GCSE Chinese (Mandarin)₈₆₇₃

The specification covers three distinct themes. These themes apply to all four question papers.

Students are expected to understand and provide information and opinions about these themes relating to their own experiences and those of other people, including people in countries/communities where Chinese is spoken.

3.1.1 Theme 1: Identity and culture

Theme 1: Identity and culture covers the following four topics with related sub-topics shown as bullet points:

3.1.1.1 Topic 1: Me, my family and friends

• Relationships with family and friends
• Marriage/partnership

3.1.1.2 Topic 2: Technology in everyday life

• Social media
• Mobile technology

3.1.1.3 Topic 3: Free-time activities

• Music
• Cinema and TV
• Food and eating out
• Sport

3.1.1.4 Topic 4: Customs and festivals in Chinese-speaking countries/communities

3.1.2 Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest

Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest covers the following four topics with related sub-topics shown as bullet points:

3.1.2.1 Topic 1: Home, town, neighbourhood and region

3.1.2.2 Topic 2: Social issues

• Charity/voluntary work
• Healthy/unhealthy living

3.1.2.3 Topic 3: Global issues

• The environment
• Poverty/homelessness

3.1.2.4 Topic 4: Travel and tourism

3.1.3 Theme 3: Current and future study and employment

Theme 3: Current and future study and employment covers the following four topics:

3.1.3.1 Topic 1: My studies

3.1.3.2 Topic 2: Life at school/college

3.1.3.3 Topic 3: Education post-16

3.1.3.4 Topic 4: Jobs, career choices and ambitions