21G.107 | Fall 2014 | Undergraduate

Chinese I (Streamlined)

Assignments

The curriculum in this course is divided into five modules. The following tables summarize the assignments and in-class activities in each module. Each assignment referenced in the table, if available, is provided in the Study Materials section, except the audio files. Some files are not be provided here due to copyright restrictions.

Module 1 – Sessions 1–10

Module 2 – Sessions 11–16

Module 3 – Sessions 17–23

Module 4 – Sessions 24–29

Module 5 – Sessions 30–38

Instructions on Lingt Speaking Assignments

Following the instructions provided below, you will use the following textbook of to complete the speaking assignments on Lingt.

[PC] = The simiplified character version: Li, Duanduan. A Primer for Advanced Beginners of Chinese - Simplified Character Version Vol. 1. (Daxue Yuwen). Columbia University Press, 2004. ISBN: 9780231135672; or the traditional character version: Li, Duanduan. A Primer for Advanced Beginners of Chinese Vol. 1. (Daxue Yuwen). Columbia University Press, 2002. ISBN: 9780231125550.

First, read the text from each assigned lesson in the textbook. You are welcome to add your own opinions about the text in addition to your reading.

Grading criteria

  • Pronunciation
  • Fluency

Using Lingt

  1. On the upper right corner of the assignment page, you can find “Microphone”. Choose the mic you would like to use. Your choice will Only affect the new record bubbles, so it is very important that you choose an appropriate mic before you start recording anything.
  2. Click bubble to do the recording. When you are done with recording, click the bubble again. To listen, just click the bubble again. If you are unsatisfied with what you have recorded, click the cross to the right of the bubble to start over again.
  3. When you are done recording, click on the button “Submit.” You will be prompted to enter your name (Please Enter Your Chinese Name in Pinyin and Your Section) and e-mail address when you submit your recording. They are collected so that the instructor may e-mail you the URL to your recording.

Submit your assignments on time (see Calendar for each assignment’s due date.) Late submissions submitted within 2 days of the due date receive half credit. Submissions after 2 days of the due date receive no credit.

Lingt Assignment One: Read the text of Lesson 1 in [PC].

Lingt Assignment Two: Read the text of Lesson 2 in [PC].

Lingt Assignment Three: Read the text of Lesson 3 in [PC].

Lingt Assignment Four: Read the text of Lesson 4 in [PC].

Lingt Assignment Five: Read the text of Lesson 5 in [PC].

Lingt Assignment Six: Read the text of Lesson 6 in [PC].

Lingt Assignment Seven: Read the text of Lesson 7 in [PC].

Lingt Assignment Eight: Read the text of Lesson 8 in [PC].

Lingt Assignment Nine: Read the text of Lesson 9 in [PC].

Lingt Assignment Ten: Read the text of Lesson 10 in [PC].

Required Textbooks

[LC] = Wheatley, Julian. Learning Chinese: A Foundation Course in Mandarin Yale University Press, 2014. ISBN: 9780300141184. (The Character Text / 漢語基礎教材 / 汉语基础教材).

[PC] = The simiplified character version: Li, Duanduan. _A Primer for Advanced Beginners of Chinese - Simplified Character Version Vol. 1. (_Daxue Yuwen). Columbia University Press, 2004. ISBN: 9780231135672; or the traditional character version: Li, Duanduan. A Primer for Advanced Beginners of Chinese Vol. 1. (Daxue Yuwen). Columbia University Press, 2002. ISBN: 9780231125550.

Each assignment referenced in the table, if available, is provided in the Study Materials section, except the audio files. Some files are not be provided here due to copyright restrictions.

SES # BEFORE CLASS IN CLASS
1 Welcome Aboard

  • Course Introduction.
  • What is your name?
  • Hanyu Pinyin: Tones and Initials.
2

  1. Read pp. 1–18 of the ‘Hanyu Pinyin: Transcribing Chinese Sounds’ handout (This handout is distributed to class and not available on OCW site due to copyright restrictions.) Read the sentences in Pinyin on pp. 19–20 on your own.
  2. Learn the Pronounceable Initials Chart by heart.
  3. If Hanyu Pinyin is new for you, familiarize yourself with the initials and finals and corresponding sounds by listening to the audio files at Hanyu Pinyin for Mandarin Speakers.

