering the question, or answering in Chinese.
How to structure your answerAnswer in English, one clear point per mark — cover every detail (and every table cell).
For this question
Top band: Give BOTH the underlying reason (his mother is Chinese and he wants to learn Chinese culture) AND the specific activities that interest him (writing characters, making dumplings, singing Chinese songs) — he wants to try them all.
Common slip: Only listing the day's activities without the real reason (mother is Chinese / wants to learn the culture), or vice versa. The 'thorough' band needs the motivation plus the activities.
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
Xiaobai decided to attend the Chinese Culture Day because his mother is Chinese and he wants to learn about Chinese culture. He is interested in trying to write Chinese characters in the morning, and he wants to try making dumplings and singing Chinese songs in the afternoon. He wants to experience all the activities offered.

Question 6

3 marks

What are Dawei's reasons for taking a gap year before university?

0:00 / 0:00
Female大伟，听说你不上大学，要去工作？
Male是的，我先工作一年，明年再上大学。
Female为什么？
Male第一，我想自己赚钱，不要爸爸妈妈给。第二，我现在不知道想学什么，工作一年可以想清楚。第三，我想用这一年去日本旅行。
Female真不错！
✓ What scores marks
  • Answer in ENGLISH — the recording is in Chinese, your answer is in English.
  • The recording is played twice: use the first listen for the gist, the second to pin down the specific details (who / what / when / where / why).
  • Give one detail per mark; if it is a table, complete EVERY cell.
✗ What loses marks
  • Leaving out a detail the recording clearly gives (e.g. the time but not the place).
  • Translating the whole text instead of answering the question, or answering in Chinese.
How to structure your answerAnswer in English, one clear point per mark — cover every detail (and every table cell).
For this question
Top band: Captures all THREE distinct reasons Dawei gives (earn his own money / unsure what to study so wants thinking time / travel to Japan) — the 3-mark band rewards all reasons, and a Beginners answer that lists 第一/第二/第三 cleanly hits full marks.
Common slip: Stopping at one or two reasons (e.g. only 'he wants to earn money'), or merging the second reason into a vague 'he needs a break' rather than the specific 'he is unsure what to study and a year of work will help him decide'.
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
Dawei has three reasons for taking a gap year. First, he wants to earn his own money rather than depend on his parents. Second, he is currently unsure about what he wants to study at university, and a year of work will give him time to think clearly. Third, he wants to use the year to travel to Japan.

Question 7

3 marks

Complete the table of plans for Xiaohong's birthday celebration.

0:00 / 0:00
TimeActivity
Morning
Go to the park
Evening
Female小红的生日是这个星期六，我们要怎么给她过生日？
Male上午我们去她家做蛋糕。
Female然后呢？
Male下午我们一起去公园玩，因为小红最喜欢公园。
Female那晚上呢？
Male晚上我们一起带她去看中国电影。
Female太好了！
✓ What scores marks
  • Answer in ENGLISH — the recording is in Chinese, your answer is in English.
  • The recording is played twice: use the first listen for the gist, the second to pin down the specific details (who / what / when / where / why).
  • Give one detail per mark; if it is a table, complete EVERY cell.
✗ What loses marks
  • Leaving out a detail the recording clearly gives (e.g. the time but not the place).
  • Translating the whole text instead of answering the question, or answering in Chinese.
How to structure your answerAnswer in English, one clear point per mark — cover every detail (and every table cell).
For this question
Top band: Fills every empty cell from the dialogue with the correct time-slot pairing: Morning = make a cake at Xiaohong's home, Afternoon (the given 'Go to the park'), Evening = watch a Chinese movie. All three rows correct = full 3 marks.
Common slip: Mis-pairing the activities to the wrong time slot — e.g. putting 'go to the park' in the morning, or writing 'park' for the evening — because the dialogue lists 上午/下午/晚上 in order and a careless reader shifts them by one row.
Model answer
TimeActivity
MorningMake a cake at Xiaohong's home
AfternoonGo to the park
EveningWatch a Chinese movie (together)

Question 8

4 marks

How does the daughter convince her father to allow her to get a dog? Support your answer with reference to the text.

