Independent Chinese

Suggestions and Ideas: 建议, 主意, 主张 · 80–180 characters

A Chinese friend, 小王, is coming to visit you in Beijing for a weekend and has asked what you should do together. Write an email with your suggestions: where to go and when, one idea of theirs you like, one plan you've changed your mind about, and a proposal for an early start. Write 80–180 characters.

Actually: 其实, 事实上, 实际上, 确实 · 80–180 characters

Someone has posted on a language-learning forum that Chinese is "impossible" for foreigners to learn. Write a reply: agree with the parts that are true, correct the parts that are wrong, and back up your view with facts from your own class. Write 80–180 characters.

Unit 1 review · 120–250 characters

Your team has to choose where to hold this year's company trip: Hangzhou (杭州) or Qingdao (青岛). Write a message to the team group chat comparing the two, giving your opinion and your reasons, and suggesting a decision. Mention that a colleague, 李明, prefers the other place, and say politely why you don't quite agree.

More Measure Words: 张, 条, 辆, 台, 封, 位, 家 · 80–180 characters

You're leaving China next month. Write a notice for your building's WeChat group selling the things you don't want to take home: say what each item is, how much it is and what condition it's in, and where people can come and see them. Write 80–180 characters.

How Many Times: 次, 遍, 趟, 顿, 场 · 80–180 characters

Write a diary entry about a frustrating day when you had to go back to the bank (or a government office) several times to get one thing done. Say how many trips you made, what went wrong each time, and how the day ended. Write 80–180 characters.

Unit 2 review · 120–250 characters

You've just viewed a flat to rent in Shanghai. Write a message to a friend describing it: how big it is, how many rooms and what furniture it has, how far it is from the metro and from your office, roughly how much it costs, and how many times you've been to see flats so far.

How You Feel: Worried, Angry, Relieved · 80–180 characters

A friend has just failed their driving test and texted you that they feel terrible. Write a text message back: say you understand how they feel, tell them how you felt in a similar situation, and calm and reassure them. Write 80–180 characters.

Nice and Slow: 好好, 慢慢, 整整齐齐 · 80–180 characters

Write a description of a family photo taken on the morning of Spring Festival (or another family celebration) for a Chinese friend: describe the room, what people look like and what they are doing. Write 80–180 characters.

Unit 3 review · 120–250 characters

Write a short portrait of someone who matters to you (a grandparent, a teacher, a friend) for a class magazine. Describe what they look like and what they're like as a person, and tell one moment when something they did made you feel very happy, moved or nervous.

The Book I Bought Yesterday: Long Modifiers with 的 · 80–180 characters

You lost your bag on a bus last week. Write a lost-property notice for the noticeboard of your university: say who you are, where and when you lost it, what was in it, and which thing matters most to you. Write 80–180 characters.

Games and Fans: 游戏, 玩具, 迷 · 80–180 characters

Write a short introduction of yourself for an online group of people who share one of your hobbies (collecting, model-making, a game...): what fascinates you, how you got started, which accounts or topics you follow, and what you're curious about now. Write 80–180 characters.

Unit 4 review · 120–250 characters

Write a short post for your blog about an article or news story you read recently. Say where you read it and who wrote it, what it was about, what it reports or what people are saying, and what you think about it.

Once, Never, All Along: 曾经, 从来, 始终 · 80–180 characters

Write a profile for a language-exchange website: introduce yourself, say what you once did that helped your Chinese, what you have never done but would like to, something you never do, and what has stayed true about your studies all along. Write 80–180 characters.

Hometowns: 家乡, 故乡, 民间 · 80–180 characters

Write a short article for a students' magazine about your hometown: what it was like when you were a child, a folk tradition people there still keep, when and why you left, and how it has changed. Write 80–180 characters.

Unit 5 review · 120–250 characters

Write a short life story of a grandparent or older relative for a family history project: where and when they were born, key events in their life, something they once did or have never done, and how life has changed since a big event.

起来: Starting, Seeming, Remembering · 80–180 characters

Write a short online review of a new restaurant you tried: how it looked, how the food smelled and tasted, something it made you remember, and whether you recommend it. Write 80–180 characters.