  • Quiz: Write out the Pronounceable Initials Chart.
  • Pinyin: Finals and Spelling Rules.
  • Pinyin exercise on pp. 21–23 of the ‘Hanyu Pinyin: Transcribing Chinese Sounds’ handout.
3

  1. Review ‘Hanyu Pinyin: Transcribing Chinese Sounds’ handout and learn the Finals and Spelling Rules in it by heart.
  2. Writing Assignment: Using Pinyin, with tone marks, handwrite a composition of no less than 80 syllables about yourself. Please write on every other line and leave 1.25-inch margins for each piece of paper you use.
  3. Read [LC] Lesson 1.
  4. Optional Assignment: Write the character yong and perfect your strokes. Write the big characters in Lesson 1, following the correct stroke orders.

  • Hand in the writing assignment.
  • Quiz: Pinyin Dictation. (You will need to write down 2 sentences in pinyin, with tone marks)
  • Characters: Strokes, Stroke Order and Radicals.
  • Character Exercises in [LC] Lesson 1.
4

  1. Read [LC] Lesson 2.
  2. Optional Assignment: Write the big characters in Lesson 2, following the correct stroke orders.

  • Dictation: 15 of the big characters in [LC] Lesson 1 with pinyin, tone marks included.
  • Character Exercises in [LC] Lesson 2.
5

  1. Read [LC] Lesson 3.
  2. Optional Assignment: Write the big characters in Lesson 3, following the correct stroke orders.
  3. Review the ‘Hanyu Pinyin’ handouts and Lessons 1-2.
  4. To prepare for the test, you need to know the Pinyin system and recognize and reproduce the big characters in Lesson 1 and Lesson 2 from memory.

  • [LC] Lesson 3, Exercise.
  • Test 1: 20-minute test on Pinyin and characters in [LC] Lessons 1–2.

In the test, there will be the following types of questions:

  1. Transcribing Characters to Pinyin.
  2. Transcribing Pinyin to Characters.
  3. Answering Questions with Characters.
6

  1. Read [LC] Lesson 4 with the writing assignment of practicing writing the big characters in Lesson 4 on your own, following the correct stroke orders.
  2. Learn the big characters in Lesson 3 by heart.
  3. Using the characters in Lessons 1–4, handwrite 3 sentences of no less than 20 characters each. Then transcribe your sentences into Pinyin with tone marks. Write about different things for the 3 sentences. Please write on every other line and leave 1.25-inch margins for each piece of paper you use if you do not use the calligraphy sheet.

  • Dictation: 15 of the big characters in [LC] Lesson 3 with pinyin, tone marks included.
  • Character Exercises in [LC] Lesson 4.
  • Hand in your writing assignments.
7

  1. Read [LC ] Lesson 5. Practice writing the big characters in Lesson 5 on your own, following the correct stroke orders.
  2. Learn the big characters in Lesson 4 by heart.

  • Dictation: 15 of the big characters in [LC] Lesson 4 with pinyin, tone marks included.
  • Character Exercises in [LC] Lesson 5.
8

  1. Read [LC] Lesson 6 with the writing assignment of practicing writing the big characters in Lesson 6on your own, following the correct stroke orders.
  2. Learn the big characters in Lesson 5 by heart.
  3. Using the characters in Lessons 1–6, handwrite a composition of no less than 120 characters (pinyin transcription optional) on your hometown. Please write on every other line and leave 1.25-inch margins for each piece of paper you use if you do not use the calligraphy sheet. Search for characters you know how to say but not how to write with pinyin at the website of Learn Chinese Characters 中文字譜.