0:00 / 0:00
Female爸爸，我想养一只小狗。
Male不行。谁有时间照顾它？
Female我每天放学回来都在家，我会照顾它。
Male你的功课呢？
Female我每天都是先写完功课再玩。
Male可是小狗会很吵。
Female我们可以养安静的小狗。
Male你忘了吗？妈妈不喜欢狗。
Female我跟妈妈说过了。她说我可以试一试。
Male好吧，周末我们去看看。
Female太好了！
✓ What scores marks
  • State your point or judgement first, then back it with a specific detail FROM THE TEXT — that is what “support with reference to the text” means.
  • Answer every part of the question; for a “how does it change / how likely” question, say where they start and where they end up.
  • Answer in English.
✗ What loses marks
  • Giving a conclusion with no evidence from the text.
  • Translating the text line-by-line as your answer; missing one part of the question.
How to structure your answerPoint / judgement → a specific detail from the text to back it → make sure every part of the question is answered.
For this question
Top band: Shows the daughter answers EACH of the father's four objections in turn (time to care for it / schoolwork / noise / mother dislikes dogs), then notes that securing the mother's prior agreement is what tips him into saying yes — the 4-mark band needs detailed point-by-point reference to the text, not a general summary.
Common slip: Just stating 'she promised to look after it and he agreed' — listing one or two points without showing the back-and-forth structure of objection-and-rebuttal, which caps the answer at 2 marks (some understanding).
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
The daughter convinces her father by responding to each of his concerns in turn. When he objects that no one has time to look after the dog, she points out that she comes home from school every day and will look after it herself. When he worries about her schoolwork, she explains that she always finishes her homework first before playing. When he says dogs are noisy, she suggests they choose a quiet dog. Finally, when he reminds her that her mother dislikes dogs, she explains that she has already spoken to her mother, who has agreed she can try. Convinced by her thorough plan, the father agrees to go and look at dogs together on the weekend.
Answers could include
  • The daughter offers practical solutions to each of the father's objections
  • She demonstrates that she is responsible (study habits, willing to look after the dog)
  • She has already obtained the mother's agreement, removing the father's last objection

Question 9

4 marks

How does the male speaker's decision change during the conversation? Support your answer with reference to the text.

0:00 / 0:00
Male张老师，明年我打算上大学学商科。
Female你自己喜欢商科吗？
Male不太喜欢。可是爸爸说赚钱最重要。
Female你高中的中文成绩很好，你喜欢中文吗？
Male我很喜欢，可是学中文不能赚钱。
Female不一定。澳大利亚和中国有很多生意，会中文的人可以做很好的工作。
Male真的吗？我没想过。
Female你可以学中文加商科，工作机会更多。
Male太好了！我现在想学中文加商科。
✓ What scores marks
  • State your point or judgement first, then back it with a specific detail FROM THE TEXT — that is what “support with reference to the text” means.
  • Answer every part of the question; for a “how does it change / how likely” question, say where they start and where they end up.
  • Answer in English.
✗ What loses marks
  • Giving a conclusion with no evidence from the text.
  • Translating the text line-by-line as your answer; missing one part of the question.
How to structure your answerPoint / judgement → a specific detail from the text to back it → make sure every part of the question is answered.
For this question
Top band: Traces the CHANGE in the decision: starts at 'study commerce' (driven by the father's money view), identifies the teacher's point about bilingual job opportunities as the trigger, and ends at 'study Chinese AND commerce together'. The 4-mark band needs the before, the turning point, and the after with text reference.
Common slip: Describing only the end state ('he decides to study Chinese and commerce') without showing what he originally wanted or WHY he changed — the question asks how the decision changes, so a static answer with no shift misses the point.
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
At the beginning of the conversation, the male speaker plans to study commerce at university next year. He says this is because his father believes that earning money is the most important thing, although he himself does not really like commerce. The teacher then reminds him that his Chinese grades in high school are very good and asks whether he likes Chinese. He admits he likes Chinese, but believes Chinese cannot earn money. The teacher counters this by explaining that Australia and China have many businesses, and people who can speak Chinese can find very good jobs, suggesting he combine Chinese with commerce. By the end of the conversation, his decision has changed: he now wants to study Chinese and commerce together, rather than just commerce.
Answers could include
  • Initial decision was driven by the father's view that money is most important
  • The trigger for change was the teacher's insight about bilingual job opportunities
  • The final decision combines his own interest (Chinese) with practical career value (commerce)

Question 10

5 marks

How likely is Lihua to join the school exchange to Singapore? Support your answer with reference to the text.

