Skip to main content

Study Guide

Field 101: Chinese (Mandarin)
Language Comparisons

Sample Directions for Language Comparisons

This section of the test contains one constructed response assignment that requires you to compare and contrast a given element of English with that element in the target language. You will prepare a written response to the assignment.

Your response may be written in either English or the target language. If you choose to respond in English, type your response in the response box presented on-screen. If you choose to respond in the target language, your final response must be written on the response sheet provided. Please label your response sheet with the appropriate exercise ("Language Comparisons"). Your response sheet must be scanned using the scanner provided at your workstation.

Instructions for scanning your Response Sheet are available by clicking the "Scanning Help" button at the top of the screen.

You may use the erasable notebooklet to make notes, write an outline, or otherwise prepare your response. However, your final responses to the exercises must be typed into the on-screen response box OR written on the response sheet and scanned using the scanner provided.

Your responses will be evaluated on the basis of the following criteria.

Be sure to write about the assigned topic. You may not use any reference materials during the test. Remember to review your work and make any changes you think will improve your response.

Any time spent responding to the assignment, including scanning the response sheet(s), is part of your testing time. Monitor your time carefully. When your testing time expires, a pop-up message will appear on-screen indicating the conclusion of your test session. Only response sheets that are scanned before you end your test or before time has expired will be scored. Any response sheet that is not scanned before testing ends will NOT be scored.

Select the Next button to continue.

Sample Language Comparisons Assignment

To demonstrate your understanding of the syntax of Chinese and English, write a response of a few sentences in which you describe two ways in which standard word order in Chinese differs from standard word order in English. You may examine different types of utterances (e.g., statements, questions, commands) in your response.

Your response may be written in either Chinese or English. Be sure to give specific examples from both languages to support your answer.

Sample Response for the Language Comparisons Assignment

  1. A location or a time expression can go at the beginning or end of a sentence in English, but always goes before the verb in Chinese. It usually follows the subject, unless special emphasis or contrast is desired.
    • 小高在图书馆做功课。
      Xiao Gao does his homework in the library.
    • 我们今天吃中国饭。
      We have Chinese food today
  2. In Chinese, a declarative statement is turned into a question by adding 吗 (ma) at the end of the sentence. The basic syntax of a question is the same as that of a statement, whereas in English it usually is not.
    • 他是中国人。
      He is Chinese.
    • 他是中国人吗?
      Is he Chinese?

Performance Characteristics for the Language Comparisons Assignment

Purpose the extent to which the response achieves the purpose of the assignment
Subject Matter Knowledge accuracy and appropriateness in the application of subject matter knowledge
Support quality and relevance of supporting details
Rationale soundness of argument and degree of understanding of the subject matter

Score Scale for the Language Comparisons Assignment

Score Point Score Point Description
4 The "4" response reflects a thorough knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.
  • The purpose of the assignment is fully achieved.
  • There is a substantial, accurate, and appropriate application of subject matter knowledge.
  • The supporting evidence is sound; there are high-quality, relevant examples.
  • The response reflects an ably reasoned, comprehensive understanding of the topic.
    		•
    3 The "3" response reflects a general knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.
  • The purpose of the assignment is largely achieved.
  • There is a generally accurate and appropriate application of subject matter knowledge.
  • The supporting evidence generally supports the discussion; there are some relevant examples.
  • The response reflects a general understanding of the topic.
    		•
    2 The "2" response reflects a partial knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.
  • The purpose of the assignment is partially achieved.
  • There is a limited, possibly inaccurate or inappropriate application of subject matter knowledge.
  • The supporting evidence is limited; there are few relevant examples.
  • The response reflects a limited, poorly reasoned understanding of the topic.
    		•
    1 The "1" response reflects little or no knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.
  • The purpose of the assignment is not achieved.
  • There is little or no appropriate or accurate application of subject matter knowledge.
  • The supporting evidence, if present, is weak; there are few or no relevant examples.
  • The response reflects little or no reasoning about or understanding of the topic.
    		•
    U The response is unscorable because it is not on the given topic, illegible, not in the appropriate language, or too short to score.
    B There is no response to the assignment.