  • Dictation: 15 of the big characters in [LC] Lesson 5 with pinyin, tone marks included.
  • Character Exercises in [LC] Lesson 6.
  • Hand in your writing assignments.
9

  1. Learn the big characters in Lesson 6 by heart.
  2. Using the characters Lessons 1–6, handwrite a composition of no less than 120 characters on your life at MIT. Please write on every other line and leave 1.25-inch margins for each piece of paper you use if you do not use the calligraphy sheet. Search for characters you know how to say but not how to write with pinyin at the website of Learn Chinese Characters 中文字譜.

  • Dictation: 15 of the big characters in [LC] Lesson 6 with pinyin, tone marks included.
  • Hand in your writing assignments.
  • Review characters from Lessons 1–6.
  • Class activity.
10

  1. Review ‘Hanyu Pinyin’ handout and [LC] Lessons 1–6.

To prepare for the test, you need to:

  1. know the Pinyin system.

  2. be able to recognize and reproduce the big characters in Lessons 1–6 from all memory.

  3. Read ‘Converting between Full-form and Simplified Characters.’

  • Converting between full- form and simplified characters.
  • Test 2: 35-minute test on Pinyin and characters in [LC] Lessons 1–6.

In the test, There will be the following types of questions:

  1. Transcribing Characters to Pinyin.
  2. Transcribing Pinyin to Characters.
  3. Answering Questions with Characters.
  4. Reading Comprehension.

Required Textbooks

[LC] = Wheatley, Julian. Learning Chinese: A Foundation Course in Mandarin Yale University Press, 2014. ISBN: 9780300141184. (The Character Text / 漢語基礎教材 / 汉语基础教材).

[PC] = The simiplified character version: Li, Duanduan. _A Primer for Advanced Beginners of Chinese - Simplified Character Version Vol. 1. (_Daxue Yuwen). Columbia University Press, 2004. ISBN: 9780231135672; or the traditional character version: Li, Duanduan. A Primer for Advanced Beginners of Chinese Vol. 1. (Daxue Yuwen). Columbia University Press, 2002. ISBN: 9780231125550.

Each assignment referenced in the table, if available, is provided in the Study Materials section, except the audio files. Some files are not be provided here due to copyright restrictions.

Special instructions for accomplishing your writing assignments:
Please write on every other line and leave 1.25-inch margins for each piece of paper you use if you do not use the calligraphy grid.

SES # BEFORE CLASS IN CLASS
11

  • Preview of [PC] Lesson 1:
    1. Read “Grammatical Points” and “Sentence Patterns and Word Usage.” on pp. 10–14.
    2. Study the Vocabulary on pp. 2–4 (listen to the audio file). Learn the Lesson 1 required characters by heart (check Appendix III on pp. 249–79 for character stroke order). Make sure you know the other Lesson 1 characters by sight.
    3. Read the text on p. 6 (listen to the audio file). Write on your book the answers to the questions in the exercises on pp. 6–7.
    4. Read Dialogues 1–2 on pp. 8–9 (listen to the audio file), and study “Expressions Used in Class.” on p. 20 (listen to the audio file).
  • Complete Lingt Speaking Assignment One before the class.

  • Quiz: Vocabulary of Lesson 1 characters.
  • [PC] Lesson 1 text.
  • [PC] Dialogue 1 and Dialogue 2.
12

  • Writing assignments:
    1. Handwrite a sentence for each of the entries in “Sentence Patterns and Word Usage.” on pp. 13–14 in [PC] on a piece paper and hand them in in class.
    2. Using the Lesson 1 text structure as a model, handwrite an article on “The Names of people” in *Country* (i. e. *Country* rén de xìngmíng) of no less than 120 characters. It can be any country of your own choice.

If you want to use a word you know how to say but not how to write, try Appendices I, II on pp. 209–48, or use a dictionary. If you don’t have a dictionary, type in Pinyin for the “Search Dictionary” section on the website of Zhongwen Zipu (Learning Chinese Characters 中文字譜.)