0:00 / 0:00
Female李华，明年六月学校有一个去新加坡的交流活动，你想去吗？
Male新加坡？可是我的中文不太好。
Female不用担心，新加坡人说英文，也说中文。你两个都可以用。
Male真的吗？那要去多长时间？
Female三个星期。
Male三个星期？我妈妈一定不让我去。
Female你可以让她跟我说，我会跟她解释。
Male那要多少钱？
Female学校帮你付一半，你只付一半。
Male一半也很多。
Female你可以打工赚钱，时间还有六个月。
Male那新加坡有什么好玩的？
Female新加坡有很好吃的中国饭和很多漂亮的地方。你可以学中国文化，也可以交新朋友。
Male听起来不错。我回家跟妈妈说说。
✓ What scores marks
  • State your point or judgement first, then back it with a specific detail FROM THE TEXT — that is what “support with reference to the text” means.
  • Answer every part of the question; for a “how does it change / how likely” question, say where they start and where they end up.
  • Answer in English.
✗ What loses marks
  • Giving a conclusion with no evidence from the text.
  • Translating the text line-by-line as your answer; missing one part of the question.
How to structure your answerPoint / judgement → a specific detail from the text to back it → make sure every part of the question is answered.
For this question
Top band: Reaches an explicit overall judgement ('highly likely') AND backs it by showing each of Lihua's three concerns (Chinese ability / 3-week absence / cost) is resolved by the teacher, plus the pull of Singapore's attractions and his closing 'it sounds good' — the top 5-mark band wants a clear evaluation of LIKELIHOOD supported by detailed text reference, with only the mother's permission left outstanding.
Common slip: Listing what was discussed without ever answering 'how likely' — a recount of the conversation that never states a likelihood verdict, or one that calls it unlikely because 'he still has to ask his mum', misreading the clearly positive closing shift.
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
Lihua is highly likely to join the school exchange to Singapore. He initially raises three concerns, but the teacher addresses each one. First, he worries that his Chinese is not good, but the teacher reassures him that Singaporeans speak both English and Chinese, so he can use both languages. Second, he is concerned that his mother will not let him go for three weeks, but the teacher offers to explain things to his mother personally. Third, he says half the cost is still a lot of money, but the teacher points out that with six months remaining he can earn money through part-time work. Lihua is also attracted by what Singapore offers: delicious Chinese food, many beautiful places, the chance to learn Chinese culture, and the opportunity to make new friends. He concludes that 'it sounds good' and says he will go home to discuss it with his mother. His final position is positive, with only his mother's agreement remaining as an outstanding step.
Answers could include
  • Each of Lihua's three concerns is addressed by a clear solution
  • The cumulative weight of attractive features (food, places, culture, friends) tips the balance toward acceptance
  • His closing remark that it 'sounds good' signals a clear positive shift from his initial hesitation
  • Only his mother's permission stands between him and going
— End of Section I —
Section II

Reading

30 marksapprox. 1 houranswer in English

Read each text, then answer the questions in English in the spaces provided.

通 知
新汉语中心包饺子活动！
时间：四月二十日 星期六 上午十点
地点：学校的厨房
费用：免费
请带一双筷子来。
请告诉李老师你来不来。

Question 11

3 marks

Complete the table using the information from the notice.

ActivityMaking dumplings
Date
Place
What to bring
✓ What scores marks
  • Scan the text for the exact detail the question asks for, and answer in English.
  • Give one point per mark; if it is a table, fill EVERY cell from the text.
✗ What loses marks
  • Copying out Chinese instead of answering in English.
  • Missing a detail the text clearly gives (a date, a place, what to bring).
How to structure your answerFind the exact detail in the text → answer in English, one point per mark (fill every table cell).
For this question
Top band: Convert every Chinese detail into the exact English cell: 四月二十日星期六上午十点 → 'Saturday 20 April, 10 am', 学校的厨房 → 'The school's kitchen', 一双筷子 → 'A pair of chopsticks'. All three blank cells correct earns the full 3 marks.
Common slip: Dropping part of the date/time (writing just '20 April' and omitting 'Saturday' or '10 am'), or mis-reading 筷子 as something other than chopsticks — partial cells drop you to the 'most of the correct information' band (2).
Model answer
ActivityMaking dumplings
DateSaturday 20 April, 10 am
PlaceThe school's kitchen
What to bringA pair of chopsticks
Messages
文文这个星期天我们去Cabramatta逛逛吧。那里有中国人的菜场，很热闹。
家明听起来很好，但是我没去过那里。
文文我去过很多次。那里的越南汤面很好吃，中国蛋糕也很好。我们可以坐火车去，三十分钟就到。早上十点在中央车站见，怎么样？
家明好的，星期天见！
Question 12 (3 marks)

(a)

1 mark

What is Wenwen proposing to do?

