Published January 16, 2024
Sophie
High School Sophomore from West Virginia, Avid Classics Enthusiast, Marketing Intern and Blog Writer at Knowt :)
Hey there! This article is all about our tips for how to study for the IB Mandarin ab initio exam to get a solid 7. I'll break down the tricks, and IB Mandarin ab initio test prep, so with the right strategies and IB Mandarin ab initio resources, nailing the exam is totally doable!
Hey, no worries if you're in a last-minute cramming session for IB Mandarin ab initio! We totally get it, and trust me, we've all been there too! So, if you're wondering how to ace the IB Mandarin ab initio exam when you're running out of time, here are some awesome resources and IB Mandarin ab initio exam tips created by fellow students that will help you cram like a boss.
This ULTIMATE IB Mandarin ab initio Study Guide - pretty much everything you need to know for the exam, written by a former IB Mandarin ab initio student!
Our Favorite Additional Site for IB Mandarin ab initio
The exam is broken down into THREE assessments - here is a breakdown of what you’ll need to know and what to expect from each section:
For Paper 1 of the IB Mandarin ab initio exam, you have one hour to complete it. This paper is all about reading comprehension. You'll be given different types of texts in Mandarin, like advertisements, articles, or emails. Your job is to understand and answer questions about these texts. The questions check if you can get the main ideas and details from the texts.
In Paper 1 of the IB Mandarin ab initio exam, quickly read the texts first to get the main idea. Focus on words you know to understand the text better. Read the questions carefully before answering. Always check the text again to find answers or confirm what you think. Make sure to manage your time, giving more attention to longer texts. If you're not sure of an answer, make a good guess based on what you understand. And remember, stay calm, especially if you find a question hard. Keep moving and don't get stuck on one question.
For Paper 2 of the IB Mandarin ab initio exam, you have 1 hour to answer two writing questions. The first one is usually writing a short message or email, and the second is a longer piece like a letter or essay. You'll need to write clearly in Mandarin about everyday topics, using basic Mandarin words and sentences. It's about showing you can write in Mandarin for real-life situations.
For Paper 2 of the IB Mandarin ab initio exam, where you write in Mandarin, plan your answers before starting. Understand the scenarios well and use relevant vocabulary that will show off what you know. Stick to simple, clear sentences and check your grammar as you go. For the longer text, structure your ideas with a beginning, middle, and end so the reader doesn’t get lost. Keep an eye on the time, so you have enough for both questions. And most importantly, stay relaxed and express your ideas as clearly as you can.
Finally, IB Mandarin ab initio requires you to finish an oral assessment, which has two parts. The first part is individual, where you talk about a visual stimulus for about 3-4 minutes. The second part is interactive, a conversation with the examiner for about 8-10 minutes. You'll discuss familiar topics like daily life, hobbies, or plans. Practice speaking clearly in Mandarin, using basic vocabulary and grammar. Also, get comfortable talking about yourself and your interests in Mandarin.
For the IB Mandarin ab initio oral assessment, practice speaking about familiar topics like hobbies or daily activities. During the exam, listen carefully to the questions, and take a moment to organize your thoughts before responding. Speak clearly and at a comfortable pace. Don't worry about making mistakes; focus on communicating your ideas. Use the vocabulary and phrases you know best, and try to stay relaxed and confident. Remember, it's about showing your ability to communicate in Mandarin, not perfection.
To prepare for Paper 1 of the IB Mandarin ab initio exam, focus on reading a variety of Mandarin texts like articles, ads, and emails. Practice understanding the main ideas and details. You can use Mandarin learning websites, textbooks, or Mandarin news sites for beginners. Try to summarize what you read and answer questions about it. It’s also helpful to learn common Mandarin vocabulary and grammar, as this will make understanding the texts easier. Regular reading practice is key to doing well in this paper.
To prepare for Paper 2 of the IB Mandarin ab initio exam, practice writing short messages and essays in Mandarin. Focus on everyday topics and use simple sentences. Learn basic Mandarin grammar and vocabulary, and practice using them in your writing. Try writing emails or letters to imaginary friends in Mandarin, covering different scenarios. It's also helpful to get feedback on your writing from teachers or native Mandarin speakers. The more you write, the more comfortable you'll become with expressing yourself in Mandarin.
To prepare for the IB Mandarin ab initio oral assessment, practice speaking Mandarin as much as possible. Focus on basic conversation topics like your daily routine, hobbies, and plans. Try to speak in Mandarin with classmates, teachers, or native speakers. You can also record yourself speaking and listen back to improve pronunciation and fluency. Get familiar with answering questions and talking about pictures in Mandarin. The more you practice speaking in different situations, the more confident you'll become for the oral exam. Make sure to go over the IB Mandarin ab initio exam review and your IB Mandarin ab initio online IB notes to ensure success.
Finally, make sure that you are VERY familiar with the syllabus; IB literally tells you what topics you need to know and which ones you don’t so you don’t waste time studying something irrelevant!
