General 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

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