✓ What scores marks
  • Scan the text for the exact detail the question asks for, and answer in English.
  • Give one point per mark; if it is a table, fill EVERY cell from the text.
✗ What loses marks
  • Copying out Chinese instead of answering in English.
  • Missing a detail the text clearly gives (a date, a place, what to bring).
How to structure your answerFind the exact detail in the text → answer in English, one point per mark (fill every table cell).
For this question
Top band: Name BOTH the place (Cabramatta) and the time (this Sunday) — that pinpoints exactly what is being proposed and secures the single mark.
Common slip: Answering with what is AT Cabramatta (the market, the food) instead of the proposal itself — the question asks what Wenwen suggests doing, so 'visit Cabramatta this Sunday' is the answer, not a list of attractions.
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
Wenwen is proposing that the two of them visit Cabramatta together this Sunday.

(b)

2 marks

Why does Wenwen think Jiaming will enjoy the visit to Cabramatta?

✓ What scores marks
  • Scan the text for the exact detail the question asks for, and answer in English.
  • Give one point per mark; if it is a table, fill EVERY cell from the text.
✗ What loses marks
  • Copying out Chinese instead of answering in English.
  • Missing a detail the text clearly gives (a date, a place, what to bring).
How to structure your answerFind the exact detail in the text → answer in English, one point per mark (fill every table cell).
For this question
Top band: Give at least two distinct reasons drawn from the text — the good food (Vietnamese noodle soup / Chinese cakes) and the lively market or the easy 30-minute train trip — to reach the 2-mark band.
Common slip: Offering only one reason (e.g. just 'the food is good') or vaguely saying 'it's nice there' without the textual detail — that caps the answer at 'some relevant information' (1 mark).
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
Wenwen has been to Cabramatta many times, so she knows it well. The Vietnamese noodle soup there is delicious and the Chinese cakes are also very good, and the Chinese market is lively. The trip is also easy — only 30 minutes by train from Central Station.
Answers could include
  • Lively Chinese market atmosphere
  • Good food — Vietnamese noodle soup and Chinese cakes
  • Easy to get to — only 30 minutes by train from Central Station
小明：
爸爸和我下午两点会去爷爷家吃晚饭。爷爷今天八十岁生日，我们在那里住三天。晚饭在桌子上。
你今天放学以后，要去妹妹的学校接她回家。然后你们一起吃饭。吃完以后你们要把厨房打扫好。
小狗白白每天要吃两次饭。每天早上和晚上你们要带它出去走十分钟。
需要的时候打电话给我。
妈妈
星期五早上
Question 13 (5 marks)

(a)

2 marks

Why are Xiaoming's parents away from home?

✓ What scores marks
  • Scan the text for the exact detail the question asks for, and answer in English.
  • Give one point per mark; if it is a table, fill EVERY cell from the text.
✗ What loses marks
  • Copying out Chinese instead of answering in English.
  • Missing a detail the text clearly gives (a date, a place, what to bring).
How to structure your answerFind the exact detail in the text → answer in English, one point per mark (fill every table cell).
For this question
Top band: State the reason (grandfather's 80th birthday) AND the duration (staying three days) — both details are needed for the full 2 marks.
Common slip: Writing only 'they went to grandfather's house' without the birthday reason, or omitting the three-day stay — a single detail leaves you on 'some relevant information' (1 mark).
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
Xiaoming's parents have gone to grandfather's house for grandfather's 80th birthday dinner, and they will stay there for three days.

(b)

3 marks

Outline what Xiaoming is expected to do while his parents are away.

✓ What scores marks
  • Scan the text for the exact detail the question asks for, and answer in English.
  • Give one point per mark; if it is a table, fill EVERY cell from the text.
✗ What loses marks
  • Copying out Chinese instead of answering in English.
  • Missing a detail the text clearly gives (a date, a place, what to bring).
How to structure your answerFind the exact detail in the text → answer in English, one point per mark (fill every table cell).
For this question
Top band: Cover ALL the listed duties — collect the sister, eat dinner, clean the kitchen, feed the dog twice, and walk it morning and evening — to earn the 'thorough outline' (3 marks).
Common slip: Stopping at the human tasks (pick up sister, dinner, kitchen) and forgetting the dog duties — feeding twice a day plus the two 10-minute walks — an incomplete outline drops to the 'sound' band (2).
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
Xiaoming needs to pick up his sister from her school after school finishes today, and then have dinner with her (the dinner is already on the table). After dinner, the two of them need to clean up the kitchen. He also needs to feed the dog Baibai twice a day, and take Baibai out for a 10-minute walk in the morning and again in the evening.
Answers could include
  • Pick up his sister from school
  • Eat dinner together (already prepared, on the table)
  • Clean up the kitchen after eating
  • Feed the dog Baibai twice a day
  • Take the dog for a 10-minute walk morning and evening
  • Phone Mum if there's anything they need
亲爱的同学们：
你们好！我是马老师。
下个月开始，我们学校星期六早上有一个新的太极*班。欢迎同学们和爸爸妈妈一起来。
时间：每个星期六早上八点到九点。
地点：学校操场。下雨的时候，在体育馆。
钱：免费。
你要带水，要穿运动鞋。太极很慢，新同学也可以学。老师是从北京来的张师傅**。他不会说英文，可是他说中文说得很慢，大家都听得懂。
想来的同学，请这个星期五以前给我发邮件。
马老师
Glossary
太极tai chi
师傅master (instructor)
Question 14 (6 marks)

