Discover Contemporary Chinese: A Taster Course
Try practical Chinese for everyday conversations and culture
Discover Contemporary Chinese: A Taster Course introduces learners to contemporary Chinese through short lessons and interactive activities that focus on everyday expressions, practical vocabulary, and core grammar patterns for real-life communication.
Try the taster to practice speaking and listening, explore cultural insights about society and education, and decide whether the full Contemporary Chinese series fits your language goals. The course emphasizes intercultural understanding and compact, accessible modules suitable for beginners and returning learners seeking a practical refresher.
At a Glance
Discover Contemporary Chinese: A Taster Course is an introductory taster in contemporary Chinese taught by Chinese Plus.
It samples practical vocabulary, grammar patterns, everyday conversational expressions, and cultural insights so learners can judge whether the full Contemporary Chinese series matches their goals.
| Level | Beginner |
| Rating | 4.6 out of 5 |
| Duration | 1+ week |
| Languages | English |
| Certificate | Optional paid certificate (upgrade available) |
| Access | Free access to taster materials with option to upgrade for extended access |
| Course includes |
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| Price | Free with optional paid certificate |
What This Course Teaches
The taster frames outcomes as measurable competencies learners can demonstrate after short lessons and activities, emphasizing practical communication, core grammar usage, and cultural understanding.
By the end of the taster, learners should be able to demonstrate everyday expressions, apply comparison grammar patterns, engage in topic-based discussions, investigate cultural perspectives, and assess whether the full Contemporary Chinese series fits their goals.
How the Course Is Structured
The taster is organized as a short, modular introduction with six units that mirror a week-long sample of the full Contemporary Chinese series.
It consists of six concise modules combining short lessons, readings, and interactive activities and is designed to be completed in about one week.
Curriculum overview
01Begin Your Learning Journey▾
Introduction to the Contemporary Chinese series and how the taster course fits into the broader learning pathway.
02Common Expressions for Making Invitations▾
Presents practical vocabulary, sentence patterns, and conversational strategies for inviting someone to meet.
03Sentence Patterns for Comparisons▾
Explores different ways to express comparisons, including indicating stronger, weaker, or equal degrees.
04Topic-Based Reading on Part-Time Work▾
A short reading about part-time work with activities to develop the ability to discuss the topic independently in Chinese.
05Cultural Insights on Education▾
Examines materials that explore different perspectives on education to deepen understanding of cultural differences.
06Review Your Learning Journey▾
Consolidates daily expressions, grammar points, readings, and cultural insights encountered throughout the course.
- Short test to check understanding
Audience & Requirements
This taster is aimed at learners curious about Chinese language and culture, including complete beginners and those looking for a concise practical refresher.
It suits learners who want to sample everyday expressions and cultural perspectives before committing to the full Contemporary Chinese series.
- Curious beginners exploring contemporary Chinese language and culture.
- Learners with prior study seeking a practical, skills-focused refresher.
- Travelers or casual learners who want everyday conversational expressions.
- Prospective students evaluating fit for the full Contemporary Chinese series.
- No special prerequisites; the taster is accessible to complete beginners.
- Sufficient English to follow instructions and participate in discussions.
- Willingness to engage in short interactive activities and forum discussions.
Final Verdict
Overall, this taster is a low-risk, practical introduction that is worth trying for learners who want to evaluate the Contemporary Chinese series before committing.
Because it carries a positive platform rating and offers free access to core materials with an optional paid certificate upgrade, it delivers clear value as a short, skills-focused sample. It is especially useful for beginners, casual learners, travelers, and anyone who wants a hands-on sense of the teaching style; it is less suitable for students seeking intensive or advanced language training, who should pursue a longer, more comprehensive program.
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