  • Hand in your writing assignments.
  • [PC] Lesson 1 grammar.
  • [PC] Lesson 1 exercises on pp. 15–19.
13

  • Preview of [PC] Lesson 2:
    1. Read “Grammatical Points” and “Sentence Patterns and Word Usage.” on pp. 30–32.
    2. Study the Vocabulary on pp. 22–24 (listen to the audio file). Make sure you know the other Lesson 2 characters by sight.
    3. Read the text on p. 26 (listen to the audio file). Write on your book the answers to the questions in the exercises on pp. 26–27.
    4. Read Dialogues 1–2 on pp. 28–29 (listen to the audio file), and study “Expressions on Money.” on p. 38 (listen to the audio file).
  • Complete Lingt Speaking Assignment Two before the class.
  • Study [PC] Lesson 1 Required Characters.

  • Quiz: Dictation of [PC] Lesson 1 required characters.
  • Vocabulary quiz on [PC] Lesson 2 characters.
  • [PC] Lesson 2 text.
  • [PC] Dialogues 1 and 2.
14

  • Writing assignments:
    1. Handwrite a sentence for each of the entries in “Sentence Patterns and Word Usage.” on p. 32 in [PC] Lesson 2 on a piece of paper and hand them in class.
    2. Using the [PC] Lesson 2 text structure as a model, handwrite an article on “The Family” in *Country* (i. e., *Country* rén de jiātíng) of no less than 120 characters. It can be any country of your own choice.

  • Hand in your writing assignments.
  • [PC] Lesson 2 grammar.
  • [PC] Lesson 2 exercise on pp. 33–37.
15

  • Prepare a 2–3 minute talk for the following topics. Your presentation will be graded.

    1. My name

      1. Find out the origin of your family name and meaning of each character in your name (you may find this website helpful.) Or Check with your parents, and other online dictionaries. (In order for Chinese characters on a webpage to display properly, go to View of your browser, and choose Traditional Chinese Big5 (in this case) or Simplified Chinese GB for Character Set or Encoding.)
      2. Do you have more than one name? Why?
      3. Any fun stories about your name, etc.

    2. Group discussion:

      My Family

      1. Do you have a big family (parents, siblings, and grandparents) living together?
      2. Do your relatives live close by or far away?
      3. What is the significance of family to you?
  • Study Lesson 2 Required Characters

  • Quiz: Dictation of [PC] Lesson 2 required characters.
  • Talks: My Name.
  • Group Discussion: My Family.
  • Further discussion.
16

  • Review [PC] Lessons 1–2. Make sure you can reproduce the required characters in [PC] Lessons 1–2 from memory and recognize the other characters by sight. Also, review the “Grammatical Points”, “Sentences Patterns and Word Usage”, and “Exercises.”
  • Test format of Test 3 will be announced.

 Test 3 (50 minutes; on [PC] Lessons 1–2).

Required Textbooks

[LC] = Wheatley, Julian. Learning Chinese: A Foundation Course in Mandarin Yale University Press, 2014. ISBN: 9780300141184. (The Character Text / 漢語基礎教材 / 汉语基础教材).

[PC] = The simiplified character version: Li, Duanduan. _A Primer for Advanced Beginners of Chinese - Simplified Character Version Vol. 1. (_Daxue Yuwen). Columbia University Press, 2004. ISBN: 9780231135672; or the traditional character version: Li, Duanduan. A Primer for Advanced Beginners of Chinese Vol. 1. (Daxue Yuwen). Columbia University Press, 2002. ISBN: 9780231125550.

Each assignment referenced in the table, if available, is provided in the Study Materials section, except the audio files. Some files are not be provided here due to copyright restrictions.

Special instructions for accomplishing your writing assignments:
Please write on every other line and leave 1.25-inch margins for each piece of paper you use if you do not use the calligraphy grid.

SES # BEFORE CLASS IN CLASS
17

  • Complete Lingt Speaking Assignment Three before the class.
  • Review [PC] Lesson 3:
    1. Read “Grammatical Points” and “Sentence Patterns and Word Usage.” on pp. 47–50.
    2. Study the Vocabulary on pp. 40–42 (listen to the audio file). Learn the Lesson 3 required characters by heart (check Appendix III on pp. 249–79 for character stroke order). Make sure you know the other Lesson 3 characters by sight.
    3. Read the text on pp. 43–44 (listen to the audio file). Write on your book the answers to the questions in the exercises on pp. 43–45.
    4. Read Dialogue on p. 45 (listen to the audio file), and study “Expressions on Location.” on p. 56 (listen to the audio file.)