(a)

1 mark

Where will the class be held if it rains?

✓ What scores marks
  • Scan the text for the exact detail the question asks for, and answer in English.
  • Give one point per mark; if it is a table, fill EVERY cell from the text.
✗ What loses marks
  • Copying out Chinese instead of answering in English.
  • Missing a detail the text clearly gives (a date, a place, what to bring).
How to structure your answerFind the exact detail in the text → answer in English, one point per mark (fill every table cell).
For this question
Top band: State the single specific location — the school gym (体育馆) — as the wet-weather venue, not the playground (操场) which is the fine-weather venue.
Common slip: Giving the playground (the normal location) instead of reading the conditional '下雨的时候，在体育馆' and switching to the gym.
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
If it rains, the class will be held in the school gym.

(b)

5 marks

Anna is a Year 11 student. She has never done tai chi and only speaks a little Chinese. Would this class suit her? Support your answer with reference to the text.

✓ What scores marks
  • State your point or judgement first, then back it with a specific detail FROM THE TEXT — that is what “support with reference to the text” means.
  • Answer every part of the question; for a “how does it change / how likely” question, say where they start and where they end up.
  • Answer in English.
✗ What loses marks
  • Giving a conclusion with no evidence from the text.
  • Translating the text line-by-line as your answer; missing one part of the question.
How to structure your answerPoint / judgement → a specific detail from the text to back it → make sure every part of the question is answered.
For this question
Top band: A clear verdict ('the class would suit Anna') that resolves BOTH of her stated barriers — no tai chi experience AND only a little Chinese — by quoting the text's specific reassurances (tai chi is slow / new students can learn; the master speaks very slowly and everyone understands).
Common slip: Only listing class details (time, cost, what to bring) without tying them back to Anna's two specific obstacles, or ignoring that the instructor speaks no English.
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
The class would suit Anna well. Although she has never done tai chi, the email says tai chi is slow and new students can learn it, so no experience is needed. Her limited Chinese is also manageable: while Master Zhang speaks no English, the email explains that he speaks Chinese very slowly and everyone can understand him — the class could even help Anna practise her Chinese. The class is also easy to join: it is free, it only requires water and sports shoes, and it runs on Saturday mornings at the school playground (or the gym in wet weather), so it will not clash with school. One small consideration is that she cannot ask questions in English, but overall the class is clearly designed for beginners like Anna.
Answers could include
  • No experience needed — tai chi is slow and new students can learn
  • Limited Chinese is manageable — the instructor speaks slowly and everyone understands
  • Bonus — a chance to practise listening to Chinese
  • Easy to join — free, only water and sports shoes needed
  • Convenient — Saturday mornings at school; gym as a wet-weather backup
  • Possible challenge — the instructor speaks no English
⇦⇨🔒 www.huigu.com/lvyou
小
小李original poster
我十二月毕业，毕业后我想第一次去中国旅行。你们觉得我应该去什么地方？
明
明明reply
你应该去北京。北京有很多老的地方，长城和故宫都是很有名的。冬天的北京很冷，但是不下雨。
爱
爱丽reply
我不一样，我觉得你应该去上海。上海是大城市，年轻人多，吃的玩的都很多。可是冬天上海下雨，很冷。
大
大山reply
上海太大了！我觉得你应该去成都。成都的东西很好吃，特别是火锅！成都的人也很友好，说话很慢，外国人听得懂。
爱
爱丽reply
是的，可是成都没有海。
小
小李original poster
谢谢大家。我喜欢吃饭，也喜欢老的地方。我现在不知道去哪里，让我想想。
Question 15 (6 marks)

(a)

2 marks

Why does Xiaoli start a post on this forum?

