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How to approach the exam
Listening & responding
About the exam
Preparing for the exam
In the exam
What the markers are looking for
About the exam
The listening and responding section of the exam is worth 20 marks.
The listening exam is presented on cassette. It is the first part of the written exam and is designed to assess your knowledge and skill in analysing, evaluating and responding to information from spoken texts.
You will be expected to demonstrate understanding of:
- both the general sense and specific details of spoken texts
- the ideas and opinions expressed in texts
- language features such as style and register.
There are two parts in this listening and responding exam. In both parts, you will listen and respond to recorded texts in Chinese.
Texts will be drawn from a range of spoken text types, such as discussion, interviews and broadcasts.
In Part A, you will hear one text in Chinese of about three minutes in length.
You will be required to answer a number of questions, one or more will require extended paragraphs. You will be required to respond to information in the spoken text by, for example:
- providing a summary of the main points, ideas, arguments or points of view
- analysing ways in which language is used to convey meaning
- identifying the purpose, context and audience of the text.
Questions are in both Chinese and English and you are to answer in English.
You will hear the text twice. Between the first and second readings, you will have two minutes to take notes. After the second reading, you will have twelve minutes to complete your answer.
In Part B, you will hear two texts in Chinese. These texts will be related to the same prescribed contemporary issue.
This task will require you to evaluate the spoken texts by:
- comparing and contrasting the information, opinions and ideas in the texts and
- presenting the information, opinions and ideas in a new form.
Question(s) will be in English and Chinese. You are to respond in Chinese.
These two texts will be approximately four minutes in length. The texts will be heard in sequence, and then repeated.
You will have two minutes to take notes after the first reading.
After the second reading of both texts, you will have 20 minutes to complete your answers.
Preparing for the exam
The best way to prepare for the exam is to practise. Take every opportunity to listen to Chinese in a variety of contexts.
You can listen to tapes that accompany course books, past exam cassettes, Chinese radio, SBS Chinese news and watch Chinese videos. Do not be afraid to replay a section if you do not understand it. Remember that in the exam you will hear each item twice. Note down new words - if you do not know the meaning, look them up in the dictionary.
Listen actively. Get into the habit of listening for gist and specific information. Practise making notes while listening.
Revise your lists of key words and phrases for each contemporary issue.
Learn to recognise the context in which language is used and get the main idea before becoming lost in details.
Take every opportunity to practise answering the questions in both Chinese and English.
Try to listen for issues that are similar to those you are studying and practise writing the information in Chinese. This will help you in Part B of the listening and responding section.
Students who score the highest marks in this section are those who are well prepared in terms of vocabulary recognition and exam technique.
In the exam
Read the question for each item before the text is spoken on the tape. You can underline key words.
During the first reading try to understand the overall message.
Take notes in either Chinese or English. Use the space on the exam paper for notes.
During the second reading process all the information and write your answer clearly. Include all relevant details required to answer the questions asked. Check that your answers make sense and avoid ambiguity in your answers.
For Part A, be guided by the number of lines provided in the answer spaces. This will give you an idea about the amount of information to be included in each answer.
If you have any spare time you can go back to an earlier item but do not dwell on it. It is better to prepare for the coming item rather than lose concentration.
At the end of the exam you can fill in any missing details and make any changes. Do not leave anything out - you cannot be given any marks for blank spaces.
Listen to the two passages in Part B very carefully, noting down key points. Answer the questions as required with the number of characters stated.
Make sure you write legibly. If you need to make changes cross out - liquid paper takes too long to dry.
Write your answers in blue or black pen. Do not use a pencil.
What the markers are looking for
Part A
You will be expected to demonstrate your ability to:
- identify the main points and detailed items of specific information
- identify the context, purpose and/or audience of the text
- analyse the way in which language is used to convey meaning
- compose an argument supported by textual reference
- structure and sequence ideas.
Part B
You are expected to demonstrate your ability to:
- identify the main points and detailed items of specific information
- evaluate, compare and contrast information, opinions and ideas
- compose an argument supported by textual reference
- structure and sequence information and ideas
- convey information and ideas accurately and appropriately.
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