Certificate in Mandarin

Course details

Study a full-time Certificate in Mandarin course at EF International Language School in Singapore. Courses are available from 1 to 52 weeks – and you get to choose how many lessons per week best suits you. Flexible, without breaks and with weekly intakes.

Entry Requirement

No Entry Requirement

Course Outline

Mandarin A1

• Understanding/Listening: understand familiar words and very basic phrases concerning immediate concrete surroundings, when spoken clearly and slowly
• Reading: understand familiar names, words and very simple sentences
• Speaking:
  • interact in a simple way provided the other person is prepared to repeat or rephrase things at a slower rate of speech
  • ask and answer simple questions in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics
• Spoken Production: use simple phrases and sentences to describe immediate surroundings
• Writing: write short, simple texts and fill in forms with personal details

Mandarin A2

• Understanding/Listening
  • understand phrases and the highest frequency vocabulary related to areas of most immediate personal relevance
  • catch the main point in short, clear, simple messages and announcements
• Reading
  • read very short, simple texts can find predictable information in simple everyday material
  • understand short, simple personal letters
• Speaking
  • communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar topics and activities
  • handle very short social exchanges but may need support
• Spoken Production: use a series of phrases and sentences to describe in simple terms on familiar and personal areas
• Writing: write short, simple notes, messages and personal letters on topics that are familiar, or of personal interest or pertinent to everyday life

Mandarin B1

• Understanding/Listening
  • understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school leisure, etc.
  • understand the main point of many broadcasts on topics of personal or professional interest delivered slowly and clearly
• Reading
  • understand texts that consist of high frequency everyday or job-related language
  • understand the description of events, feelings and wishes in personal letters
• Speaking
  • deal with most situations likely to arise when travelling in an area where the language is spoken
  • enter unprepared into a conversation on topics that are familiar, or of personal interest or pertinent to everyday life
• Spoken Production
  • connect phrases in a simple way in order to describe experiences and events, hopes and ambitions
  • briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans
  • narrate a story or relate the plot of a book or film and describe reactions
• Writing
  • write simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest
  • write personal letters describing experiences and impressions

General Mandarin B2

• Understanding/Listening
  • understand extended speech and lectures and follow even complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar
  • understand most radio, TV programs and films without too much effort unless the accent is strong and unfamiliar
• Reading
  • read articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems in which the writers adopt particular attitudes or viewpoints
  • understand contemporary literary prose and some specialized texts
• Speaking
  • interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible can take active part in discussion in familiar contexts, accounting for and sustaining views held
• Spoken Production
  • present clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects related to fields of interest
  • explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options
• Writing
  • write clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects related to interests
  • write an essay or report passing on information or giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view
  • write letters highlighting the significance of events and experiences

General Mandarin C1

Advanced Level 7

• Understanding/Listening
  • understand extended speech even when it is not clearly structured and when relationships are only implied and not signaled explicitly
  • understand television programs and films without too much effort
• Reading
  • understand long and complex factual and literary texts, appreciating distinction of style
  • understand specialized articles and longer technical instructions, even when they do not relate to a known field
• Speaking
  • speak fluently and spontaneously without much searching for expressions
  • use language flexibly and effectively for social and professional purposes
  • formulate ideas and opinions with precision and relate contributions skillfully to those of other speakers
• Spoken Production
  • present clear, detailed descriptions of complex subjects, developing points and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion
• Writing
  • write clear, well-structured text, expressing points of view at some length
  • write about complex subjects in letters, essays, and reports stressing ideas
  • select style appropriate to target reader