COURSES

Conversational Chinese

Classes for High Beginner Level & Intermediate Level

Course Description

Conversational Chinese classes provide a holistic learning experience that extends beyond textbook knowledge, fostering practical language skills and cultural understanding. These classes cover a wide range of topics, allowing students to explore vocabulary and language nuances across different themes, from daily conversations to more complex subjects (Intermediate Level Class). We focus on active learning, task- based activities from speaking practice in class to presentation tasks on role play. You will be able to internalise what you learnt to perform in real life. Additionally, building a strong foundation in grammar and sentence structures, providing a solid base for further Chinese learning.

Topics: High Beginner Level

Self-introduction; Family
Skills; Studying
Hobbies
Life routine
Location; Traffic Method; Directions
Property
Food
Travel
Work
Weather

Topics: High Intermediate Level

Travel Plans/ Experiences
Work Content
Comparing country & city
Shopping
Describe someone
Economics
Social phenomenons

Improve your Chinese fluency today!

Enquire Now

Student Reviews

How Chinese For Professionals can help you learn Mandarin Chinese for conversational purposes:

Why students like the Conversational Chinese Class:

Builds confidence: Shelley's patient and supportive teaching style created a nurturing environment where I felt comfortable expressing myself in Chinese. Outside of class, I normally feel self-conscious about what I say in front of other people and not having enough vocabulary which deters me from practicing Chinese at all. However, conversational Chinese class provides me with a safe space to speak, free from judgment and the feeling of inconveniencing others. This class style has helped me build up confidence to converse even at a lower level of fluency.
Speak first, correct later: In other conversation practices I've tried, my conversation partner would often interrupt me mid-sentence to correct my grammar, and in doing so, disrupts my thought process, hindering me from properly conveying my ideas. Shelley's method of allowing me to express my ideas first and providing corrections afterward has been instrumental in making our conversations more natural and engaging. This approach mirrors real-life interactions, where the flow of conversation is more fluid and adherence to grammar rules is more flexible.
Vocabulary expansion and usage: Conversational Chinese has also expanded my vocabulary, enabling me to learn and use terms that are common in everyday conversations. Shelley's emphasis on using "survival vocabulary" to express complex ideas has been particularly beneficial. If I have yet to learn the exact vocabulary to capture a thought, she would often provide me with alternative words/phrases that I have previously learned rather than just outright giving the exact translation of the word from a different level. This approach not only makes learning more practical but also encourages creativity in applying new words and phrases in various contexts.
Consolidation of formal learning: Conversational Chinese has allowed me to consolidate the knowledge acquired from more formal lessons using the HSK textbook. Topics of conversation often cover a large range which enable me to pull vocabulary and grammar structures from HSK 1 to my current level. This format has further helped with active recall and retention of the language in a natural setting.

- Abby Co

Conversational classes have helped sustain progress and understanding

I believe my confidence in speaking Chinese has improved greatly since undertaking the course with Shelley. She is very encouraging and supportive in guiding me throughout my journey communicating in Chinese and as a result I have seen the benefits of my experience in conversation with native/bilingual Chinese speakers. My vocabulary and understanding of contextual linguistic usage has improved since partaking in conversation with Shelley. I am comfortable expressing my views and outlook on various topics as a result of vocabulary learning and personliased clarification with Shelley.

I had begun learning Chinese previously, and I have found that taking conversational classes with Shelley has helped me sustain progress and fluency due to her deep understanding and invaluable experience in Chinese language education. The topic surrounding differences between classic English and Chinese language structure, cultural differences and customs and current cultural issues have been the most engaging as they have deepened my understanding into Chinese culture and the Chinese speaking modern world.

- Caterina Pizzinga

Enquire Now

HSK Level 1

The first step is to build a strong foundation by learning pronunciation and basic sentence structures. Sentence structures are important because they can be entirely different from English. At HSK1, I prioritise familiarising students with pronunciation and structures over building the quantity of their vocabulary.

