Upper-Intermediate Chinese

Even If: 即使…也 · 150–280 characters

You've just signed up for a half marathon next March, and your friends think training through the winter is a crazy idea. Write a diary entry (150–280 characters) about your decision: what could make the training hard, and why you'll keep going anyway.

Thunder and Lightning: 打雷, 闪电, 一阵 · 150–280 characters

A sudden storm hit your city yesterday afternoon. Write a short news report (150–280 characters) for your school newsletter: when the storm started, what happened, how far the temperature dropped, and the advice for the next few days.

Unit 1 review · 200–350 characters

A friend from abroad wants to visit you in China and asks which season is best. Write them a message describing two seasons where you live (the weather, what can go wrong, what's good about it), and tell them that whatever season they choose you'll show them around. Include one sentence about a time you got caught in bad weather.

Otherwise: 否则 and 不然 · 150–280 characters

Your younger brother is flying alone for the first time tomorrow morning, and you'll already be at work when he leaves. Write a note (150–280 characters) to leave on the kitchen table: tell him what he must do before he leaves and at the airport, and what will go wrong if he doesn't.

Delayed Again: 航班, 晚点, 推迟 · 150–280 characters

Last Friday your evening flight from Beijing to Guangzhou was delayed for hours and then cancelled. Write a formal email (150–280 characters) to the airline's customer service: say what happened, how passengers were informed, how it affected you, and what you're asking for.

Unit 2 review · 200–350 characters

You're organising a long weekend in Xi'an for three friends. Write a message to the group chat with the plan: the flight, the hotel, and a one-day guided tour. Say what has already been booked and confirmed, what everyone must do beforehand, and what you'll do if the flight is delayed or something goes wrong.

But Instead: 却 · 150–280 characters

A Chinese magazine is running a series called 'My grandparents'. Write a short description (150–280 characters) of one of your grandparents: what they look like, what they're like, and the ways they surprise people by not being what you'd expect.

Dating and Breaking Up: 约会, 分手, 误会 · 150–280 characters

Write a letter (150–280 characters) to the advice column of a Chinese magazine. Explain how you met your boyfriend or girlfriend, the misunderstanding that has come between you, and ask the columnist whether you should give up on the relationship.

Unit 3 review · 200–350 characters

Your cousin got married last weekend, and a friend who couldn't come asks how it went. Write them a message describing the wedding: the couple, how they met, the ceremony, and one thing that surprised you. Mention at least one older relative or guest by the right term of address.

In the End: 结果 · 150–280 characters

Write a short anecdote (150–280 characters) for your blog about a day that didn't go to plan: what you had originally planned, what you thought would happen, how one thing led to another, and how it turned out in the end.

Check-Ups: 体检, 检测, 内科 · 150–280 characters

You've gone for your yearly check-up, and the doctor is going through the results with you. Write the dialogue (150–280 characters) between you and the doctor: what was checked, one result that isn't good, its possible cause, and what the doctor advises.

Unit 4 review · 200–350 characters

Your colleague 王芳 asked why you were off work last week. Write her a message explaining what happened: you fell ill or had an accident, what the doctors did, and how you are now. Say what caused it, what saved you from something worse, and what you've changed since.

Almost: 差点儿 · 150–280 characters

Write a diary entry (150–280 characters) about a day full of near misses: things that very nearly went wrong, something you only just managed, and what almost everyone around you did.

After All: 毕竟 · 150–280 characters

On a Chinese parents' forum, someone asks whether a 15-year-old should be allowed to travel to another city alone with friends. Write a reply (150–280 characters) giving your opinion, saying how sure you are about the risks, and ending with the reason that settles it for you.

Unit 5 review · 200–350 characters

Your friend 刘洋 is applying to be a volunteer guide at a museum, and the organisers have asked you for a short character reference. Describe what kind of person he is, give one example of something he did, mention one small fault honestly, and say why you think he'd be good at the job.

To My Surprise: 竟然 and 没想到 · 150–280 characters

At your company's end-of-year party, two colleagues did things nobody expected. Write an email (150–280 characters) to a friend abroad telling them what happened and how everyone reacted.

