Easy Steps to Chinese adopts a new approach to teaching Chinese as a foreign language. It is designed for both primary and secondary school students who are taking Chinese exams, such as GCSE/IGCSE/AS (U.K.), SAT II/AP (U.S.A.), IB Chinese Language B Standard Level, or for those students who are starting to learn Chinese on their own. Easy Steps to Chinese has three stages: Stage 1 — Books 1 and 2; Stage 2 — Books 3, 4, 5 and 6; and Stage 3 — Books 7 and 8. After completing this series, the students will acquire a vocabulary of approximately 1,600 Chinese characters, and develop confidence in using Chinese to communicate either orally or in written forms. The series includes: •Textbook with a CD •Workbook •Teacher's Book with a CD •Picture flashcards •Word cards The topics for each stage are: Stage 1: Books 1-2•Numbers•Personal identification•Parts of the body•Colours and clothing•Food and drinks•Daily routines•Schooling•Hobbies•Life at home•Means of transport•Daily articles•Weather Stage 2: Books 3-6•Appearance•People and occupations•School facilities•Weather and holidays•Pets•Personality•School events•Food and sickness•Accidents•Shopping and travelling•Neighbourhood•Festivals and celebrations Stage 3: Books 7-8•Community•Work experience•Environment•Customs and traditions• Technology and communication•Diet and healthy life-style•Special occasions•Leisure and travelling•Education and employment•Law and order•Current issues•World issues The features of this series:
- task-based learning
- a wide variety of texts
- practical tasks and activities
- up-to-date topics relevant to young people
- carefully pacing for gradual progress
- clearly focused aims
- regular consolidation
- both simplified and traditional script in the vocabulary list
- a fun and effective approach
- attractive page designs