✓ What scores marks
  • Scan the text for the exact detail the question asks for, and answer in English.
  • Give one point per mark; if it is a table, fill EVERY cell from the text.
✗ What loses marks
  • Copying out Chinese instead of answering in English.
  • Missing a detail the text clearly gives (a date, a place, what to bring).
How to structure your answerFind the exact detail in the text → answer in English, one point per mark (fill every table cell).
For this question
Top band: Give BOTH reasons for the post — that she is graduating in December and travelling to China for the first time after graduation, AND that she does not know where to go so she is asking for recommendations.
Common slip: Stopping at 'she wants to travel to China' (1 mark) without stating she is undecided and seeking the forum members' recommendations — losing the second mark.
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
Xiaoli is graduating in December and wants to travel to China for the first time after graduation. She does not know where to go, so she is asking the forum members for their recommendations.

(b)

4 marks

Compare the recommendations made by the three commenters.

✓ What scores marks
  • Put the views side by side — for each person, name what they recommend and the reason, then state what they share / where they differ.
  • Cover ALL the people the question names; answer in English.
✗ What loses marks
  • Describing each person one-by-one without ever comparing them.
  • Covering only some of the speakers.
How to structure your answerFor each person: what they recommend + why. Then a sentence on what they share / how they differ.
For this question
Top band: Actually compare the three recommendations — name each city with its distinct appeal AND its drawback (Beijing: history, no rain; Shanghai: city lifestyle but rainy/cold; Chengdu: food + friendly slow speech but no sea) — and draw out the contrast between them, not just list them.
Common slip: Listing the three cities one by one without comparing, or omitting the weather/geography drawbacks (Shanghai's rain, Chengdu having no sea) that the commenters specifically raise.
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
The three commenters recommend three different cities. Mingming recommends Beijing, focusing on its historical sites — the Great Wall and the Forbidden City — and noting that Beijing is cold but does not rain in winter. Aili disagrees and recommends Shanghai instead because it is a big city with lots of young people, food and entertainment, although she warns that Shanghai is rainy and cold in winter. Dashan recommends Chengdu, emphasising its delicious food (especially hot pot) and friendly people who speak slowly enough for foreigners to understand. Aili also notes a downside of Chengdu — that it has no sea. Overall, Mingming and Dashan focus on cultural and culinary attractions, while Aili emphasises city lifestyle and recognises weather and geography as drawbacks.
Answers could include
  • Beijing — historical sites, no rain in winter (Mingming)
  • Shanghai — big city, young people, food, entertainment, but rainy in winter (Aili)
  • Chengdu — delicious food (hot pot), friendly people, slow speech easy for foreigners, but no sea (Dashan + Aili counter)
Email 1
亲爱的小华：
你好吗？我现在每个星期六在社区中心打工，教中国老人英文。他们教我做中国饭，我很开心。
社区中心想找一个新的人，你想跟我一起做吗？时间是每个星期六上午十点到下午一点，每次六十块钱。
可是这个工作不简单。老人有时候不想学英文，他们只想跟我聊天。我下个星期一去见王老师，你想跟我一起去吗？
丽丽
Email 2
亲爱的丽丽：
谢谢你的邮件！我很想做这个工作。
可是我下个星期六开始打工。我妈妈开了一家中国饭馆，她要我下个月去帮忙。我没有时间做两个工作。
我有一个朋友，她叫小红，她喜欢老人也会说英文。我把你的信发给她，可以吗？
下个月放假的时候，你想跟我一起去妈妈的饭馆吃饭吗？我请你！
小华
Question 16 (7 marks)

(a)

2 marks

Explain Lili's relationship with the community centre.

✓ What scores marks
  • Scan the text for the exact detail the question asks for, and answer in English.
  • Give one point per mark; if it is a table, fill EVERY cell from the text.
✗ What loses marks
  • Copying out Chinese instead of answering in English.
  • Missing a detail the text clearly gives (a date, a place, what to bring).
How to structure your answerFind the exact detail in the text → answer in English, one point per mark (fill every table cell).
For this question
Top band: Explain the relationship as reciprocal — Lili works there teaching English to Chinese elderly people, AND they teach her to cook Chinese food in return — not just 'she works there'.
Common slip: Saying only that Lili works/volunteers at the community centre without the two-way detail (she teaches the elderly English; they teach her Chinese cooking), capping the answer at 1 mark.
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
Lili currently works at the community centre every Saturday. She teaches English to Chinese elderly people there, and they teach her how to cook Chinese food in return.

(b)

5 marks

How does Xiaohua respond to Lili's invitation? Support your answer with reference to the text.

