Accreditation
All courses from Chinese I - Pre-AP are fully accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Accreditation
All courses from Chinese I - Pre-AP are fully accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
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Chinese I
In this course, students learn basic conversation in Mandarin, including daily greetings and activities. Pinyin, tones and basic pronunciation rules are also reviewed. By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Identify basic facts from memorized words when presented in context
- Have a simple conversation about their personal needs and preferences on familiar and everyday topics
Beginner to Novice Low
4 sessions / topic
50 minutes / session
Course Details
description
Basic introductory course of Pinyin (Mandarin pronunciation).
description
Comprehensive and progressive introductory course of Pinyin (Mandarin pronunciation).
description
Basic greetings, provide your own name and ask others'.
can-do
- I can say hello.
- I can respond to yes/no questions.
- I can respond to what questions.
- I can say my name and ask for someone's name.
- I can respond to an introduction.
description
Asking whether someone is a teacher or student. Ascertain someone's nationality.
can-do
- I can ask and say someone's nationality.
- I can ask about other people's professions.
- I can ask and say someone's nationality.
- I can respond to yes/no questions.
- I can respond to an introduction.
- I can introduce myself and provide basic personal information.
description
You will learn how to describe a family photo and introduce kinship terms.
can-do
- I can say something about the members of my family and ask about someone's family.
- I can respond to who questions.
description
Describing someone's profession and asking how many people are there in one's family.
can-do
- I can introduce my family members.
- I can say something about the members of my family and ask about someone's family.
description
Meimei's birthday is coming. Jiaming wants to invite her to dinner. They are talking about time and dates.
can-do
- I can say hello and goodbye.
- I can answer questions about what I like.
- I can give times, dates information.
- I can answer an either/or question.
- I can express a positive reaction, such as "Great!"
description
Meimei and Meiying are arranging a date for celebrating Meimei's birthday.
can-do
- I can give times, dates information.
- I can accept an invitation to do something or go somewhere.
- I can invite and make plans with someone to do something or go somewhere.
- I can answer questions about what I like and dislike.
description
Jiaming is asking Meiying what's her plan for the weekend. They also talk about their own hobbies and go out for karaoke.
can-do
- I can invite and make plans with others.
- I can answer questions about what I like and dislike.
- I can exchange information about where to go.
- I can say whom I am going to see.
- I can answer questions about what I am going to do.
- I can accept or reject an invitation to do something or go somewhere.
- I can invite and make plans with someone to do something or go somewhere.
- I can talk with someone about hobbies and interests.
description
Dashan and Meimei are chatting about their plan for the rest of the day.
can-do
- I can exchange information about where to go.
- I can talk with someone about hobbies and interests.
- I can accept or reject an invitation to do something or go somewhere.
- I can answer questions about where I'm going.
- I can answer questions about what I am going to do.
description
Dashan is visiting Meiying. Meiying introduces him to a new friend, Xiaoyin.
can-do
- I can say or write something about friends.
- I can express a positive reaction.
- I can talk with someone aboutschool.
- I can introduce someone else.
- I can introduce myself and provide basic personal information.
description
Dashan is visiting Meiying. Meiying introduces him to a new friend, Xiaoyin.
can-do
- I can say or write something about friends.
- I can talk with someone about school.
- I can say where I went.
- I can say what I do.
Chinese II
Students will learn basic reading & writing in Chinese. Chinese II teaches them how to build coherent simple sentences using specific topics like traveling & planning. By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Identify and understand familiar topics and questions from simple sentences in written texts and basic conversations
- Request & provide information about facts and opinions on familiar topics
- Interact with others to meet personal basic daily needs
- Present personal information, preference and opinion on familiar and topics
Novice Mid
4 sessions / topic
50 minutes / session
Course Details
description
Meimei is calling Meiying to set up an appointment. They will meet at the school.
can-do
- I can make a reservation.
- I can ask and respond to simple questions about dates.
- I can give some information about something I plan to do.
description
Dashan has set up an appointment with Meiying to study together, but he is not available now. He is trying to rearrange the meeting and asking Meiying to call back.
can-do
- I can give some information about something I plan to do.
