Study Notes: Preparing for Exams (Chinese – First Language, 9680)

Hello everyone! Welcome to the essential guide for tackling your 9680 Chinese – First Language exams. Since this is a First Language qualification, the standard is high—it challenges you to think critically, analyze complex texts, and write fluently and accurately.

Don't worry if preparing for this rigorous exam feels overwhelming. In this chapter, we will break down the process into manageable, targeted strategies focusing specifically on the core skills demanded by the OxfordAQA syllabus: advanced comprehension, complex grammar application, and critical literary analysis. Let's transform that stress into a solid plan for success!


1. Building Your Revision Foundation: Strategy and Mindset

1.1 Understanding the Exam Structure

To prepare effectively, you must know what skills are being tested. Your revision plan should allocate time to practice all four core components:

  • Language Skills (Paper 1 & 2): Testing listening, reading, summarizing, inferring, and language application across diverse contexts (social, media, technology).
  • Grammar and Writing (Embedded): Demonstrating a high level of competency in Chinese grammar (**3.2 Grammar**) and applying advanced writing techniques (**写作手法**).
  • Literary Analysis (Unit 3 & 4): Critical appreciation, analysis, and response to specific set texts (poems, short stories, and novels).

1.2 Active Revision Techniques

Passive reading (just reading your textbook or notes) is not enough for A-Level Chinese. You must engage in Active Recall (主动回忆).

  • The Feynman Technique: Try to teach a complex concept (like the use of **复句** (complex sentences) or the historical context of a novel like 《活着》) to someone else (or even an imaginary student). If you can explain it simply, you understand it deeply.
  • Flashcards for Concepts, not just Vocabulary: Create cards for grammatical structures (e.g., front: What is a **偏正词组**? Back: Definition and two examples).
  • Timed Practice: Crucial for building stamina. Can you write a coherent critical essay in 45 minutes? Practice doing so!
Key Takeaway:

Preparation for 9680 is 80% application and 20% memorization. Focus on *doing* the language skills and *analyzing* the literature, not just reading about them.


2. Mastering Comprehension and Language Application (Paper 1 & 2)

These papers test your ability to understand and manipulate complex Chinese sourced from topics like Social issues and trends, The media, and Technology.

2.1 Advanced Reading Skills (阅读)

The syllabus requires you to go beyond simply understanding the text; you must infer meaning (推断意义) from factual and abstract content.

Step-by-Step for Inference Questions:

  1. Identify the Clue: Reread the specific sentence or paragraph referenced in the question.
  2. Analyze Register: Is the text formal (书面语), informal (口语), or journalistic? The register often provides clues about the author's tone or intent.
  3. Look for Subtext: What is the author *implying* but not directly stating? For example, if a text discussing social media uses heavy **反语** (irony), the inferred meaning is likely critical, even if the surface description seems positive.
  4. Connect to Theme: How does this specific detail relate to the broader topic (e.g., Economic development or Climate change)?

Common Mistake to Avoid: Confusing assimilation (using information) with direct copying. You must assimilate, reorganize, and present information in your own, highly competent Chinese.

2.2 The Art of Summarising (概括)

You will be required to summarize and report key points from extended spoken or written sources. This tests your ability to identify the central arguments and discard minor details.

  • The 5W+H Method: Practice summarizing texts by quickly identifying the Who (谁), What (什么), Where (哪里), When (何时), Why (为什么), and How (如何).
  • Synthesis is Key: Do not simply list points. You must link related ideas using advanced conjunctions (**连词**) and transitional phrases (e.g., 由此可见, 尽管如此, 此外).
Quick Review: Comprehension Skills

Key Skill: Assimilating and using information from online media.
Preparation Trick: Regularly read high-level Chinese news articles (e.g., reports on AI or environmental issues) and practice writing a 100-character summary of the main argument.


3. Consolidating Grammar and Writing Techniques (3.2)

The syllabus explicitly expects a higher level of competency than GCSE. You must demonstrate mastery of the complex grammar structures (**词类, 词组, 单句, 复句**) and rhetorical devices (**修辞**).

3.1 Advanced Grammar Application

Don't just memorize definitions! Focus on how these elements enhance clarity and style.

  • 复句 (Complex Sentences): Mastering **并列复句** (coordinate) and especially **偏正复句** (subordinate) is vital. These demonstrate maturity in writing. Practice linking contrasting ideas using pairs like “虽然...但是...,” or conditional ideas using “除非...否则...”
  • 词组 (Phrases): Understand the difference between **动宾词组** (verb-object) and **偏正词组** (modifier-head). Clear organization of phrases prevents ambiguous or clumsy writing.

