Junior Secondary Education: Chinese Language results are slipping? Veteran Tutors Teach You How to Adapt to the Chinese Language Programme in Secondary Schools

Author:

Miss Kwok

Tutors
Experienced Chinese Tutor in Hong Kong | Focus on Chinese Language Teaching in Junior to Senior Secondary Schools

introductory

Many students are surprised to find that their Chinese Language results have dropped significantly when they enter secondary school. Why did you suddenly fail to catch up in secondary school when you were doing well in Chinese Language in primary school? This is not your problem, it is because the requirements of Chinese Language in secondary schools are very different from those in primary schools.

As a Chinese tutor in Hong Kong for many years, I have witnessed the struggles of countless students at this turning point. Today, I would like to share with you some practical learning strategies to help junior high school students adapt smoothly to the Chinese curriculum and regain confidence in learning.

Chinese Language in Secondary Schools and Chinese Language in Primary Schools: The Difference Between Them

Chinese for Primary Schools: Basic Language Skills

At the primary level, the focus of the Chinese Language subject is on building foundational language skills, including:

• Reading and writing
• Basic Reading Understanding
• Simple Writing Expressions
• A small number of literary contacts

Chinese Language in Secondary Schools: The Double Challenge of Depth and Breadth

In secondary schools, the requirements of the Chinese Language subject have risen sharply, mainly in the following areas:

This huge difference is the root cause of many students' struggles in middle school.

Breaking through the Difficulties of the Literary Language: From "Memorisation of Each Piece" to "Mastery of Core Words and Phrases

Limitations of the traditional approach

The traditional method used by many schools and tutorial centres is to learn the language 'chapter by chapter, section by section'. The problem with this approach is this:

• Too broad a scope: The number of chapters in the Chinese language is huge and it is time-consuming and labour-intensive to learn them one by one.
• Lack of systematic: It is difficult for students to build up an overall knowledge framework of the Chinese Language and Literature.
• inefficiency: Spend a lot of time and still can't get started with the new chapter in the exam!

My Teaching Strategy: 300 Common Word Phrases

After years of teaching, I have found a more efficient method:Focusing on the 300 most common words and phrases in the Chinese language.

Why 300 words?

According to linguistic studies and analyses of past DSE examination questions, there are about 300 words and phrases that occur very frequently in literary texts, and students will be able to master these words and phrases:

• Understand the basic meaning of most literary texts and chapters
• The overall content of unfamiliar chapters
• Quickly locate key information on the exam

How to learn these 300 words?

I use the following steps in my classes:

1. Categorical Learning: Classify 300 words according to their nature and meaning (e.g. verbs, adjectives, fictitious words, etc.)
2. Situational Memory: To help students understand the usage of words and phrases in context through classic examples and sentences.
3. Iterative exercises: To consolidate students' mastery of vocabulary through a large number of practice questions.
4. Practical Application: Apply the words and phrases learnt to real-life Chinese texts to improve reading speed and accuracy.

This method is able toSubstantial narrowing of the scope of the examinationIn order to maximise the learning effect of students within a limited period of time, it is important that students have the opportunity to learn in a more effective way.

Tips for the Essay Paper: From 'Beautiful Writing' to 'Precision in Examining Questions'

New Standards for Secondary School Composition

At the secondary school level, the marking criteria for essay papers are no longer just "whether the number of words is sufficient" or "whether the writing is good enough":

• Ability to examine questions: whether the requirements of the question are accurately understood
• Strict structure: Whether the article has clear logic and hierarchy
• Profound content: Is there a unique insight and depth of thought?
• inspiration: Whether the reader (i.e. the marker) is moved by it

How I Teach Composition

In the classroom, I will start withQuestion TimeBegin by systematically teaching students the following skills:

1. Three Steps to Examine the Issue

• Step 1: Identify keywords: Identify core concepts and constraints in the question
• Step 2: Determine the Style: Determine whether the question asks for a narrative, an essay or a lyric.
• Step 3: Conceptualising the idea: Identify the central idea of the essay as required by the question

2. Versatile framework

I will provide some 'catch-all frames' to help students structure their essays quickly. For example:

• narrative framework: Beginning (introducing the situation) → Development (describing the events) → Climax (emotional twist) → Ending (sublimating the theme)
• Thesis framework: Introduction (making an argument) → Thesis (analysing the argument) → Conclusion (concluding echo)

3. What touches the teacher

I will share some 'content that will easily move teachers' such as:

• Real Life ExperienceAvoid empty lectures and use real stories to touch people's hearts.
• Deep Reflections: Showing unique thinking about life and society
• Subtle emotional descriptions: With vivid strokes, the reader can relate to the story.

4. Approaches to Different Types of Questions

I will teach corresponding strategies for different types of essay topics (e.g. propositional essays, material essays, picture essays, etc.).