- I can talk with someone about school.
- I can exchange information about where or when to meet.
- I can schedule an appointment.
description
Meimei is sharing her experience of learning Chinese with Dashan. They are going to study together.
can-do
- I can answer questions about something I have learned.
- I can talk with someone about school.I can ask for help at school.
- I can ask questions about something that I am learning.
description
Meimei is curious about what makes Meiying go to the library. She said she met a new friend there.
can-do
- I can ask and talk about friends.
- I can talk about what I did.
- I can say where I went.
description
Jiaming wrote a diary. It's about his daily life at the school.
can-do
- I can talk about my daily routine.
- I can talk about what I eat, learn, and do.
description
Nina wrote a letter for Meimei. She mentioned that she learned Chinese at the university. Nina also invited a friend to join the music concert with her.
can-do
- I can talk with someone about school.
- I can say or write something about friends and classmates.
description
Jiaming and Meiying are buying clothes for a friend as birthday gift. They discuss the colors and size.
can-do
- I can ask and understand how much something costs.
- I can say or write something about friends.I can make a purchase.
description
Meiying bought a pair of shoes for Mom, but they don't match. She went back to the shop to exchange the shoes.
can-do
- I can ask and understand how much something costs.
- I can ask for information, details, and explanations during a conversation.
- I can make a purchase.I can return an item I have purchased to a store.
- I can request services, such as retun an item.
description
Meimei is planning to go travel in winter vacation. Jiaming gives her some advice about transportation.
can-do
- I can answer questions about where I'm going.
- I can ask for directions to a place.
- I can arrange for transportation, such as by train, plane or a ride with friends.
description
Meiying is going to visit Dashan in Beijing next month. They are talking via Skype.
can-do
- I can say whom I am going to see.
- I can ask for directions to a place.
- I can arrange for transportation.
description
Nana and Meimei are planning to go ice-skating, and they are wondering the weather is good or not.
can-do
- I can schedule an appointment.
- I can give some information about something I plan to do.
- I can invite and make plans with someone to do something or go somewhere.
- I can ask about and identify important information about the weather.
- I can give weather information.
description
Nana went to Bejing for a test and visited her parents.
can-do
- I can say whom I am going to see.
- I can talk about places I know.
- I can ask and answer questions related to subjects such as geography.
- I can ask about and identify important information about the weather.
- I can give weather information.
Chinese III
Students will learn how to integrate their language skills into day to day life using contemporary topics such as healthcare, entertainment, and more. By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Read a short text or listen to a conversation and recognize their topics and related information
- Create coherent simple sentences to exchange information/feelings/opinions, meet basic needs, and follow up in a conversation
- Use simple sentences to present facts and elaborate on preferences and opinions on familiar topics of interests
Novice High
4 sessions / topic
50 minutes / session
Course Details
description
Nana and Meimei go to a restaurant today. They order some dishes and make choices according to personal preference.
can-do
- I can order a meal.
- I can ask for information, details, and explanations during a conversation.
description
Thanking Nana for helping with the homework, Meimei wants to buy her lunch at the school cafeteria. But she forgot to bring the meal card.
can-do
- I can order a meal.
- I can answer questions about what I like and dislike.
description
Nana has a plan to go to the bookstore after dinner. Meimei invites her to go to the movie after that. Meanwhile, Meimei is asking how to go to the store.
can-do
- I can answer questions about where I'm going.
- I can ask for directions to a place.
- I can invite and make plans with someone to do something or go somewhere.
description
Nana's friend is going to give her a treat in Chinatown, but she doesn't know where it is. Meimei is telling her the way to there.
can-do
- I can say where I went.I can tell someone where something is located, such as next to, across from, or in the middle of.
- I can ask for and follow directions to get from one place to another.
- I can tell someone how to get from one place to another, such as go straight, turn left, or turn right.
description
Nina is going to her cousin's birthday party. She and Joanne are discussing what they should buy as gifts.
can-do
- I can ask for information, details, and explanations during a conversation.
- I can give some information about something I plan to do.
description
Nina and Joanne are at her cousin's birthday party. Nina introduces Joanne to her cousin.
can-do
- I can introduce myself and provide basic personal information.