Noticing and Proving: 注意, 观察, 证明, 表明 · 80–180 characters

Your group observed how students use their phones in the library for a week. Write a short report of what you noticed, what the results show, and why you can't be completely sure yet. Write 80–180 characters.

Unit 6 review · 120–250 characters

Write a short post for a travel forum about a place you visited: what it looked like, the weather and scenery, your first impression, and something you noticed or could tell about the people or the place.

Waiting: 等待, 等着, 一会儿 · 80–180 characters

Your lunch delivery arrived very late and in bad condition. Write a complaint to the delivery app's customer service: when you ordered, how long you waited, what you did while waiting, and what you want them to do. Write 80–180 characters.

Early and On Time: 提前, 及时, 准 · 80–180 characters

Write a short anecdote about a morning when you almost missed an important train or flight: what you had planned, what went wrong, how you rushed, and whether you made it. Write 80–180 characters.

Unit 7 review · 120–250 characters

Write a message to your flatmate about tomorrow's errands: what you need from the market or café (with amounts and prices), when you'll get things done, and ask them to hurry with something urgent.

So Far: Verb + 了 + Time + 了 · 80–180 characters

Write an email to a Chinese teacher you haven't seen for years. Tell them how long you've been doing your current job and other things that are still going on, something you did for a while and then stopped, and what is still the same. Write 80–180 characters.

Keep On: 继续, 不断, 持续, 连续 · 80–180 characters

Write a diary entry on the 30th day of a fitness challenge (running, swimming, skipping...): how it started, what you've managed so far, a time you nearly stopped, and your plans to keep going. Write 80–180 characters.

Unit 8 review · 120–250 characters

Write a short piece for a class magazine about how your town (or your own life) has changed: what it was like in an earlier decade, what has changed, what is still the same, and what you'll keep doing.

Receiving: 受伤, 受到, 受欢迎 · 80–180 characters

On your way home you were knocked off your bike. Write a message to a friend explaining why you can't come to tonight's party: what happened, how badly you were hurt, what was damaged, and how the driver was dealt with. Write 80–180 characters.

What Happened? 发生, 情况, 事件 · 80–180 characters

Write a short news report for your neighbourhood's website about a traffic accident outside a school yesterday: what happened and when, what caused it, how people at the scene reacted, and what the situation is now. Write 80–180 characters.

Unit 9 review · 120–250 characters

Your bag was stolen on the metro yesterday and you saw the thief run off. Write a short report for the police station: say when and where it happened, what was in the bag, what you saw and how you reacted, and whether anyone was hurt. Write 120-250 characters.

把 Something Into, To, For: 把…成/到/给 · 80–180 characters

It's moving day, but you have to go to work in the morning. Write a note for the movers telling them where to take each thing in the new flat, what to change one room into, and who you've given the key to. Write 80–180 characters.

Finding a Flat: 房租, 房东, 单元 · 80–180 characters

You're leaving the city for work and want someone to take over your room. Write an online advert: give the address and layout, describe the room and the furniture, explain the rent and how it's paid, and say who you'd be sharing with. Write 80–180 characters.

Unit 10 review · 120–250 characters

You've just moved into a new flat in Shanghai. Write a message to a Chinese friend: give the address, say how much the rent is and what the landlord is like, describe your room (what's on the walls, what's by the window), and say what you've already done and what you haven't done yet. Write 120-250 characters.

At Work: Jobs, Colleagues and Days Off · 80–180 characters

Write a message to a friend about a very busy week at work: how late you've been staying, who you're covering for, what your manager has asked you to do, and what you plan to do when it's over. Write 80–180 characters.

Careers: 职业, 事业, 就业, 退休 · 80–180 characters

A colleague who has worked at your school or company for many years is retiring. Write a short speech for their farewell party: their career, what kind of colleague they were, how they helped you, and good wishes for their retirement. Write 80–180 characters.

Unit 11 review · 120–250 characters

Your manager has asked you to write a short email to the team after this morning's meeting. Say who chaired it, what was decided, who is responsible for each task and by when, and mention one colleague's good work. Write 120-250 characters.