Comprehensive support: 24-hour rewriting service

Learning Chinese is not just about a few hours in the classroom, but also about continuous practice and feedback after class. Therefore, I offer the following support to my students:

1. 24-hour clerical services

Students can ask me questions via WhatsApp or email at any time, and I will reply within 24 hours to answer any questions they may have in their studies.

2. Unlimited rewriting service

Students can submit their essays an unlimited number of times, and I will correct them one by one and provide detailed comments and suggestions for improvement. This cycle of "write → revise → write again → revise again" can quickly improve students' writing skills.

3. Direct telephone consultation

I will provide my direct telephone number so that parents can contact me directly for enquiry. I believe thatClose communication between parents, students and teachersThe key to student advancement is the fact that they are not the only ones who have to learn how to do it.

Success Stories: From Struggle to Progress

In my teaching career, I have seen too many cases where students struggled initially and eventually made significant progress. For example:

• Mr Chan: Chinese grade dropped from A to C in primary school when he entered S1, and after a semester of tutorials, he got back to B+.
• Classmate Li: Reading comprehension of the Chinese language has gone from being completely incomprehensible to being able to complete the exercises independently with a correct rate of 80% or above.
• Huang: From having nothing to say to being able to write well-structured and insightful essays

What these success stories have in common is this:Full understanding and co-operation among students, parents and teachersThe Government has also been working on the development of the education system for the past three years. As long as Members have a clear understanding of the actual situation of students and formulate targeted learning programmes.It's not hard to improve your grades..

Conclusion: Adaptation is the key, method is the shortcut.

It's true that the demands of the Chinese Language subject have risen dramatically since you started secondary school, but that doesn't mean you can't cope with it. Here's the key:

1. Recognising the Difference: Understanding the Fundamental Difference between Chinese Language in Secondary Schools and Chinese Language in Primary Schools
2. Adjustment Strategy: Adopting a more efficient and systematic approach to learning
3. Keep practising: Continuous improvement through extensive practice and feedback.
4. Seeking Support: make good use of teachers, parents and tutorial resources

If you're struggling with slipping grades in Chinese Language, try the methods I've shared. Remember.If you do it the right way, it's just a matter of time..

About the Author

Miss Kwok

Tutors He is an experienced Chinese tutor in Hong Kong, specialising in the teaching of Chinese Language from junior high school to senior high school. He is known for his "effective learning method" and "all-round support", and has helped numerous students make significant progress in the Chinese Language subject.

If you are looking for a professional and attentive Chinese tutor for your child, please contact us at GETUTOR Contact us on the platform.

Extended Reading:

• DSE Chinese 12 Sample Essays Ultimate Guide
• DSE Chinese Language Past Examination Questions and Marking Reference
• Free Access to DSE Chinese Past Paper Resources [blocked].

The content of this article is based on the real-life teaching experience and sharing of GETUTOR Chinese star tutors, aiming to provide practical learning suggestions for junior high school students and parents.

DSE Chinese Language Tips: From Worrying about 2 to Getting 5

By Andrew
DSE Chinese 5 | Last Month Sprint Experience

Introduction: Chinese dregs can be reversed

DSE, it's time to count again, have you started to revise your books yet? Although there is not even a month left, I don't want to miss this crucial time!

My biggest worry was that I would get a 2 in Chinese in the "Scrolls of Death", although some people said that Chinese is not good enough, but I used study leave for a month to study Chinese, and I went from getting a 2 to getting a 5 in the exam!

If you are like me, you are a terrible Chinese speaker, this is the article for you. I will share with you what I did there, hope it will help you!

My study time: 4 hours a day for Chinese language study

Study Leave

During study leave, I spend the morning hours (8am-12am) warming up my Chinese. Why do I spend so much time on Chinese?

• Fear DrivenI was really surprised that I didn't pass the Chinese language test.
• Relative familiarity with other disciplines: I am relatively familiar with the other subjects, so I will assign them in this way first.

Important Note: Adjust to your situation

However.We must rethink whether you need to spend so much time on Chinese.I'm not sure if you'll do well in the exam just because you've studied a lot. After all, this subject is quite risky and you may not do well just because you have studied a lot. So what I'm saying is really just sit for the exam and adjust yourself accordingly.

Volume 1 revision strategy: three parts to break through one by one

Chinese paper one you have to split 3 part come warm:

1. 範文(Twelve designated texts)
2. Reading comprehension of vernacular language
3. Literary Reading Comprehension

Part I: Twelve Sample Essays.

Carrying her on your back? Is there a smarter way?

There are so many examples in the 12 essays, what should be the temperature? Is it possible to memorise it?

Carry her on your back.However, I didn't memorise so many articles over there. However, they will ask you to make silent recordings, so I have learnt some important sentences by heart.

My Model Text Review Method: Comprehension > Memorisation

I think it's better than memorising.The most important thing is that you are very familiar with each article.. Here are my specific steps:

Step 1: Familiarise yourself with the translation

First of all, familiarise yourself with the translation and know what the text is about. It is not advisable to memorise the original language from the very beginning because it is useless to memorise it if you don't know what it is about.

