This book is part of the series of Chinese for English-Speakers, which include three textbooks (Primary, Intermediate, Advanced), companioned by three workbooks (Primary, Intermediate, Advanced) and a primary character book.
Intermediate Textbook consists of two parts: Lessons 1 to 8 are written by the editors in e-mail to introduce the present society in China by a girl named Isabella; Lessons 9 to 22 are revised short passages to introduce the history, geography, culture and economic development in China of different time and places, reflecting Chinese people's opinions about social life and society. In the e-mails from Lessons 1 to 8, we've tried to cover the remained more than 300 A-level words (totally there are 1,033 A-level words, and we have put near 700 A-level words in Primary Textbook). And in lessons 9 to 22, we have mainly covered the B- and C-level words to make sure that all the words in the texts are practical and useful.
The exercises designed in Intermediate Workbook differ a bit from Primary Workbook: the former focuses on word-building while the latter focuses on sentences. "Word-building exercise" is designed to enrich the learner's vocabulary; "Phrase exercise" emphasizes on the collocation of words; "New word exercise" and "Fill in the blanks" check the learner's understanding of the given words. "Grammar exercise" focuses on some important Chinese grammar, and "Dialogue exercise" from Lessons 12 to 22 is to improve the learner's skill in oral communication.
Generally speaking, Intermediate Textbook is designed for about 4 to 6 hours' study per week for about one year's teaching.
--The author
