IB Chinese

IB Chinese launches you into a full-immersion experience in one of the world’s most important languages. From day one, you engage in listening, reading, speaking and writing — all in Chinese — using authentic resources such as podcasts, news articles, literature, music and film to explore global and local issues through the lens of Chinese-speaking culture.

Students around a table in Chinese class

The course emphasizes meaningful communication and cultural fluency. You’ll connect with native speakers through email exchanges, collaborate with classmates in discussions, role-plays and problem-solving activities, and explore how language shapes our world and our place in it.

Whether preparing for travel, study or a globally connected career, IB Chinese equips you with the linguistic agility and cultural insight to navigate the modern world with confidence. As one student reflects: “学习中文让我打开了全新的视野。”

Difference between SL and HL

Difference between SL and HL

IB Chinese: Standard Level (SL) vs Higher Level (HL)

In both IB Chinese SL and HL, students use their growing experience with the language to learn, communicate, and interact exclusively in Chinese. These immersive courses encourage students to discuss and analyze important world issues through the lens of Chinese-speaking cultures. Learners build linguistic and cultural competence through authentic materials such as articles, podcasts, literature, music, and film. They also engage directly with native speakers through digital exchanges and collaborate with classmates in discussion, role-play, and creative problem-solving activities that make the language come alive.

The difference between SL and HL lies in the time commitment, language complexity, and the level of independent analysis expected. HL students study two literary works originally written in Chinese and demonstrate deeper mastery across receptive, productive, and interactive skills.

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IB Chinese

Difference between SL and HL

IB Chinese: Standard Level (SL) vs Higher Level (HL)

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