HQ Society
Chinese Beginners · Practice Resource
Set 2 · 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你早饭吃什么？
Male我每天早上吃面包和鸡蛋。
Female我喜欢喝牛奶。

Question 1

2 marks

Why has the mother left this message?

0:00 / 0:00
Male喂，儿子，妈妈今天要加班，晚上八点才回家。你跟妹妹先吃晚饭，不用等我。
✓ 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: State BOTH parts of the message: the reason (mother has to work overtime / will not be home until 8 pm) AND the instruction to the son (eat dinner with his younger sister first, without waiting for her). Naming the reason alone caps the answer at 1 mark.
Common slip: Beginners often catch '加班' (overtime) but drop '八点才回家' (8 pm) or the instruction to eat with the younger sister first — giving only half the message and losing the second mark.
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
The mother has left the message to let her son know that she has to work overtime today and will not be home until 8 pm. She asks the son to have dinner with his younger sister first, without waiting for her.

Question 2

2 marks

Complete the table using information from the conversation.

0:00 / 0:00
ActivityCycling to the beach
When
What to bring
Female这个周末我们骑自行车去海边，好不好？
Male太好了！什么时候去？
Female星期天早上九点。
Male要带什么？
Female你要带午饭和水。海边没有商店。
✓ 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: Fill all three rows with the exact details from the dialogue: When = Sunday 9 am (星期天早上九点), and What to bring = lunch AND water (午饭和水). Both items are needed for the bring row.
Common slip: Writing only one of the two things to bring (just 'lunch' or just 'water'), or misreading 星期天 (Sunday) as Saturday / dropping the 9 am time.
Model answer
ActivityCycling to the beach
WhenSunday 9 am
What to bringLunch and water

Question 3

3 marks

Explain what students need to know about the library opening.

0:00 / 0:00
Female同学们，明天我们学校的图书馆要开门了。开门时间是早上九点到下午四点。同学们可以借书，每个人最多借三本，可以借两个星期。请记得带学生证。
✓ 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: Cover all THREE pieces of information for the top band: (1) opening hours 9 am–4 pm, (2) borrowing limit — up to 3 books for two weeks, (3) must bring student card. Missing any one drops you to a 'sound' (2-mark) explanation.
Common slip: Beginners commonly get the opening hours but forget the borrowing rule (three books / two weeks) or the student-card requirement — giving two facts instead of three and capping at 2 marks.
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
Students need to know three things about the library opening. First, the library will open tomorrow, with opening hours from 9 am to 4 pm. Second, each student can borrow up to three books at a time, and books can be borrowed for two weeks. Third, students must remember to bring their student card.

Question 4

1 mark

Where do the two friends decide to meet?

0:00 / 0:00
Female我想去咖啡店见你，跟你说说我的新工作。
Male咖啡店人太多了，不好聊天。
Female那图书馆呢？图书馆很安静。
Male今天图书馆关门，星期天不开。
Female公园怎么样？
Male公园太冷了。我们去美术馆吧，那里很安静。
Female好，下午两点美术馆见。
✓ 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: Select D (Art museum). The speakers reject the coffee shop (too crowded), the library (closed on Sunday) and the park (too cold), and settle on the 美术馆 — 'a quiet place' — meeting at 2 pm.
Common slip: Choosing an earlier-mentioned option (e.g. B Library or C Coffee shop) because it was discussed first, instead of tracking the process of elimination to the final agreed venue, the art museum.
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
D

Question 5

3 marks

Explain why the two speakers chose Hainan.