  • Vocabulary quiz on Lesson 3 characters.
  • [PC] Lesson 3 text.
  • [PC] Lesson 3 Dialogue.
18 No Preparation In Class activity
19

  • Writing assignments:
    1. Handwrite a sentence for each of the entries in “Sentence Patterns and Word Usage.” on p. 50 in [PC] on a piece of paper and hand them in class.
    2. Using the [PC] Lesson 3 text structure as a model, handwrite an article on a country, a U.S. state, or any other regions of your own choice. Focus on the topographic features that have a direct impact on the weather and the diet there. If you want to use a word you know how to say it but do not how to write, try Appendices I, II on pp. 209–48, or use a dictionary. If you don’t have a dictionary, type in Pinyin for the “Search Dictionary” section of Zhongwen Zipu on this website.

  • Hand in your writing assignments.
  • [PC] Lesson 3 grammar.
  • [PC] Lesson 3 exercises on pp. 51–55.
20

  • Complete Lingt Speaking Assignment Four before the class.
  • Preview [PC] Lesson 4:
    1. Read “Grammatical Points” and “Sentence Patterns and Word Usage.” on pp. 66–72.
    2. Study the Vocabulary on pp. 58–60 (listen to the audio file). Make sure you know the other Lesson 4 characters by sight.
    3. Read the text on pp. 61–62 (listen to the audio file). Write on your book the answers to the questions in the exercises on pp. 62–63.
    4. Read Dialogues 1–2 on pp. 64–65 (listen to the audio file), and study “Expressions on Time.” on p. 79 (listen to the audio files).
  • Study Lesson 3 Required Characters

  • Quiz: Dictation of Lesson 3 required characters.
  • Vocabulary quiz on Lesson 4 characters.
  • Lesson 4 text.
  • Dialogue 1–2 in [PC].
21

  • Writing assignments:
    1. Handwrite a sentence for each of the entries in “Sentence Patterns and Word Usage.” on pp. 70–72 in [PC] on a piece of paper and hand them in in class.
    2. Handwrite in Chinese “A Mythical Story.” you know. Its origin can be of any country or region of your own choice. You may use English for people’s names or names of places.

  • Hand in your writing assignments.
  • [PC] Lesson 4 grammar.
  • [PC] Lesson 4 exercise on pp. 73–78.
22

  • Prepare a 3-minute presentation in Chinese on the topics given. These topics include: Pick a city or place. You should include where is it, geography, cuisine, dialect, interesting places, any well-known people etc.

Or you may pick a mythical story. You should tell the stories, any moral of the story or the impact of the stories on the culture of its people, what do you make of the stories?

Powerpoint slides are required. It does not have to be artsy or overly loaded with details, but should provide important information. Use all kinds of resources, internet, your parents, or your friends.

  • Quiz: Dictation of [PC] Lesson 4 required characters.
  • 3-minute presentation from students.
23

  • Review [PC] Lessons 3–4. Make sure you can reproduce the required characters in these two lessons from memory and recognize the other characters by Sight. Also, review the “Grammatical Points”, “Sentences Patterns and Word Usage”, and “Exercises.”

 Test 4 (50 minutes; on [PC] Lessons 3–4).

Required Textbooks

[LC] = Wheatley, Julian. Learning Chinese: A Foundation Course in Mandarin Yale University Press, 2014. ISBN: 9780300141184. (The Character Text / 漢語基礎教材 / 汉语基础教材).

[PC] = The simiplified character version: Li, Duanduan. _A Primer for Advanced Beginners of Chinese - Simplified Character Version Vol. 1. (_Daxue Yuwen). Columbia University Press, 2004. ISBN: 9780231135672; or the traditional character version: Li, Duanduan. A Primer for Advanced Beginners of Chinese Vol. 1. (Daxue Yuwen). Columbia University Press, 2002. ISBN: 9780231125550.