Travel: Booking, Checking In, Checking Out · 80–180 characters

Write a review of a hotel you stayed in for a Chinese travel website: how you booked, what checking in and out was like, the room and breakfast, one problem, and whether you'd stay again. Write 80–180 characters.

Sightseeing: 长城, 特色, 照相 · 80–180 characters

You're on holiday in a famous scenic place in China. Write a postcard to your family: which sights you've visited, what you photographed, what local food you tried and with whom, and your plans for tomorrow. Write 80–180 characters.

Unit 12 review · 120–250 characters

A Chinese friend is helping you plan a two-week trip. Write them a message describing your route: where you'll start, which cities you'll pass through and in which region of China they are, how you'll travel between them and how long each leg takes, what you want to see, and one thing you still need to arrange. Write 120-250 characters.

Not Only, Only Just: 不仅, 不光, 仅仅 · 80–180 characters

Your class is choosing a class monitor. Write a short recommendation of a classmate you think should get the job: their strengths, what they have done, how little time they needed to fit in, and one small reservation. Write 80–180 characters.

Working Together: 合作, 配合, 团结, 共同 · 80–180 characters

Many university courses grade students on group projects. Write a short for-and-against essay: give one advantage and one disadvantage of group work, and say what you think teachers should do. Write 80–180 characters.

Unit 13 review · 120–250 characters

Your team has just finished a two-week project (for example, organising a company event or a group presentation at university). Write a short report for your manager or teacher: how the work was shared out, how the team cooperated, one good point and one problem, and what you would suggest for next time.

Not at All: 一点儿也不, 一…也没 · 80–180 characters

Write a short anecdote about the worst trip you've ever had: what went wrong from the start, what you couldn't do at all, and how you feel about it now. Write 80–180 characters.

Strengths and Weaknesses: 优点, 长处, 短处 · 80–180 characters

Write a short cover letter applying for a job as a marketing assistant: introduce your strengths with an example, admit one weakness and what you're doing about it, and promise to work hard. Write 80–180 characters.

Unit 14 review · 120–250 characters

You ordered two items of clothing online (for example a shirt and a pair of trousers), and both went wrong: one is the wrong size and the other has a fault. Write a message to the shop's customer service: say what you bought and when, describe each problem clearly, say how you feel about it, and ask them to sort it out (exchange or refund).

If: 要是…(的话) · 80–180 characters

You and a friend are planning a hike tomorrow, but rain is forecast. Write a short dialogue in which you agree what to do in each case: if it rains, if it only drizzles, and if one of you oversleeps. Write 80–180 characters.

According To: 按照, 按 · 80–180 characters

Your gym charged you an extra fee for a class you had booked. Write a formal complaint email: what you did according to their rules, what happened, what their rules actually say, and what you want them to do. Write 80–180 characters.

Unit 15 review · 120–250 characters

You manage a small shared flat (or a club, or an office kitchen) and new people keep breaking the house rules. Write a short notice for the group chat: explain three or four rules and why they matter, say what happens if someone breaks them, and what new members must do when they move in (for example, register with their ID).

Anything, Anyone, Anywhere: 什么都, 谁都, 哪儿都 · 80–180 characters

Write a message to a friend about your new flatmate, who is very different from you: what they eat, who they know, where they want to go, and one habit that drives you mad. Write 80–180 characters.

Usually and Generally: 往往, 通常, 总是, 基本上 · 80–180 characters

Write a short article for international students about mealtimes in your country: when people usually eat, what a weekday dinner is normally like, how weekends are different, and one thing that is true in almost every family. Write 80–180 characters.

Unit 16 review · 120–250 characters

Write a short piece for your language school's newsletter introducing a club or group you belong to (a running club, a choir, a book club, a WeChat group of neighbours...). Say who the members are, what they usually do, what the club's few rules are, and invite new people to join.

Suddenly: 突然, 意外 · 80–180 characters

Write a diary entry about a journey this morning that was interrupted by something unexpected: what you were doing when it happened, how people reacted, and how it ended. Write 80–180 characters.

Once Upon a Time: 从前 and 传说 · 80–180 characters

Write a short folk tale of your own about a poor young man who sets off to find a magic helper. Open it the traditional way, tell the events in order and give it a good ending. Write 80–180 characters.