I Can't Stand It: 受不了, 不在乎, 无所谓 · 150–280 characters

For weeks, the family upstairs has been making noise late at night. Write a complaint (150–280 characters) to your building's management office: describe the problem, how it affects you, what you've already tried, and what you'd like them to do.

Unit 6 review · 200–350 characters

Write a diary entry (日记) about a day of strong emotions: the day you got your exam results. Say how you felt while waiting and when you saw the result, how the people around you reacted, something that disappointed or upset you, and how you calmed down by the evening.

As: 作为 · 150–280 characters

You have just been elected representative of the international students at your university. Write the short speech (150–280 characters) you'll give at the first meeting: introduce yourself in your new role, say what problems you've noticed, and what you plan to do.

The Law: 法律, 律师, 权利, 义务 · 150–280 characters

You have moved out of a rented flat, but your landlord refuses to return your deposit. Write a formal email (150–280 characters) to a lawyer: explain the situation, say what you think your rights are, and ask whether they can help.

Unit 7 review · 200–350 characters

You work in the management office (物业, wùyè) of a residential compound. Write a formal notice to residents about new rules for parking and charging electric bikes (电动车, diàndòngchē). Say why the rules are needed, when they start, what is forbidden and what residents should do instead, and how to contact the office.

In Terms Of: 在…方面, 在…上, 在…下 · 150–280 characters

Your company is considering letting staff work from home two days a week, and you've been asked to sum up what colleagues said at the meeting. Write a short summary (150–280 characters) of the different views, organised by group and by area.

Debating: 辩论, 争论, 说服 · 150–280 characters

Your flatmate wants to get a dog; you're not so sure. Write the dialogue (150–280 characters) in which you discuss it: each of you argues your side, concedes a point and doubts the other's claim, until one of you persuades the other.

Unit 8 review · 200–350 characters

Your city is discussing whether primary school pupils should be allowed to bring mobile phones to school. Write a short opinion piece for a parents' forum: present the other side fairly, give your own view with a concrete example, say where you think the real problem lies, and suggest a solution.

As Things Change: 随着 · 150–280 characters

A travel magazine is running a series called 'Then and now'. Write a short article (150–280 characters) about how a town or city you know well has changed over the last fifteen years: transport, shops, population and everyday life.

Gradually: 逐渐, 渐渐, 逐步 · 150–280 characters

Write a short personal story (150–280 characters) for a blog about how you got used to something new: a new city, a new job or a new sport. Describe how things changed little by little, the step-by-step plan you followed, and one change that happened very fast.

Unit 9 review · 200–350 characters

Your company asked you to write a short report in Chinese on a survey of 500 customers about how they shop. Describe the main results: what share of customers shop online and how that has changed over the last five years, the average amount they spend, which groups changed fastest, and what has stayed the same. End with what you expect to happen next. Write 200-350 characters.

Idioms with Numbers: 五颜六色, 一心一意, 七上八下 · 150–280 characters

You're travelling in Yunnan with a friend. Write a postcard (150–280 characters) to your Chinese teacher: describe what you've seen and done, one moment you were nervous, and use number idioms where they fit.

Exam Tasks: 填空, 抄写, 试卷 · 150–280 characters

You took a Chinese placement exam last week but haven't heard anything since. Write an email (150–280 characters) to the school's academic office: say which parts of the exam you did, which part you found hardest, and ask about your result and the admission letter.

Unit 10 review · 200–350 characters

Your Chinese teacher has asked each student to write a short piece for the class magazine: 'How I learn Chinese'. Describe what you find hardest (vocabulary, grammar, speaking, reading) and especially what gives you trouble, the methods that have worked for you, a time you nearly gave up, and the advice you'd give a beginner. Use at least two four-character idioms. Write 200-350 characters.

Got Blown Away: 叫 and 让 Passives · 150–280 characters

Write a short anecdote (150–280 characters) about a picnic or a day at the beach that went wrong: things that were blown away, eaten or soaked, and the rubbish you found there.