✓ What scores marks
  • State your point or judgement first, then back it with a specific detail FROM THE TEXT — that is what “support with reference to the text” means.
  • Answer every part of the question; for a “how does it change / how likely” question, say where they start and where they end up.
  • Answer in English.
✗ What loses marks
  • Giving a conclusion with no evidence from the text.
  • Translating the text line-by-line as your answer; missing one part of the question.
How to structure your answerPoint / judgement → a specific detail from the text to back it → make sure every part of the question is answered.
For this question
Top band: Beyond stating that Xiaohua declines, full marks require capturing that she does NOT simply refuse — she suggests a concrete replacement (friend Xiaohong, who likes elderly people and speaks English) AND reciprocates with a return dinner invitation, all grounded in the email.
Common slip: Stopping at "she can't because she already has a job at her mum's restaurant" — missing the two helpful gestures (recommending Xiaohong, the return invitation) that the 5-mark band rewards as a comprehensive, detailed reading.
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
Xiaohua declines Lili's invitation, even though she says she would like to do this work. She has already agreed to start a different job next Saturday at her mother's Chinese restaurant, where her mother needs her help from next month. Because of this commitment, Xiaohua does not have time for two jobs. However, she does not simply decline — she suggests an alternative by recommending her friend Xiaohong, who likes elderly people and can speak English, and asks Lili whether she can pass the email on to Xiaohong. Xiaohua also extends a return invitation to Lili to dine at her mother's restaurant during the next holiday, which she would pay for. Overall, Xiaohua's response is warm and helpful: she declines for valid reasons, suggests a suitable replacement, and reciprocates with a social invitation.
Answers could include
  • Initial position: would like to do the work
  • Reason for declining: already committed to mother's restaurant (next Saturday start, helping from next month)
  • Practical reason: no time for two jobs
  • Counter-offer: friend Xiaohong who likes elderly people and speaks English
  • Reciprocal invitation: dinner at mother's restaurant during the holiday (Xiaohua's treat)
— End of Section II —
Section III

Writing in Chinese

20 marksapprox. 50 minwrite in Chinese
Your responses will be assessed on how well you:
  • communicate relevant ideas and information
  • write text appropriate to audience, purpose and context
  • structure and sequence ideas and information
  • demonstrate control of vocabulary and language structures in Chinese
Part A · 10 marks · Questions 17–18

Question 17

4 marks

You are staying late at school for an after-school activity. Write a message to your parent letting them know.

approx. 50 characters, in Chinese
0 chars
✓ What scores marks
  • Cover the basics: who it is to (e.g. “妈妈：”) → the message (where you are / what is happening / when you'll be back) → sign the name GIVEN in the prompt.
  • Keep it simple and correct — around 50 characters; short clear sentences beat long risky ones.
✗ What loses marks
  • Signing your REAL name instead of the name given in the prompt.
  • Leaving out a key piece (e.g. when you'll be home); going far over or under the length.
How to structure your answerRecipient (X：) → message: where / what + when you'll be back → the GIVEN name. ~50 characters.
For this question
Top band: In just ~50 characters, the message must do all three things the rubric rewards: state WHY you're staying (the after-school activity), give the consequence (home late), and reassure the parent (a rough arrival time / don't wait for dinner) — appropriate to audience and purpose.
Common slip: Treating it as a free-writing task and over-padding with unrelated detail, or omitting the practical point a parent actually needs (when you'll be home / don't wait for dinner), leaving the message without a clear purpose.
Model answer
Grey labels show the structure · highlighted = key idioms / complete connectives
Salutation妈妈：
Body今天我有汉语课的活动。老师让我们多练习唱中国歌，所以我会晚一点回家。我大概六点半到家，请不要等我吃晚饭。
Signature小明

Question 18

6 marks

Your Chinese friend, Lulu, is in Australia for a study tour. You want to invite her to a weekend BBQ with your family and friends. Write an email to her describing the BBQ and what she should bring.

