Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I learn Chinese?

Chinese is one of the most spoken languages in the world. Taking Chinese classes will help you develop an invaluable professional and personal skill set. The benefits of learning Chinese are beyond measure. Just to name a few here: Learning Chinese can help you connect with 1.4 billion people, have a better understanding of a rich and amazing culture and language with 5000 years of history, open the door for countless new opportunities, and give you a competitive edge in the job market and a new window to learn about yourself and the world. Chinese language acquisition also advances your brain function and makes you a better communicator. In addition, you can earn the State Seal of Biliteracy upon graduation once you meet all the requirements.

What Chinese classes do you offer at Logan?

We offer the following five levels of Chinese courses at James Logan High School:

Chinese 1 (Introductory Course / Novice High): Chinese 1 is a basic course for beginning students of Chinese.  It introduces the Chinese language (writing and pinyin systems) and culture and aims to teach communication in both spoken and written Chinese about one’s details, families, pets, interests, hobbies, foods, etc.

Chinese 2 (Elementary / Novice Met): Chinese 2 aims to teach students skills in the use of more advanced Chinese in a wide range of situations such as holidays, daily routines, house plans, clothing, shopping, weather, dining etiquette, etc.

Chinese 3 (Intermediate Low):  Students should be able to use more language to talk about more details about school life, modes of transportation, leisure activities, birthday celebrations, illness, and traveling.  Students should be able to express their opinions, comments, and concerns in Mandarin Chinese.

Honors Chinese 4 (Intermediate High), and AP Chinese (Advanced Low)

This is a combo course to deepen students’ immersion in the Chinese language and culture and to help students master the ability to use the language in linguistically, culturally, and socially appropriate ways. AP curriculum is used for this combo class. This course prepares students to demonstrate their Chinese proficiency across the three communicative modes.

For more info, please click here for the course syllabus.

Do you teach simplified or traditional characters?

Students have exposure to both the simplified and traditional characters with a focus on the simplified.  All the standard tests such as SAT Chinese and AP exam, both styles will be provided side by side.  Students are encouraged to stick with one writing style (either simplified or traditional) and learn to recognize the other.  The current trend is to learn to write the simplified and recognize the traditional.

How do I know which level to sign up for?

If you are a beginner with little or no prior Chinese learning experience, you can sign up for Chinese 1 which is a beginning introductory course and no prior learning experience required.  If you have some prior Chinese learning experience and know how to read and write, please contact your school counselors at CCMS/IVCMS for a placement test before pre-registration.  If you are not from the New Haven School district and are new to the Logan Chinese program, please contact Ms. Du at sdu@nhusd.k12.ca.us  for a placement test if needed.

When and where do you offer the placement test?

The Chinese Placement test normally takes place at both middle schools (CCMS & IVCMS) for any incoming 8th graders who have some prior Chinese learning experience before pre-registration in February and/or March.  For other students who also have prior learning experience but are new to the district and new to the Logan Chinese program, please contact Ms. Du at sdu@nhusd.k12.ca.us  for a placement test either online or on the Logan campus if needed.

What is the placement test like?

The placement test consists of two parts: writing and reading parts, which usually take about 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete depending on the student’s Chinese proficiency level and one’s pacing.  You are going to write a composition based on the given prompt.  The reading portion will be done and graded online with Ms. Du.  For more information, please log in to Google Classroom with the code: tzt55aq.  Only NHUSD students can access this classroom.  For non NHUSD students, please contact sdu@nhusd.k12.ca.us if you have further questions.

What is the AP Chinese Exam like and when does it take place?

The AP Chinese Exam is approximately two hours and 15 minutes in length. The exam has two sections with a 10-minute break between Sections I & II.

Section I consists of multiple-choice content (Part A: Listening Part B: Reading).

Section II, the free-response section, requires you to produce

written and spoken responses. (Part A: Writing Part B: Speaking)

Please check out this overview for details. Please click here for the College Board AP Exam Schedule.

Do I have to take an AP Chinese course to take the AP Exam?

Taking the Honors Chinese 4 / AP Chinese Language and Culture course at Logan will prepare you to do well on the AP exam; however, it is not a prerequisite for you to take the AP exam. When the AP Course is not offered at Logan, students who would like to take the AP Chinese Exam can get useful resources and attend the monthly AP advising session that is currently offered this current school year.

Does Logan allow non-Logan students to take the AP Chinese Exam on the Logan campus?

All the AP exams are administered on the Logan campus.  We are sorry that we cannot accommodate non-Logan students’ test-taking needs. Please contact the students’ schools for their AP testing needs.