Edexcel A Level Chinese specification (9CN0)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel A Level Chinese exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Edexcel A Level Chinese specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Edexcel A Level Chinese (9CN0) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Edexcel specification PDF.
Specification overview
This qualification in Chinese (spoken Mandarin/spoken Cantonese) is designed to foster a deep understanding and appreciation of the language and culture of the Chinese-speaking world. It aims to develop students’ linguistic competence, critical thinking, and intercultural awareness through the study of contemporary and classical themes, authentic texts, literature, and film. Students will gain the ability to communicate fluently and effectively in a range of contexts, both spoken and written, using Mandarin or Cantonese. The course encourages creative and independent use of language, builds transferable academic and professional skills, and provides a foundation for further study and employment related to Chinese language and culture.Subject content breakdown
3.1 當代華人社會變遷 / 当代华人社会变迁
- 家庭：家庭結構與代溝；家庭計劃與人口老齡化
- 教育與工作：學校生活與學生議題；工作機會；工作與生活的平衡
3.2 中國文化 / 中国文化
- 傳統：春節、端午節、中秋節、清明節等節日與習俗
- 文化活動：與中國文化相關的電影、電視、音樂、閱讀
3.3 演變中的華人社會 / 演变中的华人社会
- 通訊與科技：互聯網與社交媒體
- 經濟與環境：經濟發展與環境保護
3.4 1978 年改革開放對中國的影響 / 1978 年改革开放对中国的影响
- 變革：貧富差距、超級大都市、城市移民
- 中英關係：貿易、文化交流、教育交流
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Listening, Reading and Translation
- 2 hours written exam
- 40% of A Level
- Section A: Listening (30 marks) – response in English to Mandarin/Cantonese audio
- Section B: Reading (30 marks) – response in English to written Chinese texts
- Section C: Translation into English (20 marks) – unseen Chinese passage
Paper 2: Written Response to Works and Translation
- 2 hours 40 minutes written exam
- 30% of A Level
- Section A: Translation into Chinese (20 marks) – unseen English passage
- Section B: Essay on one/two literary texts (50 marks)
- Section C: Essay on one film if only one text is chosen (50 marks)
- Responses in Chinese; no dictionaries allowed
Paper 3: Speaking
- 21–23 minutes (including 5 mins prep)
- 30% of A Level
- Task 1: Discussion on a theme based on a stimulus (30 marks)
- Task 2: Independent research project presentation and discussion (42 marks)
- Conducted in Mandarin or Cantonese; externally assessed
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel A Level Chinese isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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