0:00 / 0:00
Female喂，小明，七月放假我们去海南吧。
Male海南？为什么？
Female第一，海南很温暖，可以游泳。
Male听起来不错。
Female第二，海南的海很漂亮，还有很多好吃的海鲜。
Male还有别的吗？
Female第三，我们的奶奶住在海南，我们可以一起看她。
Male太好了，我也想去。
✓ 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 all THREE numbered reasons (第一/第二/第三): (1) Hainan is warm in July — they can swim; (2) the sea is beautiful and the seafood is delicious; (3) their grandmother lives there, so they can visit her. Three distinct reasons earns the full 3 marks.
Common slip: Merging reasons or dropping the third one — many Beginners report only the weather and the sea, forgetting that visiting the grandmother (奶奶住在海南) is a separate reason, so they stop at 2 marks.
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
The two speakers chose Hainan for three reasons. First, Hainan is very warm in July and they can go swimming there. Second, the sea is beautiful and there is delicious seafood to enjoy. Third, their grandmother lives in Hainan, so they can visit her during the holiday.

Question 6

3 marks

What are Meimei's reasons for wanting to move?

0:00 / 0:00
Male美美，听说你想搬家？
美美是的。我家离学校太远，每天要坐一个小时的车。
Male那不太方便。
美美我想搬到学校附近，走路就可以去学校。
Male还有别的原因吗？
美美现在的房子比较吵，旁边有一家饭馆。新的地方很安静，旁边还有一个图书馆。
Male听起来真好。
✓ 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 all three distinct reasons — distance/commute, the noise from the restaurant next door, AND the quiet new place with a library — not just the first one. Full marks needs every reason Meimei states.
Common slip: Stopping after the 'too far from school' reason and treating the one-hour bus ride as the whole answer, missing the noise and the quiet-new-neighbourhood reasons.
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
Meimei has three reasons for wanting to move. First, her current home is too far from school — she has to take a one-hour bus ride every day. By moving closer to school, she will be able to walk. Second, the current house is noisy because there is a restaurant next door. Third, the new neighbourhood is quiet and has a library next to it.

Question 7

3 marks

Outline the suggestions given to Wang Lin about playing tennis.

0:00 / 0:00
Male王琳，你想学打网球，对吗？
王琳是的，我刚来这个学校，想跟同学一起打网球。
Male我给你三个建议。第一，每天早上去操场练习一个小时。
王琳早上？
Male是的，早上操场没有人。第二，找一个朋友一起练习，比一个人练习快。
王琳好的。
Male第三，星期天可以去看大学生比赛，看完你就知道怎么打了。
王琳太谢谢了。
✓ 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: Outline all three suggestions with their detail (morning ground practice, practising with a friend being faster, watching university matches on Sundays to learn how to play), not just name them.
Common slip: Listing only one or two suggestions, or giving the actions without the 'why' (e.g. saying 'practise with a friend' but missing that it is faster than practising alone).
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
Wang Lin is given three suggestions about playing tennis. First, she should practise on the school sports ground for an hour every morning, when no one else is there. Second, she should find a friend to practise with, since this is faster than practising alone. Third, she can go to watch university tennis competitions on Sundays — watching will help her understand how to play.

Question 8

4 marks

How does the son persuade his mother to let him dye his hair? Support your answer with reference to the text.

0:00 / 0:00
Male妈妈，我想染头发。
Female不行。
Male为什么？
Female学校不让染头发。
Male我会染棕色，不是红色或者绿色。棕色看起来跟黑色差不多。
Female老师还是会看出来。
Male我们可以星期五染，星期六和星期日两天。星期一去学校以前再染回来。
Female你太聪明了。
Male我也已经存了钱，不需要你出。
Female好吧。但是只能这一次。
Male谢谢妈妈！
✓ 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: Show HOW each persuasive move answers a specific objection — brown looks like black (answers 'school doesn't allow it'), weekend-only timing then dye back (answers 'teachers will notice'), and his own saved money (removes cost) — and note that the mother finally agrees, just this once.
Common slip: Just saying 'he wanted to dye his hair and his mum said yes' without referencing the text — the question asks HOW he persuades her, so each of the three arguments tied to her objections must be explained for the 4-mark band.
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
The son wins his mother over step by step. When she says the school does not allow dyed hair, he proposes dyeing his hair brown — a colour that looks similar to black, so it won't stand out. When she says the teachers will still notice, he suggests dyeing on Friday so it lasts only Saturday and Sunday, then dyeing it back before school on Monday. Finally, he tells his mother he has already saved enough money, so she does not need to pay. Convinced by his careful planning, his mother agrees but tells him it can only happen this once.
Answers could include
  • Son addresses each of mother's objections in sequence
  • Choice of brown — close to black so school staff won't easily notice
  • Timing solution — weekend only, dye back before Monday school
  • Already saved money — no financial cost to mother

