What is Junior Secondary Chinese Language?

1. Curriculum Focus and Key Features

In Hong Kong’s international schools, the Junior Secondary Chinese Language curriculum integrates local Chinese education traditions with global perspectives. The programme emphasizes language proficiency, cross-cultural understanding, and critical thinking, building a solid foundation for IGCSE and IB Chinese courses.

Key Features:

• 🌏 Multicultural Literary Exposure
  Texts include classical Chinese literature, contemporary Chinese works, and overseas Chinese authors.
• 🔁 Bilingual Learning Support
  Certain key vocabulary and abstract ideas are presented in both Chinese and English to enhance comprehension.
• 🗣️ Balanced Development of Application and Creativity
  Focus on writing, speaking, and digital media literacy.
• 💡 Inquiry-Based Learning
  Encourages students to ask questions, reflect critically, and explore various perspectives.

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2. Curriculum Structure (Years 7–9)

Year	Unit Focus	Learning Highlights
Y7	Reading Comprehension & Expression	Narrative and descriptive texts, fables, character analysis, identifying main ideas
Y8	Personal & Expository Writing	Real-life themed essays, scene/person descriptions, oral presentations, paragraph coherence
Y9	Argumentative & Comparative Reading	Exploring social issues (e.g., environmentalism, justice), comparing viewpoints, media text analysis

📘 Sample Extended Texts:

• Classical Chinese: The Analects, Peach Blossom Spring
• Modern Prose: Back View by Zhu Ziqing, Hear the Cold Rain by Yu Guangzhong
• Contemporary Fiction: Excerpts from authors such as Lin Yi-Han, Li Ang, and Zhang Manjuan
• Hong Kong Literature: Works by writers like Yesi (也斯) and Wong Bik-Wan (黃碧雲) are also included

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3. Assessment Components

Assessment Type	Weight	Description
Reading & Literary Analysis	30%	Includes text analysis, character portrayal, thematic exploration, and style commentary
Writing Tasks (Narrative/Argumentative)	30%	Prompt-based and free-topic writing, imitation writing, reflective journaling
Oral Presentation	20%	Group discussions, storytelling, short critiques, multimedia reporting
Class Participation & Projects	20%	Reading journals, interdisciplinary showcases (e.g., Chinese + Drama), eBook creation

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4. Effective Learning Strategies

4.1 Text Analysis Techniques

🔍 Three-Level Reading Strategy:

• Surface: Plot, characters, setting
• Middle: Themes, rhetoric, structure
• Deep: Cultural meanings, values, metaphorical messages

4.2 Writing Skills Enhancement

📌 Three-Part Composition Structure (Introduction – Development – Conclusion):

• Hooked Opening: Use a quote or question to create suspense
• Body: Detailed examples and rhetorical rhythm
• Conclusion: Reconnect to theme or leave open-ended thoughts

Tip: Build a “Golden Sentence Bank” with rhetorical devices, thematic sentence structures, and vivid expressions

4.3 Speaking & Presentation Skills

• Participate monthly in group presentations or book clubs
• Use the PREP Strategy for spoken responses:
  Point → Reason → Example → Point (restated)

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5. Common Challenges & Practical Solutions

Challenge	Suggested Strategy
Inconsistent fluency or expression	10 minutes of daily dictation + memorizing model paragraphs to strengthen rhythm and word usage
Difficulty switching between Chinese and English contexts	Build a Chinese-English terminology bank for key concepts in rhetoric, emotion, and theme
Weak or vague writing content	Keep a “Life Observation Notebook” to convert daily life and social issues into writing material

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6. Further Study and Progression Pathways

6.1 Curriculum Progression:

• IGCSE Chinese as First Language
• IB Chinese A: Language and Literature (HL/SL)
• IB Chinese B (for intermediate-level Chinese learners)

6.2 Enrichment Activities:

• 📚 Chinese Reading Passport Challenge
• ✍️ International Chinese Writing Competitions
• 🎤 Chinese Debate Team or Recitation Festival Training Camps

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7. Monthly Action Plan and Learning Tools

📅 Monthly Study Goals:

• Read 1 modern Chinese novel and annotate key quotes, themes, and reflections
• Write 1 opinion piece or diary-style composition within 30 minutes
• Discuss 1 social issue with family or peers in Chinese

🛠️ Recommended Tools and Platforms:

Category	Tools / Platforms	Use Case
Reading Platforms	Read+ (閱讀繽紛), ChineseBookCity eLibrary	Access to a wide range of Chinese texts and literature
Language Tools	Idiom Dictionary Apps, SouWenJieZi (搜文解字)	Word explanations, cultural references, rhetorical terms
Online Practice	Chinese Classics Resource Hub (中華經典資源庫)	Classical reading, pronunciation drills, cultural learning
Textbooks	Modern Chinese Reading and Writing (Oxford)	Classroom-aligned or for independent learners

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Disclaimer: This overview is for reference only. For official curriculum details, please visit the International Baccalaureate website.
This article was initially compiled with AI assistance. Edited by Prof. Kwok-Wai Chan. Chief Editor: Yi-Leung Kong.