- I can introduce someone else.
- I can talk with someone about family.
- I can tell someone what I am doing.
description
Meimei gets a stomach ache. She is going to see the doctor with Nana.
can-do
- I can ask for information, details, and explanations during a conversation.
- I can ask for and provide information about specific events.
description
Nina is sick. She takes some medicine, but the cold doesn't go away instead her skin gets itchier. Meimei tells Nina that she might be allergic to the medicine and suggests her to see the doctor.
can-do
- I can ask for information, details, and explanations during a conversation.
- I can ask for and provide information about specific events.
description
Dashan meets Nana at the summer school. He wants to invite Nana to watch a movie.
can-do
- I can introduce someone else.
- I can invite and make plans with someone to do something or go somewhere.
- I can buy a ticket.
description
Xiaobai is asking Meimei out for a meal. He's going to pick her up.
can-do
- I can accept or reject an invitation to do something or go somewhere.
- I can invite and make plans with someone to do something or go somewhere.
description
Nina thinks it's too noisy to live in the dormitory. She is considering to live off the compus.
can-do
- I can ask for information, details, and explanations during a conversation.
- I can give reasons for my preferences.
description
Nina makes an appointment with the landlord to check out the room.
can-do
- I can ask for and provide information about a hobby or lifestyle.
- I can talk with someone about household tasks.
Chinese IV
Students will learn how to apply their verbal communication skills to diverse situations using contemporary topics. By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Understand the main idea and key information in short texts and conversations
- Generate series of sentences and follow-up questions during conversations to exchange information and opinions on familiar and researched topics
- Address and meet personal needs
- Tell a complete brief story about themselves and present facts, views and arguments about familiar and researched topics with series of connected sentences
Intermediate Low
4 sessions / topic
50 minutes / session
Course Details
description
Nana found out that she has gained some weight recently. She and Meimei are talking about what kind of exercise is the best for her.
can-do
- I can talk with someone about hobbies and interests.
- I can say which sports I like and dislike.
- I can give reasons for my preferences.
description
Meimei is explaining American football and international football to Nina.
can-do
- I can ask for and provide information about specific events.
- I can give the basic rules of a game or sport and answer questions about them.
description
The summer vacation is coming. Nana will go back to Beijing to visit her parents. She invites Nina to travel with her.
can-do
- I can say where I will go.
- I can ask and respond to simple questions about dates, times, places.
- I can exchange information about where to go.
- I can ask for and provide descriptions of placesI know and also places I would like to visit.
description
Nana is asking the travel agency about buying the flight ticket to New York. She wants to know what flight is the cheapest and how to choose the seat.
can-do
- I can ask and understand how much something costs.
- I can buy a ticket.
- I can arrange for transportation.
description
Nana is at the flight counter to check in her luggage, but it's over weight.
can-do
- I can ask for information, details, and explanations during a conversation.
- I can ask for and provide information about specific events.
description
Haven't seen Nana for a long time. Nana's family go to pick her up at the airport.
can-do
- I can be the first to start a conversation.
- I can ask for information, details, and explanations during a conversation.
description
Internet shopping is getting more and more popular now. Nina is looking for a birthday gift for her relative online. Meimei is curious about shopping online.
can-do
- I can make a purchase.
- I can ask for information, details, and explanations during a conversation.
- I can talk about technology.
description
WeChat is a mobile chatting app, and it has become very popular these years. It's more convenient than email. MeiMei went to the mountain for the weekend. Nana would like to see the photos that Meimei took. Meimei has no idea about mobile chatting apps, so Nana introduces it to her.
can-do
- I can talk about technology.
- I can explain basic rules that affect us and answer questions about them.
description
The Chinese band which Meimei likes is coming to America to hold a concert. She has also bought a ticket to the concert. She happily introduces the Chinese band to Nina. Nina, after hearing the introduction by Meimei, decides to buy a ticket to the concert too.
can-do
- I can talk about my favorite music.
- I can give some information about something I plan to do.