Question 9

4 marks

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

0:00 / 0:00
Female大力，明年你想上哪个大学？
大力李老师，我想去悉尼大学。
Female为什么？
大力悉尼大学很有名，我家也在悉尼，不用搬家。
Female你知道墨尔本大学也很好吗？墨尔本大学的中文非常好。
大力墨尔本？太远了。
Female墨尔本不远，坐飞机只要一个半小时。
大力可是我没去过墨尔本。
Female墨尔本是一个安静、漂亮的城市。墨尔本大学有很多外国学生，你可以认识不同国家的朋友。
大力是吗？我没听说过。
Female墨尔本大学还有奖学金，你可以申请。
大力奖学金是什么？
Female就是大学给好学生的钱。你的成绩很好。
大力好的，那我也申请墨尔本大学。
✓ 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: Trace the CHANGE: his starting position (only Sydney), Ms Li's counters to each objection (distance answered by the 1.5-hour flight, 'never been there' answered by it being a quiet beautiful city), the scholarship as the clinching incentive, and the final shift to also applying to Melbourne.
Common slip: Describing only his starting view (wants Sydney) or only his end view (also applies to Melbourne) without showing the movement between them and the reasons Ms Li gives that change his mind.
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
Dali starts the conversation set on applying only to Sydney University, because it is famous and his family lives in Sydney, so he would not need to move. The teacher, Ms Li, then introduces Melbourne University, noting that its Chinese program is very strong. Dali raises two objections — Melbourne is too far, and he has never been there — but Ms Li counters each one: the flight only takes an hour and a half, and Melbourne is a quiet, beautiful city whose university has many international students. The clinching point is the scholarship: when Dali asks what a scholarship is, Ms Li explains it is money the university gives to good students, and his results are strong enough to apply. By the end of the conversation his decision has changed — he will now also apply to Melbourne University.
Answers could include
  • Initial position: only Sydney (famous + family in Sydney)
  • Ms Li's trigger: Melbourne University's strong Chinese program
  • Ms Li addresses each of Dali's objections (distance, never been there)
  • Clinching incentive: a scholarship his strong results can win
  • Final position: will also apply to Melbourne University

Question 10

5 marks

How likely is Siqi to accept Mr Lin's offer to join the Chinese speech competition? Support your answer with reference to the text.