I explain a lot of these concepts in English, in order for students to comprehend the course content easier. Course content is aligned closely to real-life examples so students can immediately apply it in their daily life. After ~10 weeks, students can expect to engage in basic conversation. Students typically feel a sense of achievement given the progress made.

HSK Level 2

HSK2 is where I slowly introduce more vocabulary while the sentence structures remain largely the same as HSK1. Students will focus on expanding their vocabulary and incorporating them smoothly into sentences. They will be able to look at a word and know how is pronounced. Different and more complex conversational topics will also be introduced.

At HSK2, students will begin to use Pleco (recommended Chinese dictionary APP) to look up words and learn how to use them correctly in sentences. This is where students start developing an understanding of 汉字 (Hanzi-Chinese characters). Here, I will also introduce relevant aspects of each character. However, for this level, student's main goal is more to “observe”.

A tip I find effective is for students to type Chinese characters on their computer or phone. These exercises will help students consolidate their pinyin spelling and build up their Chinese characters' recognition ability. At the end of HSK2, students will be able to have much richer conversations and will feel a greater sense of achievement.

HSK Level 3

Once students reach HSK3, I’ll increase the difficulty of Chinese grammar. Students will participate in role-playing to develop their conversational skills. This will train them to listen to each other and extract key information from each other’s sentences/questions while figuring out how to respond. This is where we see conversational ability improving rapidly from level 3 onwards. Further, I introduce similar Chinese characters for comparison, demonstrating that Hanzi is not as complex nor difficult as it appears to be.

HSK Level 4

At HSK4, the form of conversation becomes less reliant on role-playing. Instead, in-class conversations will focus on the ability to express one’s views. I feel it is important for students to preserve their creative thinking abilities in the course of learning a second language. Rather than simply memorising fixed responses from textbooks, I much rather students have the freedom of thought to express their own responses...in Chinese.

HSK Level 5 & 6

For my advanced classes, self-expression and the ability to articulate becomes the main form of conversational practice. To train students to develop a clear and concise flow of logic, we build conjunctions into their sentences. When it comes to reading and comprehension, I teach students techniques to read fast within a limited time while maintaining comprehension. This way, students will be able to quickly absorb information from reading materials such as news, rather than getting caught up in trying to slowly figure out what is going on.

In these advanced classes, I will expand students’ vocabulary of current topical areas and help students achieve a higher level of fluency and natural expression. I also progressively introduce Chinese idioms. Students can use these idioms to broaden and increase the richness of their vocabulary.

Experienced teacher

Our teachers have extensive experience in teaching Mandarin Chinese to adults in Sydney. The teacher applies many techniques and experiences to help students to improve their Chinese at a rapid pace.

Practice-Centred Approach

All four language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) will be integrated through engaging class activities.

Full Learning Support

We help you keep up with the coursework and learning by providing options to make up for missed lessons, for follow-up questions, practice and revision. Complimentary tutoring is available to all enrolled students, and we provide audio recordings for each lesson.

Collaborative Learning

We have small class sizes where each student gets focused attention and is able to ask questions, express their views and share experiences.

Accredited Syllabus

Classes are taught based on the accredited syllabus produced and recognised by the Confucius Institute in China. Following the HSK curriculum, students can achieve their learning objectives systematically and effectively.

Results Guaranteed

We can guarantee to achieve your learning objectives if you work closely with your teacher.

COURSES

Conversational Chinese

Course Description

Topics: High Beginner Level

Topics: High Intermediate Level

Improve your Chinese fluency today!

Student Reviews

How Chinese For Professionals can help you learn Mandarin Chinese for conversational purposes:

Why students like the Conversational Chinese Class:

Conversational classes have helped sustain progress and understanding

Enquire Now

Personal Information

Course Information

Chinese Proficiency

Browse Courses

Email

Phone

Online Classes

Our Courses

Links & Information

Chinese language courses delivered with a learner-centred approach