If you're a Malaysian, you would know that banana holds double meaning in the Chinese community.
Well obviously, it refers to the particular fruit. It also means a Chinese who cannot speak and write in Chinese.
It's an analogy that's based on the banana (literally), aka yellow on the outside and white on the inside.
In recent years, however, there has been a rise of Malaysians, including non-Chinese who opt for formal Chinese education due to the increasing recognition of Chinese as a global language.
This also means more Malaysians will be taking Chinese as a core subject for their SPM examination.
For this subject, candidates will sit for three papers: SPM Chinese Paper 1 (Writing), SPM Chinese Paper 2 (Reading) and SPM Chinese Paper 3 (Listening and Speaking).
In this article, we will be reviewing the latest examination format for your SPM Chinese papers.
Important Learning Constructs To Be Mastered When Studying For SPM Chinese Papers
Before we dive in, let's take a look at how the SPM Chinese papers are comprehensively designed to evaluate one's ability in the language according to these learning constructs.
You can refer to this list as a guideline to gauge where your Chinese language proficiency truly lies.
Construct 1: Listening and Speaking Skills
- The range of vocabulary and correct usage of grammar
- The usage of the right pronunciation, intonation and tone
- Overall fluency and mannerisms
- Able to have meaningful and interesting conversations (expression of ideas)
Construct 2: Reading/Comprehension Skills
- Identify the right information/requirement based on the given text
- Correctly state the meaning of phrases
- Able to interpret the meaning of the text
- Reflect and make the right evaluation based on the text
- Form the right connection and determine the relationship of words in a paragraph
Construct 3: Writing Skills
- Formation of ideas
- Ability to apply words that fits different setting (create new combinations)
- Demonstrate creativity and language appreciation
- Create a complete writing discourse
Explore the studying tips to ace your SPM Chinese papers here.
What Will You Be Tested In Your SPM Chinese Paper 1?
In general, this paper aims to evaluate the candidate's writing skills. There will be two sections under your SPM Chinese Paper 1.
In Section A, you will need to write a 120-word formal essay (cannot exceed ) which falls under these three categories:
- 公函 (Formal letters)
- 通告 (Announcement)
- 启事（Notice)
To give you an idea of what to expect, we have listed some sample questions for each category.
Sample question under the formal letter category:
1) 试以修林幼儿园园长林君平的名义, 致函国民小学校长陈永杰，要求批准参观校园.
As the principal of Xiu Lin kindergarten, Mr Lim Jun Ping (Remember, name of sender), write an official letter to the principal of SJK (C) Guo Ming, Mr Chen Yong Jie(the recipient) to seek permission to visit his school.
Sample question under the announcement category:
2) 芙蓉卫生局将派员导修林花园住家检查居家环境。试以局长林俊平的名义，拟一则通告通知居民。
The Seremban Health Department will inspect Taman Xiu Lin. As the department head, Mr Lim Jun Ping, write an announcement to notify the residents.
Sample question under the notice category:
3) 修林文学创作设将出版第四期刊物。试以该社社长林军平的名义, 拟一则征稿启事。
The Xiu Lin Literature Society is planning to publish its fourth magazine edition. As the president of the society, Mr Lim Jun Ping, write a notice to request essay submission.
For this section, the question of the essay is already fixed. Only one essay question will be asked.
Having said that, candidates need to be well-versed in all three formats of these writings.
In terms of the grading criteria, candidates will be evaluated on the correct formats, the purpose of writing, proper indication of date, comprehensive and accurate grammar as well as language expression.
The mark allocation for Section A is 30 marks.
Now, let's look at the second part of this paper.
When it comes to Section B, candidates will be given three essay options and need to produce an essay that exceeds 400 words based on the essay formats below:
- Option 1: 记叙文 (Narrative essay)
- Option 2: 说明文 (Explanatory essay)
- Option 3: 议论文 (Argumentative essay)
The scope of the essays will touch on the themes like individual interests, family, school life, society, nation and global stuff.
Some examples of the essays' titles that you can find under this section include:
- 掌声 (Applause)
- 做自己的老师 (Being your own teacher)
- 态度与成功 (Attitude and success)
- 钥匙 (Keys)
- 我心中的那一道光 (The light in my heart)
- 偶像与榜样 (Idols and role models)
The mark allocation for Section B is 70 marks.
Candidates will be given 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete SPM Chinese Paper 1.
Don't forget to read this article to master the overall marking scheme of your SPM Chinese papers.