0:00 / 0:00
Male思琪，下个月学校有一个中文演讲比赛，你想参加吗？
思琪林老师，演讲比赛？可是我没试过，演讲太难了。
Male别担心，我会帮你准备。我们每个星期六练习两个小时。
思琪可是我每个星期六要打工，没有时间。
Male比赛在十一月。你可以先一个月不打工。
思琪我也担心十二月的考试。
Male比赛以前你每个星期只用两个小时，比赛以后你有更多时间复习。
思琪参加比赛有什么好处？
Male有奖金，最好的可以拿一千块，还可以帮你申请大学。
思琪太好了，我想试试！
Male那我们星期六上午十点见。
思琪好的。我先看看打工的时间，明天告诉你。
✓ 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: Reach a clear judgement (very likely to accept) AND justify it from the text: each of the three concerns and Mr Lin's answer, the two incentives ($1000 prize + helps university applications), and the evidence she has effectively decided ('I want to try!', agrees to meet Saturday) with only the roster check left.
Common slip: Answering only 'yes she will join' or listing her three worries without showing how Mr Lin resolves each one and without weighing the evidence — a 5-mark 'how likely' answer must reach a supported conclusion, not just retell the dialogue.
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
On balance, Siqi is very likely to take up Mr Lin's offer — she accepts in principle and only needs to check her work roster. She raises three concerns during the conversation, and Mr Lin answers each one. First, she has never given a speech and thinks it is too hard — Mr Lin promises to help her prepare, with two hours of practice every Saturday. Second, she works every Saturday and has no time — Mr Lin points out the competition is in November, so she can stop working for a month first. Third, she is worried about the December exams — Mr Lin replies that preparation takes only two hours a week before the competition, and she will have more revision time afterwards. The incentives seal it: there is prize money — the best contestant wins one thousand dollars — and the competition helps with university applications. Siqi's enthusiastic 'I want to try!' and her agreement to meet on Saturday show she has decided; confirming her work schedule is the only step left.
Answers could include
  • Three concerns raised by Siqi, each answered by Mr Lin
  • No experience / too hard — Mr Lin offers weekly two-hour preparation sessions
  • Saturday work — the competition is in November, so she can pause work for a month
  • December exams — only two hours a week needed, more revision time after the competition
  • Incentives: $1000 prize money + value for university applications
  • Accepts in principle ('I want to try!', agrees to meet Saturday); only the work roster check remains
— 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
中国成都七日游！
时间：十二月一日 到 七日
价钱：每个人三千块
可以吃火锅，看大熊猫，去九寨沟。
请在十一月十日以前报名。

Question 11

3 marks

Complete the table using the information from the notice.

Tour destinationChengdu, China
Tour duration
Cost per person
What you can 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: Fill all three blank rows correctly and completely: duration as 1 to 7 December / seven days, cost as $3,000 per person, and ALL three activities (eat hotpot, see giant pandas, visit Jiuzhaigou). The 3-mark band requires identifying ALL the information about the Chengdu tour.
Common slip: Listing only one or two of the three activities (e.g. just 'see pandas') in the 'What you can do' cell, or giving the price as a plain '3000' without recognising it is per person — partial activity lists and dropped details cost the top band.
Model answer
Tour destinationChengdu, China
Tour duration1 to 7 December (seven days)
Cost per person$3,000
What you can doEat hotpot, see giant pandas, visit Jiuzhaigou
Messages
晓东你今年来学校运动会吗？
小华什么时候？
晓东下个星期六。我跟你一起跑步，好吗？
小华我不会跑步。
晓东你不用跑很快。我们一起练习一个星期就可以。我每天早上六点去操场练习，跟我一起来吧。
Question 12 (3 marks)

(a)

1 mark

What is Xiaodong proposing?

✓ 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 complete proposal: that Xiaohua join Xiaodong in RUNNING at the school sports carnival NEXT SATURDAY — naming the activity (running), the event (sports carnival) and the time (next Saturday) for the full 1 mark.
Common slip: Answering only that Xiaodong invites Xiaohua to the sports carnival, omitting that the proposal is specifically to run together — a vague 'come to the carnival' misses the actual proposal.
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
Xiaodong is proposing that Xiaohua join him in running at the school sports carnival next Saturday.

(b)

2 marks

Why does Xiaodong think Xiaohua will be ready to take part?

✓ 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 of Xiaodong's reasons for thinking she'll be ready, anchored to the text: she does not need to run fast, and one week of joint practice (his daily 6 am sessions at the sports ground) will be enough — two distinct supported points reach the 2-mark band.
Common slip: Only saying 'she just needs to practise' without including that she doesn't need to run FAST, or dropping the one-week / daily 6 am training detail — supplying a single reason caps the answer at 1 mark.
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
Xiaodong tells Xiaohua she does not need to run fast, and that one week of joint practice will be enough. He invites her to join his daily 6 am training sessions at the school sports ground.
Answers could include
  • Doesn't need to run fast — accessible challenge
  • One week of practice is enough preparation
  • Daily 6 am training together
阿杰：
明天下午我们篮球队跟绿谷中学比赛。王教练今天给我打电话，让我准备明天的比赛。可是我明天上午有事，请你帮我做三件事。
第一，明天中午十二点到学校门口拿球衣。李老师会在那里等你。
第二，告诉小马明天的比赛两点开始，请他早一点到。
第三，比赛以后，请把球放回体育馆。
谢谢你！
志强
星期五下午
Glossary
教练coach
Question 13 (5 marks)