approx. 100 characters, in Chinese
0 chars
✓ What scores marks
  • Structure: greeting (“亲爱的…” / “…你好”) → reason for writing → answer EVERY thing the prompt asks (e.g. describe the event AND say what to bring) → friendly close → sign the GIVEN name.
  • Around 100 characters; use simple connectives (和, 也, 因为, 所以) to link your ideas.
✗ What loses marks
  • Missing one of the things the prompt asked for.
  • Signing your real name; carrying English word order into the Chinese.
How to structure your answerGreeting → why you're writing → cover every point the prompt asks → friendly close → the GIVEN name. ~100 characters.
For this question
Top band: The task has two explicit content requirements — describe the BBQ AND say what Lulu should bring. Full marks need BOTH covered (the food/activity details plus a clear instruction to bring swimwear because there's a pool), organised coherently as a real invitation with time and place.
Common slip: Describing the BBQ food and time but forgetting the second half of the prompt — telling Lulu what to bring — which is half the task and caps the mark if missing.
Model answer
Grey labels show the structure · highlighted = key idioms / complete connectives
Salutation亲爱的露露：
Opening你好吗？这个星期六中午，我家有一个BBQ。
Body我爸爸妈妈和我的好朋友都会来。我们会做澳大利亚的烧烤，可以吃牛肉和鸡肉。也会有很多水果和沙拉。我家有游泳池，所以请你带泳衣。星期六上午十一点在我家见，我和家人一起欢迎你！
Signature小华
Part B · 10 marks · Question 19 OR Question 20

In the exam you answer ONE of these. Here you can practise both — each has its own writing space.

Question 19

10 marks

十二年级毕业以后你想做什么？写一篇日记，说说你的打算。What do you want to do after Year 12 (HSC)? Write a diary entry about your plans.

Topic: Future plans and aspirations
approx. 150 characters, in Chinese
0 chars
✓ What scores marks
  • Open with the date header — date · day of the week · weather (e.g. “十月二十二日 星期六 天气：晴”).
  • Recount what happened (use 了 for completed actions), THEN add a short reflection or feeling at the end.
  • Around 150 characters; a diary has NO salutation and NO signature.
✗ What loses marks
  • Forgetting the date / weather header, or adding a “Dear diary” or a signature.
  • Only recounting with no reflection; going well under length.
How to structure your answerDate · day · weather header → recount (…了) → a short reflection / feeling → no signature. ~150 characters.
For this question
Top band: For the 9-10 band the diary must present a RANGE of plans organised coherently — not one idea repeated. The model covers university/career, part-time work, and learning to drive, each with a reason, and frames them as personal aspirations with the correct diary heading (date/day/weather).
Common slip: Writing a single plan ("I want to go to university") padded out, or dropping the diary conventions (date / day of week / weather line at the top), which signals the wrong text type for a 日记.
Model answer
Grey labels show the structure · highlighted = key idioms / complete connectives
Date十二月五日 星期六 天气：晴
Opening今天晚饭以后，我告诉爸爸妈妈我毕业以后的打算。我想上大学，学做小学老师。我喜欢小孩子，帮他们学习让我很开心。我希望以后能在一个好学校工作。
Body大学不上课的时候，我想在家附近的咖啡店打工。我可以自己赚钱，也可以认识新朋友。我还想学开车，以后自己开车去大学。
Closing爸爸妈妈说我的打算很好。我听了很高兴。我要好好学习，明年考上好大学。

Question 20

10 marks

你参加了一个本地的中国文化节。写一篇日记，说说你的一天。You attended a local Chinese cultural festival. Write a diary entry describing your day.

Topic: People, places and communities
approx. 150 characters, in Chinese
0 chars
✓ What scores marks
  • Open with the date header — date · day of the week · weather (e.g. “十月二十二日 星期六 天气：晴”).
  • Recount what happened (use 了 for completed actions), THEN add a short reflection or feeling at the end.
  • Around 150 characters; a diary has NO salutation and NO signature.
✗ What loses marks
  • Forgetting the date / weather header, or adding a “Dear diary” or a signature.
  • Only recounting with no reflection; going well under length.
How to structure your answerDate · day · weather header → recount (…了) → a short reflection / feeling → no signature. ~150 characters.
For this question
Top band: A 9-10 diary needs a coherently sequenced recount of the day (getting there, food, the lion-dance performance, meeting people) with a personal reflection at the end — the festival described through specific, relevant detail rather than a flat list.
Common slip: Listing festival facts with no narrative flow or personal voice, or missing the diary heading (date / day / weather), so it reads like a description rather than a 日记 recounting the writer's own day.
Model answer
Grey labels show the structure · highlighted = key idioms / complete connectives
Date十月二十四日 星期六 天气：多云
Opening今天我和我的好朋友爱丽一起去了悉尼的中国文化节。我们坐火车去市中心，那里有很多人。文化节有很多好吃的中国饭：我吃了饺子和热包子，我也喝了一杯绿色的奶茶，特别甜。
Body下午我们看了中国的舞狮表演。爱丽很喜欢，她说中国文化很漂亮，很有意思。我们还认识了几个中国人，跟他们说了一点儿汉语。
Closing今天我学到了很多。明年的文化节，我还想去。
— End of paper —
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