CSET — Mandarin

The CSET — Mandarin exam has three subtests. The first subtest has 5 multiple-choice questions and 1 short-answer question dealing with general linguistics; and 15 multiple-choice questions and 3 short-answer questions dealing with linguistics of the Mandarin language. The second subtest has 10 multiple-choice questions and 2 short-answer questions dealing with literary and cultural texts and traditions; and 10 multiple-choice questions, 1 short-answer question, and 1 extended constructed-response question dealing with cultural analysis and comparisons. The third subtest has 10 multiple-choice questions and 1 short- answer question on Mandarin language listening comprehension; 10 multiple-choice and 1 short-answer question on Mandarin language reading comprehension; 1 short-answer question and 1 extended constructed-response question on Mandarin language and written expression; and 2 short-answer questions on Mandarin oral expression.

The first CSET — Mandarin subtest is broken down into a section on general linguistics, and a section on Mandarin language and linguistics. The general linguistics portion covers the nature of language, language use, and applied linguistics. The section dealing specifically with the Mandarin language covers language structures, error analysis, the ability to contrast Mandarin language with English, and sociolinguistics, including an understanding of the formation of dialects.

The second CSET — Mandarin subtest covers literary and cultural texts of the Mandarin language. Included in this are an understanding of the major movements, genres, writers, and works. It also includes analysis of literary and cultural texts including novels, plays, and music. The second section of the second subtest requires the candidate to demonstrate knowledge of cultural perspectives, cultural practices, and cultural products of China. This includes knowledge of Chinese architecture, art, entertainment, and fashion.

The third CSET — Mandarin subtest is broken down into sections on listening comprehension of Mandarin, written expression in Mandarin, and oral expression in Mandarin. The listening comprehension section tests literal comprehension, inferential and interpretive comprehension, and the ability to critically analyze spoken Mandarin to determine the speaker's point of view and the appropriateness of the speaker's tone to the given audience. The written communication section tests the candidate's ability to literally translate Mandarin to English, to understand inference and interpretation in written Mandarin, and to critically analyze Mandarin texts, and to write fluently in Mandarin. The final section is on oral communication in Mandarin. This section tests the candidate's ability to effectively communicate in Mandarin in unusual circumstances.