(a)

2 marks

What is happening tomorrow afternoon, and who has asked for help?

✓ 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: Identify BOTH parts: WHAT is happening (the school basketball team plays a match against Green Valley High School tomorrow afternoon) AND WHO asked for help (Zhiqiang asks Ajie, after Coach Wang phoned Zhiqiang about preparing) — covering both halves of the question earns the 2 marks.
Common slip: Confusing who is asking whom — writing that Coach Wang is asking Ajie, rather than Zhiqiang asking Ajie (Coach Wang only phoned Zhiqiang). Mixing up the named people, or naming only the match without saying who asked, loses a mark.
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
Tomorrow afternoon the school basketball team is playing a match against Green Valley High School. Coach Wang phoned Zhiqiang about preparing for the match, and because Zhiqiang is busy tomorrow morning, he is asking Ajie to help.
Answers could include
  • What is happening: the school basketball team plays Green Valley High School tomorrow afternoon
  • Who asked for help: Zhiqiang asks Ajie (after Coach Wang phoned Zhiqiang about the preparations) — either link is creditable

(b)

3 marks

Outline what Ajie needs to do to help.

✓ 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: Outline ALL THREE tasks with their specific details: (1) collect the uniforms from the school gate at 12 noon (Ms Li will be there), (2) tell Xiaoma the match starts at 2 pm and to come early, (3) return the balls to the gym after the match — the 3-mark band needs a thorough outline of all three.
Common slip: Listing the three jobs but stripping the key details (the 12 noon time, that Ms Li is waiting, the 2 pm start, the 'arrive early' instruction, or returning the balls AFTER the match) — a bare list without the embedded details drops to the 'sound' band.
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
Ajie needs to do three things. First, he needs to go to the school gate at 12 noon tomorrow to collect the team uniforms — Ms Li will be waiting for him there. Second, he should tell Xiaoma that tomorrow's match starts at 2 pm and ask him to arrive early. Third, after the match he should put the balls back in the gym.
Answers could include
  • Collect the team uniforms from the school gate at 12 noon (Ms Li will be there)
  • Tell Xiaoma the match starts at 2 pm and to come early
  • Return the balls to the gym after the match
亲爱的同学们：
大家好。我是悉尼图书馆的小李。
我们的图书馆有很多中国书。每个星期六上午，几个小孩跟爸爸妈妈来图书馆。他们想学中文。我们要找会中文的学生来帮忙。
工作时间：每个星期六上午十点到十二点。
工作地点：悉尼图书馆。
钱：没有钱，但是有免费的咖啡和小吃。
我们想找：会说中文和英文的学生，喜欢小孩子。如果你做事认真，还可以帮小孩子选书。这个工作只有两个月。
请在三月一日以前给我发邮件。
小李
Question 14 (6 marks)

(a)

1 mark

Who has Xiao Li written this email to?

✓ 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: Pin down the audience precisely as the students who learn Chinese — not just 'students' in general, since the email targets those who can help the children learning Chinese.
Common slip: Answering with the purpose of the email (a volunteer job, helping children) instead of who it is addressed to, or vaguely saying 'everyone' rather than students who learn Chinese.
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
Xiao Li has written the email to students who learn Chinese.

