We’ve created the Step-by-Step Mandarin Core Course for online teacher-led systematic learning. The curriculum is divided into 6 levels, from Newbie to Advanced. You’ll learn high-frequency vocabulary and grammar patterns: about 5000 words and 300 grammar structures in total. Once you’ve got them down, you’re speaking Mandarin fluently!
All the courses are based on the real lives of six Chinese people living in Shanghai today. You’ll be learning about the issues and situations that are most relevant to your own life as well as the reasons for learning Chinese.
The Mandarin core course is developed according to the HSK examination outlines and corresponds to the HSK examination levels.
Mandarin Core Course – Newbie
This level is for Chinese learners who have no, or very limited, knowledge of the Chinese language and who may not be able to read Chinese Pinyin.
You’ll learn rules for correct Chinese pronunciation, simple Chinese vocabulary, phrases, and sentence patterns that will help you conduct basic conversations, such as greetings, self-introduction, ordering food, discussing likes and dislikes, hobbies, and shopping, etc.
This sequence is 12 units conducted over a period of 20 one-on-one sessions, corresponding to achieving A1 or HSK Level 1.
We highly recommend that you take this course together with our Chinese Pinyin Course.
Mandarin Core Course – Elementary
This level is for Chinese learners who can conduct basic conversations fairly slowly but who can understand some simple phrases.
You’ll be able to handle a broader range of elementary level topics in Chinese conversation and consolidate your Chinese language skills when making new friends, asking about directions and time, talking about the weather and daily life, grabbing a cup of coffee, reserving a table in a restaurant, making travel plans, buying train tickets, booking a hotel room, etc.
This sequence is 24 units conducted over a period of 50 one-on-one sessions, corresponding to achieving A2 or HSK Level 2.
Mandarin Core Course – Upper Elementary
This level is for Chinese learners who can ask and respond to simple questions in daily situations.
You’ll be able to handle a broader range of upper elementary level topics in Chinese conversation to consolidate your Chinese language foundation. You’ll learn subjects including fixing water pipes, getting internet installed, getting a haircut, sending a package, visiting a doctor, looking for an apartment, making appointments, taking a DIY tour and booking an airplane ticket, etc.
This sequence is 24 units conducted over a period of 100 one-on-one sessions, corresponding to achieving B1 or HSK Level 3.
Mandarin Core Course – Intermediate
This level is for Chinese learners who can communicate with confidence on familiar basic topics.
You’ll explore a wider range of intermediate level topics as your communication skills get stronger. Conversation topics including weddings, doing yoga, studying abroad, sports, New Year’s resolutions, buying a house, working out, etc.
This sequence is 24 units conducted over a period of 100 one-on-one sessions, corresponding to achieving B2 or HSK Level 4.
Mandarin Core Course – Upper Intermediate
This level is for Chinese learners who can use Chinese effectively over a wide range of topics and who can recognize implicit meanings.
You’ll explore more sophisticated upper-intermediate level topics and learn to understand implicit meanings, narrate a story, and describe events and your experiences. You’ll learn vocabulary for topics such as social insurance, financial planning, getting a medical check, applying for a visa, using traditional Chinese medicine, buying a car, working conditions, giving cash gifts, shopping online, etc.
This sequence is 28 units conducted over a period of 150 one-on-one sessions, corresponding to achieving C1 or HSK Level 5.
Mandarin Core Course – Advanced
This level is for Chinese learners who can understand Chinese with ease and who have strong reading and listening skills.
You’ll learn advanced level topics and will be able to further your understanding of what you hear or read in Chinese and express yourself freely with rich vocabulary and expressions. You’ll discuss topics like environmental protection, e-commerce, the internet, Chinese culture, immigration, phenomena in China, etc.
This sequence is 28 units conducted over a period of 150 one-on-one sessions, corresponding to achieving C2 or HSK Level 6.
To enjoy full online audio and video lessons, welcome to join our Study Plan