- I can talk about my interests.
description
Nina has recently fallen in love with a Chinese rock and roll band. She often listens to their songs. This has caught Jiaming's attention. They start to talk about the type of music they like.
can-do
- I can talk about my favorite music.
- I can give some information about something I plan to do.
- I can answer questions about what I like.
description
Nina is departing for her trip to Spain today. Helen is driving her to the airport. On their way, the radio announces a car accident that happened further up the road.
can-do
- I can explain basic rules, policies, or laws that affect us and answer questions about them.
- I can ask for and provide information about specific events.
description
Nana showed Meimei her pets.
can-do
- I can be the first to satrt a conversation.
- I can ask for information, details, and explanations during a conversation.
- I can ask about and identify familiar things in a picture.
Chinese Pre-AP
In this course, students prepare for AP Chinese using themed learning content. The course follows the “5C” teaching principles (Communication, Culture, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities). By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Follow the main idea of a paragraph-length text or conversation in various time frames
- Use connected sentences or paragraphs to exchange information, preferences, needs and opinions during conversations in various time frames
- Tell stories, state views or give presentations about researched topics using short paragraphs across various time frames
Intermediate Mid-High
6 sessions / topic
50 minutes / session
Course Details
description
The new semester just begins. Jianhong lives off campus. Xinyi is wondering why he doesn't want to live in the dormitory anymore.
can-do
- I can ask for and provide information about specific events.
- I can ask for and provide information about a hobby or lifestyle, such as bicycling, vegetarianism, video games, or sportsI can answer questions about what I like and dislike.
description
Shuwen meets her new roommate, Yizhen. They are talking about the facilities of the dormitory.
can-do
- I can ask for and provide descriptions of places I know.
- I can ask for information, details.
- I can ask for help at school.
description
Yizhen and Joanne are going to the restaurant. They meet Xinyi working there. Xinyi recommends some dishes for them.
can-do
- I can talk with someone about work.
- I can order a meal.
description
Shuwen and Yizhen go to the shopping mall to buy some groceries.
can-do
- I can make a purchase.
- I can answer questions about what I like and dislike.
- I can ask for and provide information about specific events.
description
Yizhen was thinking what course she should pick up for the next semester. Shuwen meets her and gives her some advice.
can-do
- I can ask for and provide information about specific events.
- I can give reasons for my preferences.
- I can give some information about something I plan to do.
- I can talk with someone about school.
description
Yizhen is upset because there are some problems between her and her boyfriend. Shuwen is a good listener and advisor.
can-do
- I can ask for and provide information about specific events.
- I can give some information about activities I did.
- I can give some information about something I plan to do.
description
eSports (also known as electronic sports) are a form of sports competition facilitated by video games. More and more people have started to like this activity in recent years. Also, some people even consider playing eSports as a kind of profession. The yearly eSports contests are about to begin again. Jianghong and Kewei watch the broadcast on TV every year. One day, after class, they chatted with Xinyi in the classroom about the topic.
description
It can be said that as we grow up, whether to move out or not is an issue we will encounter. Living with your family or living on your own has its own benefits. In this regard, China's society has also changed gradually. More and more parents are agreeing to their children moving out.
description
Would you choose your friend to be a roommate? Choosing to live with friends might bring you closer than before. But bad things could happen due to different habits, and you may never want to see each other again. This is actually a difficult issue.
description
Yimin's parents are both vegetarians. They are coming to visit Yimin in the States, so Yimin asked Mark to recommend a few good vegetarian restaurants. Mark told Yimin that because of environmental and health reasons, more and more Americans are becoming vegetarians, and that Yimin should not worry about finding restaurants. He also recommended vegetarian food to Yimin. He promised that after Yimin gave it a try, she would discover the benefits of being a vegetarian.
description
Yimin's parents have very different shopping standards. Her mom only buys branded goods and expensive things, but Yimin's dad values quality more. Yimin's shopping standards are more similar to her mother's, but now she is also considering her dad's shopping standards is more suitable for a student like her.
description
Yimin believes that because smart phones allow people to chat whenever and wherever they want, it narrows the distance between her and her friends in Taiwan. Her parents think that before smart phones, they didn't get to contact their friends frequently, so they felt that they could chat enthusiastically every time they met. But Yimin thinks that for young people these days, meeting someone in person is not the only way to socialize anymore.
description
Mark was homeschooled during most of his schooling years, while Yimin attended public school. Although Yimin is envious of Mark, she thinks people should consider many aspects when choosing to homeschool, so she can't say which is better definitely.
description
Yimin is going on a voluntourism trip to Fujian this summer vacation. This is the first time Yimin has done this. In the process of preparation, Yimin had a feeling that this trip would be very meaningful.
