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Chinese Evening Courses

Next courses begin in April 2024

Our next Chinese courses will start in April. Please see the details for your level below. More information about the topics covered in each level can be found further down the page.

Meet the Teachers session

Meet our teachers and other students at this informal session the week before Chinese Evening Courses begin.

Date: Tuesday 9 April 2024, 18:00 - 19:00
Location: Parkinson Building, SR 2.20

Registered students can come along to meet their teacher and other students who have signed up for the class.

Prospective students will have the opportunity to see what the venue is like, meet the team and ask any questions you have about the courses.

All welcome.

Levels 1, 2 and 3 (in person)

  • Dates: 16 April - 11 June 2024 (8 weeks, no class on 28 May)
  • Day and time: Tuesdays, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
  • Venue: Parkinson Building, University of Leeds
  • Cost: £100.

Register via the University of Leeds online store.

We need a minimum of 5 students for a class to run and classes have up to 15 students.

Levels 1, 4 and 5 (in person)

  • Dates: 18 April - 6 June 2024 (8 weeks)
  • Day and time: Thursdays, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
  • Venue: Parkinson Building, University of Leeds
  • Cost: £100.

Register via the University of Leeds online store.

We need a minimum of 5 students for a class to run and classes have up to 15 students.

Meet the teachers

Visit our teacher profiles to learn a bit more about them and pick up some tips!

Which level is right for me?

Click on each level to view the resources used and content covered. If you are still unsure about which level to sign up for, please contact us. After the first lesson it is possible to switch class if necessary, subject to availability and after discussion with your teacher.

Level 1

Textbook: Discover China Student Book One

Units: 1-4

Topics covered in the course:

  • Basics of Chinese language
  • Introduction to Chinese characters
  • Daily useful expressions
  • Your Chinese name
  • Greetings
  • Numbers
  • Describing people’s appearances
  • Introducing yourself
  • Countries and nationalities
  • Occupations
  • Family members
  • Likes and dislikes

Level 2

Textbook: Discover China Student Book One

Units: 5-8

Topic covered in the course:

  • Asking for and saying dates and days
  • Asking for and giving information about contact numbers and address
  • Reading and responding to text messages
  • Talking about daily activities on schedules and weekly plan
  • Asking for and telling the time
  • Talking about clothes, colour and prices
  • Learn to bargain

Level 3

Textbook: Discover China Student Book One

Units: 9-12

Topic covered in the course:

  • Asking for and giving general directions in everyday life. This includes giving advice about where to shop, see a movie and to do sports;and advertising your flat to Chinese students by describing the surroundings.
  • Talking about methods of transport and your preferences.
  • Name different sports and activities, know which verb to use with different activities, and introduce your hobbies to others.
  • Show your attitude towards something. Learn to show appreciation for other people's clothes and appearance.

Level 4

Textbook: Discover China Student Book Two. In this textbook the use of pinyin is reduced and you will notice a change as you are encouraged to move away from relying on pinyin.

Units: 1-4

Topic covered in the course:

  • Talking about daily routines and writing a diary.
  • Talking about the weather, seasons and appropriate clothing.
  • Talking about Chinese New Year and customs.
  • Asking for and understanding detailed directions.

Level 5

Textbook: Discover China Student Book Two

Units: 5-8

Topics covered in the course:

  • Hotel accommodation, check-in and room facilities
  • Museums and rules in famous tourist attractions
  • Museums, history and cultural relics. Introducing a tourist attraction.
  • Eating out, food and drink, Chinese dishes
  • Differences between the Chinese and Western diet
  • Shopping for souvenirs, sending a package by post
  • Travel and shopping experiences in Chengdu

Level 6

This is for students who have passed HSK level 3 or completed all five levels of our Chinese Evening Courses.

In-person course

Textbook: Discover China Student Book Two, units 9-12

Online course

In these online sessions we invite you to step away from your textbooks and discover contemporary China. Push your language skills to the next level as you learn about practical, up-to-date topics and begin to engage with authentic materials under the guidance of your teacher.  

To fully participate in and enjoy the classes you will need to be able to communicate in Chinese and understand some authentic content (with support and guidance).  

Course levels and HSK exams

Note that the numbered courses do not correspond to levels for Chinese Proficiency Exams (HSK). Students working through levels 1-5 of our courses should be able to complete HSK levels 1-3, if they wish.

We hope that you will choose to take HSK exams to measure your progress but this is not a requirement. Your teacher will offer guidance and additional resources to anyone interested in working towards the test.

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