Each assignment referenced in the table, if available, is provided in the Study Materials section, except the audio files. Some files are not be provided here due to copyright restrictions.

Special instructions for accomplishing your writing assignments:
Please write on every other line and leave 1.25-inch margins for each piece of paper you use if you do not use the calligraphy grid.

SES # BEFORE CLASS IN CLASS
24

  • Complete Lingt Speaking Assignment Five before the class.
  • Preview [PC] Lesson 5:
    1. Read “Grammatical Points” and “Sentence Patterns and Word Usage.” on pp. 89–92.
    2. Study the Vocabulary on pp. 82–83 (listen to the audio file). Learn the Lesson 5 required characters by heart (check Appendix III on pp. 249–79 for character stroke order). Make sure you know the other Lesson 5 characters by sight.
    3. Read the text on pp. 84–85 (listen to the audio file). Write on your book the answer to the questions in the exercises on pp. 84–85.
    4. Read Dialogue p. 88 (listen to the audio file), and study “Expressions on Weather.” on p. 98 (listen to the audio file).

  • Vocabulary quiz on Lesson 5 characters.
  • [PC] Lesson 5 text.
  • [PC] Lesson 5 Dialogue.
25

  • Writing assignments:
    1. Handwrite a sentence for each of the entries in “Sentence Patterns and Word Usage.” on p. 92 on a piece of paper and hand them in class.
    2. Using your imagination and handwrite your own story of “天和 地” (The Heaven and Earth). Pay special attention to cohesiveness. (cf. Understanding the text structure on pp. 86–87).
  • If you want to use a word you know how to say it but do not know how to write it, try Appendices I, II on pp. 209–48, or use a dictionary. If you don’t have a dictionary, type in Pinyin for the “Search Dictionary” section at at Zhongwen Zipu at this website, or use an on-line dictionary listed in the Tools and Resources section.

  • Hand in your writing assignments.
  • [PC] Lesson 5 grammar.
  • [PC] Lesson 5 exercises on pp. 93–97.
26

  • Complete Lingt Speaking Assignment Six before the class.
  • Preview [PC] Lesson 6:
    1. Read “Grammatical Points” and “Sentence Patterns and Word Usage.” on pp. 108–10.
    2. Study the Vocabulary on pp. 100–102 (listen to the audio file). Make sure you know the other Lesson 6 characters by sight.
    3. Read the Texts 1–2 on pp. 103–104 (listen to the audio files.) Write on your book the answer to the questions in the exercises on pp. 105–106.
    4. Read the Dialogue on p. 107 (listen to the audio file), and study “Expressions on Commonly Used Measure Words.” on pp. 117–8 (listen to the audio file.)
  • Study Lesson 5 Required Characters

  • Quiz: Dictation of [PC] Lesson 5 required characters.
  • Vocabulary quiz on [PC] Lesson 6 characters.
  • [PC] Lesson 6.
    Texts 1–2 and Lesson 6 Dialogue.
27

  • Writing assignments:
    1. Handwrite a sentence for each of the entries in “Sentence Patterns and Word Usage.” on pp. 109–10 on a piece of paper and hand them in in class.
    2. Handwrite in Chinese on the topic of “我最 喜欢的⼀个⼈人 / 我最喜歡的⼀一個人,” using words and expressions on p. 114 “Writing Exerise.” Think about the over-all structure before you handwrite it.

  • Hand in your writing assignments.
  • [PC] Lesson 6 grammar.
  • [PC] Lesson 6 exercise on pp. 111–16.
28

  • Prepare a 3-minute presentation: Explain the story of a Chinese idioms and demonstrate how to use the idiom. Pick one from the following topics:

    1. 杞⼈忧天/杞人憂天
    2. 五⼗步 bù 笑 xiào 一百步
    3. 井底之蛙 (jǐngdǐzhīwā)

    Powerpoint slides are not required but if you think that it will be helpful for classmates to understand it, you can have some visual aids. It does not have to be artsy or overly loaded with details, but contains important information. Use all kinds of resources, internet, your parents, or your friends.