Unit 17 review · 120–250 characters

Write a post for your blog about a day when your plans went wrong but things turned out well in the end. Say what you had originally planned, what suddenly happened, what happened as expected or only late, and finish with a lucky moment or a coincidence.

Exam Day: 试题, 题目, 难度 · 80–180 characters

You've just finished a Chinese exam. Write a message to a friend saying how each part went, how hard the questions were, why it was a real test for you, and when you'll get your results. Write 80–180 characters.

Concentrating: 集中, 专门, 自主 · 80–180 characters

A classmate has asked how you manage to study on your own at home. Write a short advice post for your class forum: give three practical tips for concentrating and keeping motivated. Write 80–180 characters.

Unit 18 review · 120–250 characters

You've been accepted for a semester of Chinese at a university in Beijing. Write an email to your future teacher, 王老师: introduce yourself and your level, say which parts of Chinese you find hardest and how you study, mention a practical question (registration, textbooks or fees), and politely ask for advice.

Owing To… Therefore: 由于 and 因此 · 80–180 characters

You work for the management office of a housing estate. Write a formal notice for residents announcing that the water will be cut off on Saturday: why, when, what residents should do, and an apology. Write 80–180 characters.

Does It Work? 效果, 有效 · 80–180 characters

Write a review of a language-learning app you've used for a few months: why you started, what worked well, what had no effect, how the subscription works, and whether you'd recommend it. Write 80–180 characters.

Unit 19 review · 120–250 characters

Write a short article for an international students' magazine about a product your hometown or country is famous for (for example tea, cheese, furniture or cars). Say what it is made of and where and how it is produced, why people buy it, and what problems its production causes or how it affects the place.

I'm Afraid: 恐怕 · 80–180 characters

You can't finish your essay for your professor on time. Write a polite email: break the news gently, explain what happened, say what you were forced to do, and suggest a new date. Write 80–180 characters.

Risks and Insurance: 风险, 保险, 预防 · 80–180 characters

You and a friend are going skiing next month. Write a dialogue in which you discuss the risks: whether to buy insurance, how to avoid getting hurt, and what you'll do if the weather is bad. Write 80–180 characters.

Unit 20 review · 120–250 characters

Your friend 张伟 wants to quit his stable job at a bank and open a small coffee shop. Write him a message: say whether you think it's worth it and why, point out the risks, say what he needs (and doesn't need) to do, give him a strong warning or two, and end by promising to help as much as you can. If you had to make a similar choice once, say so.

On Earth: 到底 and 究竟 · 80–180 characters

A close friend has stopped answering your messages since a small argument last week. Write a text message pressing them for an answer, apologising for your part, and asking to meet. Write 80–180 characters.

Trust and Respect: 信任, 对待, 互相 · 80–180 characters

A reader has written to an advice column: her boyfriend keeps checking her phone. Write the columnist's reply: what the problem is, how she should talk to him, and what a good relationship needs. Write 80–180 characters.

Unit 21 review · 120–250 characters

Last weekend you visited your Chinese partner's parents for the first time. Write a message to a friend telling them how it went: how you were welcomed, what you brought, how the dinner went, and a small argument you and your partner had afterwards (and how it ended).

Training: 训练, 教练, 队员 · 80–180 characters

You've just moved to a Chinese city and want to join a local swimming club. Write an email to the coach: introduce yourself and your experience, describe how you train now, and ask about the club's training. Write 80–180 characters.

Big Events: 世界杯, 决赛, 金牌 · 80–180 characters

Your city is thinking of bidding to host the Olympic Games. Write a short opinion piece for a local website: arguments for and against, and your own view. Write 80–180 characters.

Unit 22 review · 120–250 characters

Your amateur football team played an important match last weekend. Write a short report for the club's WeChat group: who you played, the score and how the match went, how the result changes your place in the league, and what the coach wants for training this week.

Music: 歌手, 乐队, 演唱会 · 80–180 characters

You've got two tickets for a concert by your favourite band. Write a message inviting a friend: who's playing, why you love them, what the concert will be like, and when and where to meet. Write 80–180 characters.