(b)

5 marks

What kind of student is the library looking for? 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: Cover the full set of characteristics — bilingual, likes children, conscientious, available Saturdays 10 am–12 noon, comfortable with an unpaid role, and able to commit for two months — and anchor each to the text.
Common slip: Listing only one or two traits (e.g. just 'speaks Chinese') and missing the practical requirements like the unpaid role, the Saturday time slot, or the two-month commitment.
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
The library is looking for a student who can speak both Chinese and English, since they will help young children who come to Sydney Library on Saturday mornings to learn Chinese. The student should also like children, and ideally be conscientious — careful students can also help the children choose books. They must be available every Saturday from 10 am to 12 noon at Sydney Library, be happy to volunteer in an unpaid role (free coffee and snacks are provided as a thank-you), and be able to commit for the full two-month period.
Answers could include
  • Bilingual — speaks Chinese and English
  • Likes children
  • Conscientious — careful students can also help the children choose books
  • Available every Saturday 10 am to 12 noon at Sydney Library
  • Comfortable with an unpaid role (free coffee and snacks provided)
  • Able to commit for the full two months
⇦⇨🔒 www.daxue-luntan.cn/zhuanye
小
小南original poster
我今年十二年级，明年要上大学。可是我不知道学什么。你们能帮我吗？
大
大东reply
我去年上大学。如果你喜欢中文，可以学中文。学了中文，工作机会很多。
嘉
嘉欣reply
我不一样，我学了医学。学医学要七年，但是医生帮助很多人，钱也不少。
中
中明reply
学医学太长了。可以学商科。学商科只要三年，毕业以后工作机会多。
嘉
嘉欣reply
是的，学医学时间长。可是你不喜欢的工作，做四十年也没意思。
小
小南original poster
谢谢大家。我喜欢中文，也想找一个能帮助人的工作。让我想想。
Question 15 (6 marks)

(a)

2 marks

Why does Xiaonan 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 — that Xiaonan is in Year 12 starting university next year AND that she does not know what to study — so the post is framed as a request for course advice.
Common slip: Stating only that she is going to university without explaining she is unsure what to study, or omitting that she is specifically asking the forum for help.
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
Xiaonan is in Year 12 and will start university next year, but does not know what to study. She is asking forum members for advice on choosing a course.

(b)

4 marks

Compare the views of 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: Compare, not just list — attribute each course (Chinese / medicine / business) to its commenter and finish with the contrast between the practicality view (Dadong, Zhongming) and Jiaxin's personal-meaning view.
Common slip: Summarising the three posts one after another without drawing any comparison, or leaving out Jiaxin's counter-argument that a job you dislike for forty years is meaningless.
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
The three commenters recommend three different paths. Dadong suggests studying Chinese, pointing out that good Chinese skills lead to many job opportunities. Jiaxin disagrees with the practical-only focus — she studied medicine herself and argues that even though medicine takes seven years, doctors help many people and earn good money. Zhongming counters that medicine takes too long and recommends a 3-year business degree as a faster path to job opportunities. Jiaxin then responds that even if medicine is long, a job you don't like is meaningless across forty years of working life. Overall, Dadong and Zhongming emphasise practicality and shorter pathways, while Jiaxin emphasises personal meaning and long-term commitment.
Answers could include
  • Dadong — Chinese: many job opportunities
  • Jiaxin — Medicine: 7 years long, but doctors help people + good pay
  • Zhongming — Business: only 3 years, fast path to jobs
  • Jiaxin counter: even if medicine is long, a job you dislike for 40 years is meaningless
  • Practicality (Dadong, Zhongming) vs personal meaning (Jiaxin)
Email 1
亲爱的美玲：
你好吗？妈妈很想你。
你去中国一个月了。妈妈每天都担心你。你吃饭怎么样？身体好吗？
爸爸说我担心太多了。可是美玲，你以前不会自己做饭，也不会洗衣服。在中国朋友的家里，你要帮忙做饭，要打扫房间。你做得好吗？
下个月你要去考试，你的中文真的可以吗？请你给妈妈打电话，告诉妈妈你的生活。我会很开心。
妈妈
Email 2
亲爱的妈妈：
谢谢你的邮件。我看了以后想哭。
妈妈，请不要担心。我已经长大了。我朋友的妈妈每天都给我们做饭，可是她也教我做菜。今天我学了做西红柿炒鸡蛋。
我每天去学校学中文，老师很好。中文不容易，但是我每天进步*一点。下个月的考试，我相信我可以。
我的衣服我自己洗，房间自己打扫。我喜欢这里的生活。
我会在周末给你打电话。妈妈，等我回来，我做菜给你吃！
美玲
Glossary
进步improve
Question 16 (7 marks)

