Vocab *Review* with Flashcards and Software
Over the course of my time studying Mandarin, I’ve used three types of flashcards: Picture flashcards (for visual review) Written/ typed flashcards (for verbal review) Software flashcards (for intense review-style cramming) Each type of flashcard system has served a unique purpose for my vocabulary review needs. But all of them also had very important limitations….
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Audio Snippets: Mock Listening Practice
For everyday listening practice, my Chinese tutor always suggests that I watch television variety shows. Although not all variety shows are created equal, watching TV usually tends to work pretty well for building theme specific vocabulary and for testing myself against pretty natural conversation (it’s not overly formal like the news and not as exaggerated…
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Why Take the TOCFL (Part 2)
A while back, I decided to finally get my act together and study for the Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL) (see my Part 1). But after months of conversations, (attempts at) studying, and internet digging I’ve realized some things. The TOCFL definitely isn’t for everyone. First, you have to be pretty motivated…
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