  • Study Lesson 6 Required Characters

  • Quiz: Dictation of [PC] Lesson 6 required characters.
  • 3-minute presentation from students.
  • Beijing Film Academy(BFA) Animation Project.
29 Review [PC] Lessons 5–6. Make sure you can reproduce the required characters in these two lessons from memory and recognize the other characters by sight. Also, review the grammatical points, sentences patterns and word usage, and exercises. Test 5 (50 minutes; on [PC] Lessons 5–6).

Required Textbooks

[LC] = Wheatley, Julian. Learning Chinese: A Foundation Course in Mandarin Yale University Press, 2014. ISBN: 9780300141184. (The Character Text / 漢語基礎教材 / 汉语基础教材).

[PC] = The simiplified character version: Li, Duanduan. _A Primer for Advanced Beginners of Chinese - Simplified Character Version Vol. 1. (_Daxue Yuwen). Columbia University Press, 2004. ISBN: 9780231135672; or the traditional character version: Li, Duanduan. A Primer for Advanced Beginners of Chinese Vol. 1. (Daxue Yuwen). Columbia University Press, 2002. ISBN: 9780231125550.

Each assignment referenced in the table, if available, is provided in the Study Materials section, except the audio files. Some files are not be provided here due to copyright restrictions.

Special instructions for accomplishing your writing assignments:
Please write on every other line and leave 1.25-inch margins for each piece of paper you use if you do not use the calligraphy grid.

For the end-of-term essay:

  1. Check the instructions for the End-of-Term Essay (PDF). Your end-of-term essay is due on the last day of classes (Session 38.) Early submissions are welcome.
  2. Be sure to write the essay on your own.

Enjoy your winter vacation 明年見/见!

SES # BEFORE CLASS IN CLASS
30

  • Complete Lingt Speaking Assignment Seven before the class.
  • Preview [PC] Lesson 7:
    1. Read “Grammatical Points” and “Sentence Patterns and Word Usage.” on pp. 130–33.
    2. Study the Vocabulary on pp. 120–22 (listen to the audio file). Learn the Lesson 7 required characters by heart (check Appendix III on pp. 249–79 for character stroke order). Make sure you know the other Lesson 7 characters by sight.
    3. Read the text on pp. 123–24 (listen to the audio file). Write on your book the answers to the questions in the exercises on pp. 125–27.
    4. Read the Dialogue on p. 128 (listen to the audio file), and study “Expressions on Travel” on pp. 142–43 (listen to the audio file.)

  • [PC] Lesson 7, Vocabulary quiz on characters.
  • [PC] Lesson 7 text.
  • Lesson 7 dialogue.
31

  • Writing assignments:

    1. [PC] Handwrite a sentence for each of the entries in “Sentence Patterns and Word Usage” on pp. 132–33.

    2. Handwrite an essay of no less than 180 characters about a historical site, a building, a subway system, a theatre, etc. You may use English for proper nouns.

      Be sure to include when, where, how, and why it was built, its historical significance and its impact today. Pay special attention to cohesiveness. (cf. Understanding the Text Structure on pp. 126–27).

  • If you want to use a word you know how to say it but do not know how to write it, try Appendices I, II on pp. 209–48, or use a dictionary. If you don’t have a dictionary, type in Pinyin for the “Search Dictionary” section at at Zhongwen Zipu at this website, or use an on-line dictionary listed in the Tools and Resources section.