(a)

2 marks

What are Meiling's mother's main concerns in her email?

✓ 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: Cluster the mother's worries into both strands — Meiling's daily wellbeing (eating, health, cooking, cleaning, washing) and her upcoming Chinese exam next month.
Common slip: Mentioning only the exam, or only that the mother 'misses' Meiling, while missing the concrete worries about whether she can cook, clean and wash clothes on her own.
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
The mother is worried about Meiling's daily life in China — specifically whether Meiling is eating properly, staying healthy, and managing tasks she has never done before (cooking, cleaning, washing clothes). She also worries about Meiling's upcoming Chinese exam next month.

(b)

5 marks

How does Meiling respond to her mother's concerns? 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: Match each of the mother's worries (cooking, Chinese/exam, chores) to Meiling's specific textual reply AND read her tone — the 5-mark band needs all the characteristics with detailed reference, plus noting she is reassuring, confident and loving.
Common slip: Listing only what Meiling does (cooks, studies, cleans) without linking each point back to the matching maternal concern, and ignoring the closing promises (weekend call, cooking on return) and her reassuring tone — which caps the answer below the comprehensive band.
Model answer
your pointevidence from the textwhat it shows
Meiling reassures her mother by addressing each concern in turn. To the worry about cooking, she explains that her friend's mother cooks for them daily but also teaches her — today she learned to make stir-fried tomato and egg. To the worry about her Chinese, she says she goes to school every day, has a good teacher, and although Chinese is not easy, she is improving daily and believes she will pass next month's exam. To the worry about household chores, she states that she washes her own clothes and cleans her own room. She closes by promising to call her mother on the weekend and to cook for her mother when she returns home. Meiling's response shows that she has matured and is coping well — her tone is reassuring and confident, while still expressing love for her mother.
Answers could include
  • Cooking: friend's mum cooks but also teaches her — learned stir-fried tomato and egg today
  • Chinese: daily school study, good teacher, improving daily, confident about exam
  • Chores: washes own clothes, cleans own room
  • Promise to call on weekend
  • Closing offer: will cook for mother when she returns home
  • Tone: reassuring + confident + loving
— 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

Your parents are away this weekend visiting your grandfather. Write a message to your younger sister reminding her of what she needs to do at home.

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: Keep it a genuine message to a younger sister (称呼 + 落款) and give her at least two clear, time-tagged chores plus one safety reminder — the 4-mark band rewards ideas organised and appropriate to audience/purpose, so concrete instructions she can act on lift it.
Common slip: Writing it as a letter/diary or padding with greetings so the actual reminders go missing or vague (no times, no specific tasks) — Beginners often drift off-task and forget the message must tell the sister exactly what to do at home.
Model answer
Grey labels show the structure · highlighted = key idioms / complete connectives
Greeting / addressee小妹：
Context — parents away this weekend, back Monday爸爸妈妈这个周末去爷爷家，下个星期一回来。
Tasks — feed the cat, water the flowers星期六上午要喂猫，下午要给花浇水。
Reminder + contact晚上记得锁门。有事打我的电话。
Sign-off哥哥

Question 18

6 marks

You started learning a musical instrument this term. Write a diary entry about your first lesson.