Replacing Plastic: 代替, 塑料 · 150–280 characters

Your school is holding an Arbor Day (植树节) event, and you've been asked to give a short speech (150–280 characters) about cutting plastic waste and planting trees. Say what can replace plastic in daily life and what everyone will do on the day.

Unit 11 review · 200–350 characters

Your residents' committee has asked for ideas to make your housing estate greener. Write a short proposal in Chinese: describe the problem (rubbish, plastic, wasted energy), say how bad it has got, suggest three concrete measures, and explain what each will improve or prevent. Write 200-350 characters.

Can't Possibly: V得了 / V不了 · 150–280 characters

Your friend has invited you to a hotpot dinner on Saturday, but you have a problem. Write the phone conversation (150–280 characters) in which you explain why you can't make it and agree on another plan.

Apps and Accounts: 微信, 下载, 登录, 密码 · 150–280 characters

Your grandmother has just got a smartphone and wants to use WeChat to see the family's photos. Write step-by-step instructions (150–280 characters) she can follow: setting the phone to Chinese, downloading and registering, adding you as a friend, and sending a voice message.

Unit 12 review · 200–350 characters

A Chinese magazine is collecting short pieces on the theme 'My phone and me'. Write one in Chinese: say what you use your phone for every day (apps, messages, deliveries, payments), what you can't do without, a time something went wrong or you didn't make it in time, and whether you think people depend on their phones too much. Write 200-350 characters.

Red Envelopes and Wishes: 红包, 祝福, 问候 · 150–280 characters

You're spending New Year's Eve with your Chinese friend's family, and the grandfather asks you to say a few words at dinner. Write your short toast (150–280 characters): thank the family, wish each generation something suitable, and mention the red envelopes.

Traditions: 传统, 风俗, 讲究 · 150–280 characters

A Chinese student magazine has asked foreign students to write about a festival from their own country. Write a short article (150–280 characters): what the festival is, its customs, what people are particular about, and one taboo a visitor should know.

Unit 13 review · 200–350 characters

You spent the Spring Festival with a Chinese friend's family in their home town. Write a post for your WeChat Moments (朋友圈) about the visit: who was there, what the family did, one tradition or taboo you learnt about, a red envelope or wish you received, and how you got on with everyone. End with a New Year wish for your friends.

Make It Spotless: 把…V得… · 150–280 characters

Your parents are coming to see your flat for the first time tomorrow. Write a diary entry (150–280 characters) about the big clean you did today: what state the flat was in, what you did, and how it looks now.

Renovating: 装修, 布置, 维修 · 150–280 characters

A home-design website is collecting short descriptions of readers' homes. Write about your recently renovated flat (150–280 characters): its size and layout, how you arranged the space, what was changed or repaired during the renovation, and how comfortable it is now.

Unit 14 review · 200–350 characters

You and two friends have just moved into a newly renovated flat. Write a message to your flat's group chat proposing how you'll share the housework: who does which jobs, how clean you expect things to be, one habit everyone should keep, and one thing you'd like a flatmate to do for you this week. Keep it friendly.

Cooking: 切, 烧, 炒 · 150–280 characters

A Chinese friend wants to cook a dish from your country. Write the recipe (150–280 characters): list the ingredients, then explain the steps in order and say what the finished dish tastes like.

Snacks: 零食, 小吃, 巧克力 · 150–280 characters

Write a short travel blog post (150–280 characters) about a night market or snack street you visited in China: what it was like, the 小吃 you tried, and how they compare with the 零食 you usually eat.

Unit 15 review · 200–350 characters

Write a review for a food app (like 大众点评) of a restaurant you visited with friends. Say what kind of cuisine it serves, describe the taste of two or three dishes, explain how one of them is made (as far as you can tell), compare it with another restaurant or cuisine, and say whether you'd recommend it and to whom.

打八折: Discounts · 150–280 characters

You and a friend are in a shopping centre where two sports shops have different deals on the same trainers (original price 600 yuan). Write the dialogue (150–280 characters) in which you compare the offers, work out the final prices aloud and decide what to do.