Did you know? Using complex sentence structures correctly (like embedding a long descriptive clause using ‘的’ structure – **‘的’字结构**) is often a marker of an A-level standard script.

3.2 Rhetorical Devices (修辞) and Writing Techniques (写作手法)

When analyzing or writing, you must be able to identify and deploy devices listed in the syllabus.

Key Rhetorical Devices to Master:
  • 比喻 / 比拟 (Metaphor / Personification): How they create imagery (**描写**).
  • 夸张 / 反语 (Hyperbole / Irony): How they convey strong emotion or critical stance (**议论** / **抒情**).
  • 排比 / 对偶 (Parallelism / Antithesis): Essential for creating rhetorical power, especially in analytical or argumentative writing.

Application Tip: When preparing a summary or critical response, try to consciously incorporate at least one advanced **复句** and one recognized **修辞** technique. This forces active application of 3.2 content.

Key Takeaway:

Grammar preparation means moving from recognizing errors to proactively using advanced structures to improve style and precision (**准确**).


4. Preparing for Literary Analysis (Unit 3 & 4)

The literature papers require a critical and analytical response in Chinese characters, focusing on concepts, issues, form, and technique. Generic plot summaries will not earn high marks.

4.1 Deep Contextual Understanding

For every poem, short story, or novel (e.g., 《边城》 or 《家》), you must explore the historical and literary context.

  • Author Background: How did the author's life (e.g., Yu Hua's era for 《活着》) influence the themes (e.g., survival, historical tragedy)?
  • Literary Movement: Does the work belong to the May Fourth movement, Scar Literature, or Modernism? This helps categorize the use of **叙述** (narration) and **描写** (description).

4.2 Analyzing Form and Technique (形式与技巧)

This is the critical element. Answering 'what' (plot) is easy; answering 'how' (form/technique) is A-Level material.

The P-T-C Framework for Analysis:

  1. P - Point/Passage: Identify the key passage or element you are analyzing (e.g., the depiction of Cui Cui in 《边城》).
  2. T - Technique (手法): What specific literary technique is being used? (E.g., 抒情 (lyricism), first-person **叙述** (narration), or heavy use of **对比** (contrast) between nature and humanity).
  3. C - Critical Impact: What is the effect of this technique on the reader and the interpretation of the concept/issue? (E.g., The contrast highlights the transient nature of peace.)

For Poetry (Poems 1-8): Pay special attention to rhyme, rhythm, imagery, and the relationship between the speaker and the subject. Focus on the use of **比喻** and **象征** (symbolism).

For Novels/Short Stories: Analyze character development, narrative structure, dialogue, setting, and the author's specific purpose (**说明** / **议论** / **抒情**).

Example: Technique Analysis

Don't just say: “The poem 《再别康桥》 is sad.”
Say: “Xu Zhimo uses 反复 (repetition) of delicate, flowing imagery (e.g., 轻轻的) alongside a melancholic tone to create a mood of gentle regret, emphasizing the irreversible nature of his departure (**抒情**手法).”

Key Takeaway:

Preparing for literature means preparing essays. Write full practice essays focusing on specific themes (e.g., The media’s portrayal of celebrities) and analyze how the set texts convey these themes using technical language.


5. Exam Day Execution and Final Checks

5.1 Time Management

In the high-pressure environment of a First Language exam, pacing is critical.

  • Allocate time per mark: If a question is worth 15 marks, spend roughly 15-20 minutes on it, including planning. Stick to this rigorously.
  • Planning Essays: Never skip the planning stage for your critical essays. A well-structured plan (introduction, 3-4 body paragraphs focusing on technique, conclusion) is the foundation for a high-scoring response. Use quick bullet points to map out your arguments and literary evidence before starting to write.

5.2 Maintaining High Language Quality

Even under pressure, your Chinese must remain sophisticated.

  1. Vocabulary Range: Use precise, academic terms related to the themes (e.g., for education: 终身学习 (lifelong learning), 应试教育 (exam-oriented education)).
  2. Handwriting (书写): Write neatly and clearly in Chinese characters. Fatigue can degrade your handwriting; practice sustained writing sessions beforehand.
  3. Proofreading: Leave 2–3 minutes at the end of each paper to check for common grammatical errors (especially word order, use of **助词** (particles), and incorrect use of linking words in **复句**).

5.3 Encouragement

You have studied complex topics, mastered difficult grammar, and analyzed sophisticated Chinese literature. Trust your preparation. Take a deep breath before you start, focus on applying the skills you've practiced, and show the examiner the high level of competency you've achieved! Good luck!