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: Use proper diary form (date / day / weather header, first-person reflection) and sequence the lesson coherently with 先…然后… plus a feeling — the 6-mark band rewards ideas organised coherently, so describing the first lesson AND reflecting on it (nervous → enjoyed) hits both purpose and coherence.
Common slip: Skipping the diary header and just listing facts about the instrument with no personal feeling or time sequence — Beginners often forget it must read as a dated diary entry about the FIRST lesson, not a generic description of music.
Model answer
Grey labels show the structure · highlighted = key idioms / complete connectives
Diary header — date, day, weather九月十五日 星期三 天气：晴
Opening — first piano lesson, a little nervous今天是我第一次学钢琴。我以前没学过音乐，有一点紧张。
The lesson — teacher, what was taught钢琴老师姓周。周老师很友好，他先告诉我钢琴怎么用，然后教我弹一首简单的歌。我不太会弹，可是周老师说没关系，要每天练习。
Reflection / future intention我以后每天要练习一个小时。学钢琴真有意思！
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

你的中国笔友想了解你的家人。给他/她写一封信，介绍你的家人。Your Chinese pen-pal wants to know about your family. Write a letter introducing your family members.

Topic: Family life, home and neighbourhood
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: Cover several family members with a distinct detail each (job + a personality or activity), in proper letter form (称呼 / 祝好 / 落款) and ~150 字 — the 9-10 band needs a range of vocabulary and structures organised coherently, so varied descriptions plus connectives like 可是/也 lift it.
Common slip: Repeating the same flat pattern (X是…, X是…) for every family member with no variety, or dropping the letter conventions (greeting + closing) — Beginners often under-write and describe only one person, missing the 'family members' (plural) requirement.
Model answer
Grey labels show the structure · highlighted = key idioms / complete connectives
Greeting to pen-pal亲爱的小芳： 你好吗？我很久没给你写信了。今天我想给你介绍我的家人。
Father — job, character detail我家有四个人：爸爸、妈妈、姐姐和我。爸爸是医生，每天工作很忙，可是他喜欢做饭。爸爸最会做意大利菜。
Mother — job, what she likes妈妈是小学老师，她非常爱我们。妈妈周末喜欢跟我们一起去公园。
Sister — age, study, shared activity我的姐姐二十岁，在大学学历史。她很聪明，也很友好。我们经常一起看电影。
Closing — future plan + sign-off明年我打算去中国找你。我希望你能见我的家人。 祝好！ 小明

Question 20

10 marks

你最近去了一个地方旅行。给你的老师写一封信，说说你的旅行。You recently took a trip somewhere. Write a letter to your teacher about your trip.

Topic: Holidays, travel and tourism
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: Write to the teacher with appropriate register (formal 称呼 + well-wish + 落款) and give 2-3 specific places/experiences each with a feeling or detail, sequenced coherently — the 9-10 band rewards a range of vocabulary and structures organised coherently, so concrete sights (长城/故宫/烤鸭) plus reactions lift it.
Common slip: Using a too-casual register for a letter to a teacher, or just naming the destination with no specific activities/feelings — Beginners often write a one-line 'I went to Beijing, it was fun' and miss the letter conventions and the detail needed for 150 字.
Model answer
Grey labels show the structure · highlighted = key idioms / complete connectives
Greeting to teacher + well-wish亲爱的王老师： 你好！希望你身体健康。
Trip overview — where, how long, feeling放假的时候我跟家人一起去了北京。我们去了七天，非常开心。
Day 1 — the Great Wall, with a feeling第一天我们去看了长城。长城真的非常长，也很高。我爬山的时候有一点累，可是看完以后觉得很开心。
Second place — the Palace Museum, what was learned我们也去了故宫。故宫有很多漂亮的房子，每个房子都有故事。我学到了很多中国历史。
Food detail我们还吃了北京烤鸭，特别好吃！
Closing — future wish + sign-off希望明年可以再去中国。也祝你和家人圣诞快乐！ 小安
— End of paper —
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