Chinese I
In this course, students learn basic conversation in Mandarin, including daily greetings and activities. Pinyin, tones and basic pronunciation rules are also reviewed. By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Identify basic facts from memorized words when presented in context
- Have a simple conversation about their personal needs and preferences on familiar and everyday topics
Beginner to Novice Low
4 sessions / topic
50 minutes / session
You may opt out of the course within 2 weeks. Money back guaranteed!
Chinese II
Students will learn basic reading & writing in Chinese. Chinese II teaches them how to build coherent simple sentences using specific topics like traveling & planning. By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Identify and understand familiar topics and questions from simple sentences in written texts and basic conversations
- Request & provide information about facts and opinions on familiar topics
- Interact with others to meet personal basic daily needs
- Present personal information, preference and opinion on familiar and topics
Novice Mid
4 sessions / topic
50 minutes / session
You may opt out of the course within 2 weeks. Money back guaranteed!
Chinese III
Students will learn how to integrate their language skills into day to day life using contemporary topics such as healthcare, entertainment, and more. By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Read a short text or listen to a conversation and recognize their topics and related information
- Create coherent simple sentences to exchange information/feelings/opinions, meet basic needs, and follow up in a conversation
- Use simple sentences to present facts and elaborate on preferences and opinions on familiar topics of interests
Novice High
4 sessions / topic
50 minutes / session
You may opt out of the course within 2 weeks. Money back guaranteed!
Chinese IV
Students will learn how to apply their verbal communication skills to diverse situations using contemporary topics. By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Understand the main idea and key information in short texts and conversations
- Generate series of sentences and follow-up questions during conversations to exchange information and opinions on familiar and researched topics
- Address and meet personal needs
- Tell a complete brief story about themselves and present facts, views and arguments about familiar and researched topics with series of connected sentences
Intermediate Low
4 sessions / topic
50 minutes / session
You may opt out of the course within 2 weeks. Money back guaranteed!
Chinese Pre-AP
In this course, students prepare for AP Chinese using themed learning content. The course follows the “5C” teaching principles (Communication, Culture, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities). By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Follow the main idea of a paragraph-length text or conversation in various time frames
- Use connected sentences or paragraphs to exchange information, preferences, needs and opinions during conversations in various time frames
- Tell stories, state views or give presentations about researched topics using short paragraphs across various time frames
Intermediate Mid-High
6 sessions / topic
50 minutes / session
You may opt out of the course within 2 weeks. Money back guaranteed!
Meet Our Teachers
"We can gather knowledge from reading, but we must make use of our thinking to separate the chaff from the wheat." - Foster
"Let's learn Mandarin in games and put what you learn in good use!"
"Let's all enjoy Mandarin classes filled with efficiency and fun!"
"Language is never just about the language. It is culture and ideas from another dimension, as well as the purest bond of friendship."
"Let's learn Mandarin in games and put what you learn in good use!"
"Let's all enjoy learning and have fun at Ponddy!"
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FAQ
What is the refund policy?
You can leave the program at any point within the first two weeks and get a full refund, no questions asked. Our goal is to provide you with a program that perfectly fits your personal goals and needs, and we'll work with you to make sure the courses meet your level and preferences.
Is there any certificate of completion?
Yes. You will receive a certificate of completion if you complete at least 6 topics in one course, and pass the proficiency assessment of the chosen level. If you don't complete 6 topics but still pass the proficiency assessment, you can move up to the next level without the certificate of completion.
I can't find a course that works for me here. Do you have other options available?
Contact us by phone at (408) 800-7798 or via email at support@ponddytutors.com so we can help assess your needs to find a custom course that works for you.
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