Learning Chinese is an exciting journey, and having the right resources makes all the difference, especially if you’re a beginner. We’re thrilled to introduce our new HSK 1 Book Series, specially crafted to meet the needs of students enrolled in our Chinese Beginner 1 Course. Developed by Mandarin.World, the sister school of Dear Asia, this coursebook offers an effective and comprehensive learning experience that’s tailored for beginners who are completely new to Mandarin or have only a little background in the language. Let’s explore what makes this book series and our Chinese Beginner 1 course the ideal starting point for any Mandarin learner.
Who Is This Course For?
Our Chinese Beginner 1 Course is designed for those with zero to minimal Chinese knowledge. The course begins with an in-depth introduction to Pinyin, the phonetic system used to represent Chinese sounds. Mastering Pinyin is crucial, as it forms the foundation for pronunciation and allows students to quickly learn how to read and write Chinese characters using a romanised system. We then introduce the basics of Hanzi (Chinese characters), focusing on 50 essential characters. Students not only learn how to write these characters but also gain insight into their history and evolution, which adds depth to their understanding of the language’s structure and cultural significance.
Inside the HSK 1 Book Series: A Lesson-by-Lesson Breakdown
Our HSK 1 Book Series is structured around 10 lessons, each packed with resources that engage students at every level. The carefully crafted sections in each lesson make learning Mandarin accessible and enjoyable, covering everything from essential vocabulary to cultural nuances. Here’s what you can expect in each lesson:
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- Tutorial
- Each lesson begins with a comprehensive tutorial that introduces the main topic and objectives. Students start with clear explanations and examples, which set the tone for deeper learning.
- Story Time
- To make learning relatable, every lesson includes a short story or dialogue. By following the story, students see vocabulary and grammar in context, which is invaluable for retention and understanding.
- New Vocabulary
- Vocabulary building is fundamental, and each lesson introduces a selection of essential words. Words are presented with Pinyin and English translations to ensure correct pronunciation and understanding.
- CQ Boost (Cultural Quotient Boost)
- Language and culture are inseparable, so each lesson includes a CQ Boost to introduce a cultural element relevant to the lesson topic. This feature deepens students’ understanding of how language is used in real-life situations and helps them build cultural awareness.
- Vocabulary Workshop
- This hands-on section allows students to reinforce their learning through targeted exercises, practice drills, and interactive activities that focus on vocabulary retention and practical application.
- Grammar Workshop
- Mandarin grammar can be challenging for beginners, but our Grammar Workshop breaks it down into digestible parts. Each lesson covers one or more key grammar points, with examples and explanations to help students understand sentence structure and usage.
- Assessment
- Every lesson includes an assessment to evaluate progress. Assessments cover vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension, helping both students and instructors identify areas for improvement.
- Fluency Practice
- Conversation practice is essential, so each lesson includes fluency-building activities that allow students to apply what they’ve learned in a natural setting. These exercises build confidence in speaking and listening.
- Answer Keys
- Answer keys for each activity provide students with the ability to check their work, promoting independent learning and encouraging regular review.
- Review Podcasts
- After each lesson, students can access a 15-minute Review Podcast to reinforce what they’ve learned. This auditory review is perfect for students to listen to on the go, helping them solidify their knowledge and improve listening skills.
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Want to join a group class to learn with us, you can start with a trial lesson first.
Key Topics Covered in the Chinese Beginner 1 Course
The topics in our Beginner 1 course cover everyday conversations and basic interactions, preparing students to handle simple situations in Chinese with confidence. Here’s a look at the topics covered in each lesson:
- Lesson 1 – Greeting: Basic greetings and expressions for introducing oneself.
- Lesson 2 – Nationality: How to ask and talk about where people are from.
- Lesson 3 – Numbers: Learning numbers and using them in contexts like phone numbers and prices.
- Lesson 4 – Family: Vocabulary for family members and how to talk about one’s family.
- Lesson 5 – Job: Discussing occupations and workplace-related vocabulary.
- Lesson 6 – Phone Numbers: Practicing numbers in the context of phone numbers and contacts.
- Lesson 7 – Birthday: Discussing dates, birthdays, and age.
- Lesson 8 – Weekly Routine: Vocabulary and phrases to talk about daily and weekly activities.
- Lesson 9 – Likes and Dislikes: Expressing preferences and opinions on various topics.
- Lesson 10 – Self Introduction: Putting it all together to introduce oneself confidently.
Each lesson’s vocabulary and grammar are carefully selected to give students a functional grasp of Mandarin that they can use immediately in practical situations.
Grammar Points and Conversation Practice
Grammar in Chinese can feel unfamiliar at first, so we focus on fundamental structures that provide a strong foundation. The Beginner 1 course covers:
- Basic Sentence Structures: Essential sentence patterns that make up the backbone of Mandarin conversation.
- Basic Question Forms: How to form questions for everyday interactions, helping students gain confidence in asking questions and responding.
- Use of 是 (shì), 有 (yǒu), and 在 (zài): These three words form the basis for talking about identity, possession, and location.
- Adjectives and Adverbs: Introducing simple descriptive words to enhance expression.
Conversation practice is woven into every lesson, with a strong emphasis on building speaking and listening skills. Each lesson includes dialogues and fluency exercises that encourage students to apply what they’ve learned in conversations, helping them feel more comfortable with the language’s rhythm and flow.
Quick Chinese Test
Take a 5 mins quick test to find out where you Chinese level is!
Special Features of the HSK 1 Book Series
In addition to the 10 lessons, the HSK 1 Book Series includes special features to enrich and support the learning process:
- Graduation Test: At the end of the book, students take a comprehensive Graduation Test to assess their overall progress. This test reviews everything covered, allowing students to see how far they’ve come and preparing them for the next level.
- Illustrated Vocabulary Clusters: Located at the back of the book, these illustrated clusters group related vocabulary words, providing visual cues and reinforcing memory through theme-based organisation.
- Downloadable Review Podcasts: Each lesson has a companion podcast that students can download and listen to for review. These 15-minute summaries are ideal for reinforcing lesson content and improving listening skills on the go.
Why Choose Our Chinese Beginner 1 Course and HSK 1 Book Series?
Our Chinese Beginner 1 Course and the HSK 1 Book Series provide a structured, supportive, and immersive experience for beginners. With a strong focus on pronunciation, conversation practice, and cultural understanding, our program is designed to build a strong foundation in Mandarin. Whether you’re learning for personal interest, travel, or future professional goals, this course equips you with the essential skills to communicate effectively in Chinese.
Upon completing the Beginner 1 course, students are encouraged to continue their journey by enrolling in Beginner 2, where they’ll expand on what they’ve learned and dive deeper into the language.
Are you ready to start your Mandarin journey? The HSK 1 Book Series is your perfect gateway to Chinese—join us and take your first step towards fluency!
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