TV and Radio: 电视剧, 播出, 直播 · 80–180 characters

Your family can't agree what to watch tonight: the football final is on, but so is your mother's favourite series. Write a short dialogue in which you sort it out. Write 80–180 characters.

Unit 23 review · 120–250 characters

You went to a show last weekend: a concert, a play or a Peking opera. Write a short review for a ticket app or a WeChat post: what you saw and where, who performed or directed it, how the performers did, how the audience reacted, and whether you'd recommend it.

Paying: 支付, 付, 现金 · 80–180 characters

A friend is coming to China for the first time next month. Write a message explaining how people pay for things: cash or phones, what to set up, changing money, and splitting the bill with friends. Write 80–180 characters.

The Economy: 经济, 交易, 资金 · 80–180 characters

Write a short news report for a local website about how your city's economy did in the first half of the year: growth figures, which sector grew fastest, investment, and the outlook. Write 80–180 characters.

Unit 24 review · 120–250 characters

A month ago you and a friend opened a small café in Chengdu. Write a post for your friends' group chat about the first month: your prices, how customers pay, what the business costs you each month, and how you're trying to save money.

Devices: 技术, 设备, 功能, 自动 · 80–180 characters

Write a short product description for a new robot vacuum cleaner for an online shop: what it can be used for, which tasks it does automatically, and why busy people should buy it. Write 80–180 characters.

Ways and Means: 方式, 利用, 工具 · 80–180 characters

Your school uses far too much paper. Write a short proposal to the head teacher suggesting three ways to use less of it, and say what the benefits would be. Write 80–180 characters.

Unit 25 review · 120–250 characters

A friend, 李明, moved to Australia last month and emailed to ask how you're doing. Write a reply email: open and close it properly, say how you two can keep in touch, tell him about a new device or app you've started using and what it's for, and mention one thing you saved or recorded for him. Write 120-250 characters.

Founding and Building: 建立, 成立, 建设 · 80–180 characters

Write a short introduction to your school or university for its Chinese-language website: when it was founded, when its main buildings were completed, partnerships it has set up, and what is being built now. Write 80–180 characters.

Pushing Forward: 推动, 开展, 加强 · 80–180 characters

Your school has just held an environmental week. Write a short news report about it for the school website, in the formal style of official news. Write 80–180 characters.

Unit 26 review · 120–250 characters

Your neighbourhood (社区) is looking for volunteers to help older residents. Write a short post for the community WeChat group: describe a social trend you've noticed (for example, more old people living alone), say why it matters, explain what the volunteer group does and when it was set up, and invite people to join. Write 120-250 characters.

Life and Death: 生命, 死, 去世 · 80–180 characters

A friend's grandmother has just died. Write a message of sympathy: say you've heard the news, share a memory of her, say something kind about her life, and offer help. Write 80–180 characters.

At the Doctor's: 感冒, 痛, 血 · 80–180 characters

Write a message to an online doctor service describing a health problem: where it hurts, since when and how long, what makes it worse, what you've tried, and what you'd like to know. Write 80–180 characters.

Unit 27 review · 120–250 characters

A friend has written to you saying work stress is making them ill: they sleep badly, have headaches, and have put on weight. Write a reply: show sympathy, say what you think is causing the problem, give three pieces of advice about healthy habits, and suggest they see a doctor. Write 120-250 characters.

Goals: 目标, 达到, 决定 · 80–180 characters

It's New Year's Day. Write a letter to yourself, to be opened in a year's time: the goals you've set, how determined you are, how you'll reach them step by step, and what you hope your future self has done. Write 80–180 characters.

Success: 成功, 成就, 成果 · 80–180 characters

You've just won your company's "employee of the year" award. Write a short acceptance speech: thank people, say who really made the project a success, answer the praise modestly, and end with good wishes. Write 80–180 characters.

Unit 28 review · 120–250 characters

You've finished a year of studying Chinese. Write a post for your class group looking back and ahead: the goal you set at the start, a difficulty you met and how you overcame it, what you've achieved, your goal for next year, and good wishes to your classmates. Write 120-250 characters.