Cambridge International Level 3 Pre-U Certificate in Mandarin Chinese (Principal)
Qualification summary
This syllabus aims to encourage the development of skills that students require in their subsequent studies at university. It not only provides a solid grounding, at an appropriate level, in Mandarin Chinese but also nurtures the ability of students to undertake independent and self-directed learning and to think laterally, critically and creatively.
The linear character of Cambridge Pre-U (where assessment takes place at the end of the two-year course) promotes coherence in assessment and clarity in reporting achievement, and liberates learning by giving schools the chance to structure courses in ways most appropriate to their own students.
This syllabus aims:
• to develop the ability to understand Mandarin Chinese;
• to enable the candidate to communicate confidently and clearly in Mandarin Chinese;
• to form a sound base of skills, language and attitudes required for further study, work and leisure;
• to develop insights into the culture and civilisation of countries where Chinese is spoken;
• to encourage positive attitudes to language learning and a sympathetic approach to other cultures and civilisations;
• to further intellectual and personal development by promoting learning and social skills.
Qualification details
OG - Other General Qualification
Accreditation start date:
Operational start date in centres:
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When undertaking a qualification that does not appear on the governments' lists as eligible for funding for specific age ranges, users must be aware of legal requirements. Not all qualifications are suitable for all age ranges.
For further information on 14-19 qualifications offered in England, please refer to the DCSF
Section 96 website.
For further information on 19+ qualifications offered in England, please refer to the DIUS
Section 97 website.
For further information on Wales, visit the
DCELLS website.
For further information on Northern Ireland, visit the
DELNI and
DENI websites.
This syllabus aims to encourage the development of generic skills of independent study and research, and to promote critical thinking and self-directed learning – all of which are intended to provide for successful progression to Higher Education and employment. In addition, the syllabus provides deep learning in terms of knowledge and understanding that will provide a sound basis for progression to higher study in cognate subjects.
No specific job occupation
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12 Languages, Literature and Culture
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12.2
Other Languages, Literature and Culture
D1, D2, D3, M1, M2, M3, P1, P2, P3
The qualification is assessed using independent and holistic assessment.
The Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate in Mandarin Chinese is assessed through four mandatory components. The assessments all take place at the end of the two-year course and a single grade is awarded.
Paper 1: Speaking is conducted and assessed by a Visiting Examiner. The examination, conducted in Mandarin Chinese, has two sections. For Section 1 candidates research a topic related to the history, current affairs or culture of the Chinese world. In the examination they present their topic for about 2 minutes and then respond to questions from the Examiner on the chosen topic. Section 2 is a general conversation covering Topic Areas listed in the syllabus (6-8 minutes).
Paper 2: Listening, Reading and Translation has four sections. Sections 1 and 2 test comprehension of listening and reading passages in Mandarin Chinese through questions in English. The third section tests candidates' knowledge of the list of chengyu provided in the syllabus. The final section requires candidates to translate a short passage of vernacular Chinese into English.
Paper 3: Writing and Usage has three sections. In the first section, candidates complete exercises testing radical and stroke order skills as well as the use of grammar markers, aspect markers and measure words. The second section requires candidates to write a letter of 80-100 characters. In the final section candidates write an essay of 175-225 characters, based on one of the six Topic Areas listed in the syllabus.
Paper 4: Chinese Culture is divided into two sections. Candidates must answer two questions in English, one from each section. Each answer should be 600-750 words and will be assessed for content and structure. Section 1 covers three prescribed topics in Chinese culture and candidates will have a choice of two questions per topic. Section 2 covers Chinese literature and film and candidates have the choice of two questions on each of three prescribed books/films.
A Core Vocabulary and set of six Topic Areas will underpin the syllabus.
Candidates will be expected to have a dictionary for use during the examination of Papers 2 and 3.
Further details about the schemes of assessment and the content of the course can be found in the subject syllabus, available on www.cie.org.uk or direct from CIE.
The Cambridge International Pre-U Certificates in Principal Subjects can act as standalone qualifications but are also intended to form a part of the Cambridge International Pre-U Diploma, along with Global Perspectives and an Independent Research Report. It is expected that this subject will require a minimum of 380 Guided Learning Hours. This is a notional measure of the substance of the qualification. It includes an estimate of the time that might be allocated to direct teaching or instruction, together with other structured learning time such as directed assignments or supported individual study and practice. It excludes learner-initiated private study.