Step 2: Memorise the explanations of the words and phrases.

I will memorise the explanations of the words and phrases. I will use the method of "covering it up", i.e. cover up the explanations, try to speak it out myself and then match the answers.

Step 3: Memorise the central idea

Then you memorise the central idea. Each sample text has its own central idea, e.g. "On Benevolence, Filial Piety, and the Gentleman" is about Confucianism, "The Teacher's Discourse" is about honouring the teacher, and so on.

Step 4: Organise your key notes

The key points in it will be put into a set of notes, for example:

• Writing Techniques: contrast, prose, rhetorical questions, etc.
• Rhetoric: metaphors, similes, hyperbole, etc.
• character: Character traits of the main characters
• Different examples: Examples that can be used in essays

My Rhythm of Learning

If you work hard.Take 1-2 minutes a day to pick 2-3 articles to warm up, in fact, one week can be warmed up to 70%.Then we can start practising next week. Then we can start the practice in the next week!

Part 2: How to read and understand vernacular language?

One post a day, consistently

I'm basically at home.I do a daily vernacular.My practice is mainly from tutoring. My practice is mainly from tutoring, if you don't have tutoring, doing past paper is enough, because it's not a lot of time.

Memoirs and discussion papers alternate days.

I'm a narrative and a dissertation.Every other day and every other dayTo ensure that both genres are practised.

The right posture for doing exercises

Remember when you do itI don't want to do it all the time!Instead, every time I finished a question, I would seriously mark it to see what I did wrong and to study the answers to different questions.

Answer Techniques for Reading Comprehension of Vernacular Languages

For example, reading comprehension of vernacular language, in fact, I miss you a lot of the time.To insert some ideas into a topic, and then to extend the explanations.

At first, it will be a bit slow, but as long as you are serious about your marking and the answer after each time, you will realise that you want to answer like you do.

Part III: Reading Comprehension of Literary Words: How to do it?

Literary Language: From "Not at All Understanding" to "Seeing Clearly"

The Chinese language is another amazing thing. In the past, I never tried to understand what the text was about in the school examination, but in the DSE, I knew what the text was about!

If you do it a lot, you will naturally develop a sense of language.

If you feel like you can't get started

If you feel that there is nothing to start with, I think you can start with:

1. Memorise the explanations of the common words in the Chinese language.(e.g. the use of the fictitious words "之", "其", "以", etc.)
2. Warming up the different structures in the Chinese language(e.g. inverted sentences, passive sentences, etc.)

After you have learnt the basics, it will be much easier for you to read the Chinese language.

Practical Tips: Look at the Interpreters

When it comes to making rolls, if you really don't know what you are doing, you will be able to make your own rolls.You can get a translation of it and look at it.You will be able to memorise the explanations of words and sentence structure. Before you know it, you will memorise the explanations of words and sentence structure, and then it will be much easier to read.

Key Steps to Take After the Exercise

After you've done the same.Remember to look at the marking relationship and how to answer the questions.This is the first time that it will be effective.

My Practice Sources

Your practice can be:

• Book-in-Face Exercise
• School Exercise
• Tutorial Exercises
• DSE past paper(Most important!)

After that, you can start to do the DSE past paper. Pay attention when you are doing the exercises.I don't want to finish it, but I need to memorise the marking and study how to get marks and answer the questions..

For example, if you get the answer wrong, you have to remember it all the more!

Important note: Don't push yourself too hard!

However, when you are reading the book, you should remember thatDon't push yourself so hard, and pay attention to your study time, other subjects are important..

Chinese is important, but don't neglect other subjects because of Chinese. Remember, DSE is based on total score!

My results: from worrying about getting a 2 to getting a 5.

Finally, I would like to share with you my results. I was really worried that I would fail in the Chinese Language, but after a month's hard work, I finally got a pass in the examination.Level 5!

This result is a big surprise for me, it proves that I'm a good person.Chinese can be warm, as long as you use the right method..

Conclusion: If you do it the right way, progress will come.

I hope this article helps you! Here is a summary of my study strategies:

Remember:

• Exercise is not just about doing it, it's about being serious about marking.
• It takes time to develop a sense of language.
• Don't push yourself so hard, other subjects are important.

See you next time, bye!

About the Author

Andrew Wong is a DSE Chinese 5 candidate who struggled with Chinese Language but managed to overcome her fears in the last month through a systematic approach to revision. She hopes that by sharing her experience, she can help more students to overcome their fear of Chinese Language.

If you are looking for a professional and attentive Chinese tutor for your child, please contact us at GETUTOR Contact us on the platform.

Extended Reading:

• DSE Chinese 12 Sample Essays Ultimate Guide
• DSE Chinese Language Past Examination Questions and Marking Reference
• Free Access to DSE Chinese Past Paper Resources [blocked].

The content of this article is based on the real DSE preparation experience of GETUTOR tutors, and aims to provide practical revision suggestions for DSE candidates.