Quality: 质量, 品质, 实用 · 150–280 characters

You bought a second-hand camera, bike or bag online. Write a review (150–280 characters) on the selling platform: what kind of brand it is, how you chose it, what the quality is like, and whether it was worth the price.

Unit 16 review · 200–350 characters

Write a message to an online shop's customer service about something you bought in a sale (on 双十一, for example) that turned out to be faulty or not as described. Say what you bought, when, and what it cost after the discount, describe the problem, say what you want (a refund, an exchange) and what you'll do if they don't help.

Applying for a Job: 申请, 简历, 面试 · 150–280 characters

A Chinese travel company is looking for a part-time English-speaking tour guide. Write a short cover letter (150–280 characters) to go with your CV: say which position you're applying for, what experience and skills you have, and when you're free for an interview.

Projects: 项目, 方案, 承担 · 150–280 characters

Your department wants to organise a two-day team-building trip. Write a short proposal (方案) (150–280 characters) for your manager: the plan, who is responsible for what, who covers the costs, and what the company needs to provide.

Unit 17 review · 200–350 characters

You've just been offered a job at a company in Shanghai after an interview. Write a message to a friend telling them about it: how you applied, what the interview was like, what your role will be, and what the contract says about pay, bonuses, overtime and the contract period. Say whether you're going to accept the offer and why.

Rich and Poor: 财产, 财富, 遗产 · 150–280 characters

Write a short for-and-against essay (150–280 characters) on the question 'Should parents leave all their property to their children?' Give arguments on both sides and end with your own view.

Quarters and Months: 季度, 月底 · 150–280 characters

You run a small coffee shop with a business partner. Write a short report (150–280 characters) for your partner on the first quarter of this year: income month by month, what happened at the start or end of a month, the costs, and your plans for the next quarter.

Unit 18 review · 200–350 characters

Your cousin has just started her first job in Shenzhen, earning 12,000 yuan a month, and she asks you how to manage her money. Write her a message suggesting a monthly budget (with amounts or percentages), say what she should save and whether she should invest, warn her about one risk, and mention anything she should think about if she plans to study abroad later (exchange rates, sending money).

Research: 研究, 考察, 研制 · 150–280 characters

Your university newsletter has asked you to sum up a study your department has just finished. Write a short summary (150–280 characters): what was studied and how, what tests were carried out, what the results show, and what the researchers suggest.

Campus Life: 食堂, 操场, 寒假 · 150–280 characters

You're a second-year student helping new international students. Write a short welcome guide (150–280 characters) to your campus for the department's website: where to eat, live and exercise, and the key dates of the academic year.

Unit 19 review · 200–350 characters

A Chinese friend is deciding whether to do a master's degree straight after graduating or to work for a few years first. Write them a message comparing the two options. Mention what studying for a 研究生 degree involves (courses, credits, a thesis, scholarships), what you know about campus life, and base your advice on something concrete: a survey, a professor's opinion or your own experience.

Located At: 位于 · 150–280 characters

You run a small guesthouse and are writing its description for a Chinese booking website. Write the description (150–280 characters): where it is, how far it is from the station and the main sight, what's nearby, and how to find it.

High-Speed Rail, Coaches and Ferries · 150–280 characters

You've just travelled from Shanghai to an island by high-speed train, coach and ferry. Write a travel diary entry (150–280 characters) about the journey: each part of the trip, what one announcement said, and how the new rail line has changed the journey.

Unit 20 review · 200–350 characters

A company has offered you a job in either Hangzhou or Chengdu, and a Chinese friend asks which you'll choose. Write them a message comparing the two cities: where each is and how far it is from places you care about, how you'd get to work, traffic and public transport, and what the neighbourhood you'd live in is like. Then say which city you'll pick and why.

Myths and Fairy Tales: 神话, 童话 · 150–280 characters

A Chinese children's magazine is collecting legends and fairy tales from around the world. Retell a myth, legend or fairy tale from your country (150–280 characters) in simple Chinese.