  • Hand in your writing assignments.
  • [PC] Lesson 7 grammar.
  • [PC] Lesson 7 exercises on pp. 134–41.
32

  • Complete Lingt Speaking Assignment Eight before the class.
  • Preview [PC] Lesson 8:
    1. Read “Grammatical Points” and “Sentence Patterns and Word Usage” on pp. 155–58.
    2. Study the Vocabulary on pp. 146–48 (listen to the audio file). Make sure you know the other Lesson 8 characters by sight.
    3. Read the Text on pp. 150–51 (listen to the audio file). Write on your book the answer to the questions in the exercises on pp. 151–52.
    4. Read Dialogue 1–2 on pp. 153–54 (listen to the audio file), and study “Expressions Campus Life” on pp. 164–65 (listen to the audio file).
  • Study Lesson 7 Required Characters.

  • Quiz: Dictation of [PC] Lesson 7 required characters.
  • Vocabulary quiz on [PC] Lesson 8 characters.
  • [PC] Lesson 8 text.
  • [PC] Lesson 8 dialogue.
33

  • Writing assignments:
    1. Handwrite a sentence for each of the entries in “Sentence Patterns and Word Usage” on pp. 157–58 on a piece of paper and hand them in in class.
    2. Handwrite an essay of no less than 180 characters entitled “Chénggōng”(Success). Be sure to define “success” in your own terms, and explain how you think one can become successful. Pay special attention to the over-all structure.

  • Hand in your writing assignments.
  • [PC] Lesson 8 grammar.
  • [PC] Lesson 8 exercise on pp. 159–63.
34

  • Prepare a 3-minute presentation in Chinese on historical Sites and modern constructions. You should include where it is, when it was built, any interesting facts or stories of this site or construction etc.) Examples include:

    1. 北京鸟巢/北京鳥巢 / niǎocháo

    2. 长江三峡⼤水坝 / 長江三峽大⽔壩 / chángjiāngsānxiá dàshuǐbà

    3. 中国国家⼤剧院 / 中國國 家大劇院 / zhōngguó guójiā dà jùyuàn

      Powerpoint slides are required. It does not have to be artsy or overly loaded with details, but provide important information. Use all kinds of resources, internet, your parents, and your friends.

  • Study Lesson 8 required characters

  • You should start thinking about your end-of-term essay.

  • Quiz: Dictation of [PC] Lesson 8 required characters.
  • 3-minute presentation from students.
35 Review [PC] Lessons 7–8. Make sure you can reproduce the required characters in these two lessons from memory and recognize the other characters by sight. Review the grammatical points, sentences patterns and word usage, and exercises. Test 6 (50 minutes; on Lessons 7-8).
36

  • Complete Lingt Speaking Assignment Nine on the course website before the class.
  • Preview [PC] Lesson 9:
    1. Read “Grammatical Points” and “Sentence Patterns and Word Usage” on pp. 175–77.
    2. Study the Vocabulary on pp. 168–70 (listen to the audio file). Make sure you know the other Lesson 9 characters by sight.
    3. Read the Text on pp. 171–72 (listen to the audio file). Write on your book the answers to the questions in the exercises on pp. 172–73.
    4. Read the Dialogue on p. 174 (listen to the audio file), and study “Expressions on Asking for Directions” on p. 182 (listen to the audio file.)
  • Work on your end-of-term essay

  • [PC] Lesson 9 text.
  • [PC] Lesson 9 dialogue.
37

  • Complete Lingt Speaking Assignment Ten before the class.
  • Preview [PC] Lesson 10:
  1. Read “Grammatical Points” and “Sentence Patterns and Word Usage” on pp. 193–96.
  2. Study the Vocabulary on pp. 184–87 (listen to the audio file). Make sure you know the other Lesson 10 characters by sight.
  3. Read the Text on pp. 188–89 (listen to the audio file). Write on your book the answers to the questions in the exercises on pp. 188–89.
  4. Read the Dialogue on p. 191 (listen to the audio file), and study “Expressions Shopping” on p. 204 (listen to the audio file.)

  • [PC] Lesson 10 text.
  • [PC] Lesson 10 dialogue.
  • Bring your laptop or other electronic devices to do the course evaluation in class.
38

Work on your end-of-term essay.

No other writing assignments.

  • [PC] Lesson 10 grammar and exercises on pp. 197–203.
  • In-class activities.
  • Hand in your end-of- term essay if you are done.

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