Photo by Timothy Wolff on Unsplash
What Are The Tested Components For Your SPM Chinese Paper 2?
For Paper 2, candidates will be tested on their reading and comprehension skills.
Similarly to Paper 1, there are also two sections.
In Section A, candidates will be given two modern comprehension texts (现代文).
For the first part, candidates need to write a summary that's not more than 130 words based on the question requirement of the first modern comprehension text.
For the next part, candidates need to answer 4 to 5 questions (complete, short structured answers) based on the second modern comprehension text.
The total mark allocation for Section A is 70 marks.
Moving on to Section B, candidates will encounter two classical Chinese texts (古代诗文).
Candidates will read the paragraphs and answer a few questions based on them.
The main key to score for this part is to "decipher" and comprehend the classical Chinese texts into modern Chinese texts and present the final answers accordingly.
This section requires candidates to correctly identify the meaning of the indicated classical Chinese terms and texts as well as their sentence structure.
For Section B, the total mark allocation is 30 marks.
Having said that, the entire test duration for SPM Chinese Paper 2 is 2 hours and 15 minutes. It's longer than Paper 1 so it means you should not rush your way through the questions.
Don't miss this information to tackle your SPM Chinese papers comprehensively.
How Will You Be Evaluated For Your SPM Chinese Paper 3 (Oral Assessment)?
After candidates have been tested on their Chinese writing and reading skills, it's now time to look at their Chinese speaking and listening skills.
Click here to find out what the difference is between the 2022 & 2023 papers.
The SPM Chinese Paper 3 is primarily an oral assessment that is evaluated internally by the subject teacher.
Firstly, the candidates will be taken to a waiting room to register their details. After that, they will be split into groups (4 to 5 people in a group) and have a discussion on a pre-decided topic based on five themes.
Each group will then take turns entering the "quarantine room" where their subject teacher will brief them on the overall flow of the test. The candidates will then draw their questions in front of the examiners and be given 10 minutes to prepare.
After 10 minutes, they will be led to the test venue where each group will be given 12 to 15 minutes for their discussion.
Important note: Each candidate will be given roughly 3 minutes to present their points. The total mark allocation for this test is 30 marks.
Here's an example of a Chinese oral test based on a given theme.
Theme: Family (家庭 )
Topic: Filial piety (孝顺)
Students will be given the discussion points as shown below under filial piety:
- Point 1: How can you be a filial child to your parents? [如何孝顺父母]
- Point 2: Discuss whether you agree if the statement "Child-rearing ensures security during old age" [谈“ 养儿防老"]
- Point 3: Discuss the statement " The epitome of kindness is filial piety" [谈 百善孝为先"]
- Point 4: The timeliness of filial piety [尽孝要及时]
- Point 5: How to promote the message of filial piety [如何发扬孝道]
Discover the reference books and past year papers to score well for your SPM Chinese exams here.
Where Can You Find An Experienced SPM Chinese Home Tutor Near You?
Now that you have reviewed the latest examination format of your SPM Chinese papers, you might be wondering what's the next step.
You know it's time to step up your learning and revision game to ace this subject but we're sure there are lots of questions weighing on your mind.
What should you start doing?
How should you study and revise?
When should you start practising with past year questions?
Instead of dwelling on these questions alone, why don't you hire an experienced SPM Chinese tutor to help you in this journey?
Let us introduce you to Superprof!
Superprof is an educational tutoring global platform that connects passionate students and dedicated tutors.
Photo by Mimi Thian on Unsplash
Whether it's online or face-to-face lessons, you can easily find a tutor that matches your preferences and expectations.
Learning has never been this easy. Get started in these three simple steps once you are at the Superprof homepage.
- Start searching for the right SPM Chinese tutor by viewing the profiles freely. Look out for the tutor's basic information as well as important details such as their teaching experience, teaching scope, teaching methodology, hourly rates and past reviews.
- Once you have compared and reviewed the profiles, proceed to contact your desired tutor. Most Superprof tutors will get back to you within 24 hours (their response time is listed in their profiles).
- As soon as your desired tutor replies, you can start discussing and organising your future SPM Chinese lessons. It's important to note that payment details are finalised between the both of you in private.
Our Superprof SPM Chinese tutors come from all parts of the country and are 100% certified and reviewed, so you can take the lessons confidently from anywhere and anytime you want.
We hope you have enjoyed reading this article. Get that A for your SPM Chinese paper! 加油!
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