Interviews and Profiles: 采访, 主题, 背景 · 150–280 characters

You interviewed a local artist, writer or musician for your school magazine. Write a short profile (150–280 characters): who they are and what they've made, the theme and background of their latest work, and what you think draws people to it.

Unit 21 review · 200–350 characters

A culture blog has asked readers for short reviews. Write a review of a film, an animated film or a book you like: what type of work it is and what it's about, its main character, the scene you found most moving (the climax), and its style. Say who you'd recommend it to.

Rules and Discipline: 规则, 纪律 · 150–280 characters

Your Chinese friends want to try a sport that's popular in your country. Write a short explanation of its rules (150–280 characters): how many players there are, how you score, what's not allowed, and how a team should behave.

Outdoors: 登山, 划船, 跑一圈 · 150–280 characters

Write a diary entry (150–280 characters) about a day of outdoor activity: climbing a mountain, rowing on a lake or running round a track. Describe what you did, how many laps or trips you managed, and how strong or weak you felt.

Unit 22 review · 200–350 characters

Your company's sports club newsletter wants short pieces from members. Write about a sport or outdoor activity you do in your spare time: how you got interested in it, how it has changed your fitness, and a match or event you took part in -- who you played, how fierce it was, and who won.

Sizes and Fit: 尺寸, 型号, 肥, 松 · 150–280 characters

You ordered a coat and a pair of trousers online, but neither fits. Write an email (150–280 characters) to the shop: give the sizes you ordered, explain how each item fits, and ask to exchange them.

Fashion: 潮流, 模特儿 · 150–280 characters

A Chinese lifestyle magazine wants a short column (150–280 characters) on what young people in your city are wearing this season. Describe the trends, a typical outfit and hairstyle, and say what you think of them.

Unit 23 review · 200–350 characters

You're meeting a friend's cousin at a busy railway station and have never seen each other. Write them a message describing yourself so they can find you: your height and build, your face and hair, exactly what you'll be wearing (clothes, colours, accessories), and how you compare with the friend they know.

BC and AD: 公元, 近代 · 150–280 characters

You're a volunteer guide at a history museum. Write the short talk (150–280 characters) you'll give in front of one exhibit: when it was made, which period it belongs to, what it was originally used for, and why it matters.

Leaving Home: 移民, 安置 · 150–280 characters

Write a short family story (150–280 characters) about someone you know, or someone in a friend's family, who moved to another country: when and why they left, how they settled in, and how they feel about home today.

Unit 24 review · 200–350 characters

Your school's Chinese club is putting together a history blog. Write a short article about a person or event from Chinese history (or your own country's history): when it happened, what happened, and what lesson you think people can draw from it today.

Animals: 尾巴, 虫子, 特征 · 150–280 characters

Your dog went missing in the park yesterday. Write a 'lost dog' notice (150–280 characters) to post in your neighbourhood and on WeChat: describe the dog's features and character, say where and when it went missing, and how to contact you.

Swaying, Falling, Sinking: 摇, 落, 沉 · 150–280 characters

Write a short story (150–280 characters) about a boat trip that went wrong: the boat rocked, something fell into the water and sank, and you had to calm down and carry on.

Unit 25 review · 200–350 characters

Write a short piece for a nature blog about a natural place you love: a mountain, a park, a river or a stretch of coast. Describe the plants and animals there, the land and water, and how the place changes with the seasons, and say how it makes you feel.

Choices: 选择, 面临, 作出决定 · 150–280 characters

You've been offered a well-paid job in your home town, but you also have a place on a one-year Chinese course in Beijing. Write an email (150–280 characters) to a former teacher you trust: explain the choice you're facing, why you're wavering, and ask for advice.

The Future: 未来, 前途, 期待 · 150–280 characters

You've been asked to give a short speech (150–280 characters) at your Chinese class's graduation party. Talk about your hopes for the future and what you'll pursue, and encourage your classmates.

Unit 26 review · 200–350 characters

Write a letter to yourself ten years from now. Say what you dreamed of as a child, what choice or challenge you are facing now, what you're prepared to do to reach your goals, and what you hope your future self is doing.