Question 1

How much does an IB Chinese tutor cost in Hong Kong?

Accepted Answer

IB Chinese tutoring typically ranges from HK$400 to HK$1,500 per hour, depending on the tutor’s experience and credentials.

• Private Tutors: HK$400–800/hr
 • Specialized IB Centers: HK$550–800/hr
 • Premium/Examiner Tutors: HK$900–1,500/hr

Mandarin Tutor HK Pricing:
 • Private Trial: HK$400 (1 hour)
 • Regular Lessons: HK$600/hr (Packages from HK$400/hr)
 • Group Classes: HK$250/hr

Additional Fees:
 • Travel fee: HK$50–250 (varies by tutor)
 • Learning materials: Typically not included

Question 2

Is IB Chinese B difficult?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it can be challenging even for students with a Mandarin background. The main hurdles are:

• Writing Speed: Writing by hand is slower than typing; students often struggle to finish the 540-720 character essay (HL) in time.
 • Critical Thinking: Unlike IGCSE, IB requires you to argue a point, not just describe a picture.
 • Oral Strategy: The "Individual Oral" requires spontaneous discussion on abstract themes (e.g., Sharing the Planet), which requires specific vocabulary many students lack.

Question 3

What is the difference between IB Chinese A and Chinese B?

Accepted Answer

IB Chinese A (Language A: Language and Literature) For students who are native or near-native in Chinese, or who can already study in Chinese at an academic level. It focuses on:
 • Analysing literary and non-literary texts
 • Writing structured commentary and interpretation
 • Deeper meaning, style, and cultural context

IB Chinese B (Language B: Language Acquisition) For students learning Chinese as a second language. It focuses on:
 • Communication for real purposes (audience and tone)
 • IB text types for writing (e.g., blog, email, speech)
 • Reading, listening, and speaking linked to the 5 IB themes

Simple way to choose:
 • Choose Chinese A if your child can already read and write Chinese confidently like a native student.
 • Choose Chinese B if your child is still learning Chinese as a second language.
Note: We specialize in Chinese B (SL & HL) but also support Chinese A students with literary analysis.

Question 4

Can my child take IB Chinese Ab Initio?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if your child is a true beginner. Ab initio is designed for students with no prior Mandarin experience, or only very limited exposure.

In practice, many schools will not approve Ab Initio if your child has:
 • Studied Chinese for 2+ years in MYP, or
 • Taken IGCSE Chinese.

In those cases, students are usually placed in IB Chinese B (often SL) instead. Final placement is decided by the school and the DP coordinator.

Not sure which level is right? We can assess your child’s current level and recommend the safest course placement for school approval and steady progress.

Question 5

What’s the difference between HL and SL in IB Chinese B?

Accepted Answer

HL (Higher Level) requires more teaching hours and includes literature.

• Teaching Hours: HL is 240 hours; SL is 150 hours
 • Paper 1 (Writing):
    • HL: 540–720 characters (1 hr 30 mins)
    • SL: 300–480 characters (1 hr 15 mins)

• Paper 2 (Reading & Listening): HL is 2 hrs; SL is 1 hr 45 mins
 • Individual Oral (Internal Assessment):
    • HL: Literary extract (20 mins preparation)
    • SL: Visual stimulus (15 mins preparation)

• Literature: HL requires 2 literary works; SL requires none

Question 6

What HSK and CEFR levels match IB Chinese B?

Accepted Answer

IB Chinese B levels roughly correspond to:

• IB Chinese B SL (Standard Level)
    • HSK Equivalent: Level 4 (Intermediate)
    • CEFR Equivalent: B1 / B2

• IB Chinese B HL (Higher Level)
    • HSK Equivalent: Level 5 (Advanced)
    • CEFR Equivalent: B2 / C1

Note: IB focuses more on cultural discussion and text-type formats (e.g., writing a formal debate speech) than standard HSK or CEFR tests.

Question 7

Is IB Chinese harder than A-Level Chinese?

Accepted Answer

Generally, yes. While the vocabulary lists are similar, the exam style is different.

• A-Level: Focuses heavily on translation and essay writing based on specific books/films.
 • IB Chinese: Focuses on "Text Handling" (understanding tone, format, and audience) and the "Individual Oral," which requires spontaneous critical thinking rather than memorized answers.

Question 8

What’s the IB Chinese B exam format?

Accepted Answer

The exam has three parts with the following weighting:
 • Paper 1 (Writing, 25%)
    • SL: 1 hr 15 mins (300–480 characters)
    • HL: 1 hr 30 mins (540–720 characters)

• Paper 2 (Receptive Skills, 50%)
 Includes Listening and Reading comprehension
    • SL: 1 hr 45 mins
    • HL: 2 hrs

• Internal Assessment (Individual Oral, 25%)
12–15 minute conversation
    • SL: Visual stimulus (15 mins preparation)
    • HL: Literary extract (20 mins preparation)

Question 9

Should I hire a tutor for IB Chinese?

Accepted Answer

Yes, particularly for the Writing (Paper 1) and Oral (Internal Assessment) components. School teachers often have 15+ students and cannot mark weekly essays or provide 1-on-1 oral practice for every student.

An experienced IB-focused tutor can help you significantly improve by:

• Offering targeted essay-writing guidance.
 • Training you specifically for IB-style text types and oral assessments.
 • Addressing exam-specific challenges, helping you achieve higher scores faster.

Question 10

What IB Chinese score is required for CUHK and HKU?

Accepted Answer

Hong Kong universities typically expect at least a Grade 4 in IB Chinese to meet language requirements, depending on the program.

Note: More competitive programs often require grades of 5 or higher.
Sources:
 • CUHK IB Requirements(https://admission.cuhk.edu.hk/application/non-jupas/language-requirements/)
 • HKU IB Requirements(https://admissions.hku.hk/node/1339#:~:text=Admissions%20Office%2C%20the%20Registry,Admissions%20Standards%20page%20for%20details.)

Question 11

How quickly can tutoring improve my IB Chinese grade?

Accepted Answer

Many students see noticeable improvements within just a few lessons.

Why Effective Tutoring Works Quickly:

• Personalized teaching methods (instead of passive note-copying).
 • Active, challenging exercises tailored to each student's weak points.
 • Proven results, such as immediate improvement in dictation and school performance feedback.

Question 12

Can excelling in IB Chinese help with top university applications?

Accepted Answer

Yes, excelling in IB Chinese strongly supports your university application by:

• Demonstrating advanced language skills and cultural knowledge.
 • Highlighting your academic versatility in handling multilingual and rigorous coursework.
 • Improving your overall competitiveness for international universities.

Top universities (including elite ones in the US, UK, and Asia) value strong IB language results as part of a holistic academic profile.

Question 13

How is IB Chinese B different from general Mandarin courses?

Accepted Answer

IB Chinese B differs significantly in content and objectives:

IB Chinese B explicitly prepares students for rigorous academic and university-level Mandarin usage, beyond basic conversational skills.

Question 14

My child is in PYP. Do they need a tutor if they don't have exams?

Accepted Answer

Yes, because PYP Chinese builds the foundation for the rigorous MYP/DP years. Many students find the jump to Middle School (MYP) shocking because the focus shifts from "fun" to "accuracy." We help PYP students build a hidden grammar foundation through games and stories, so they are ready for that transition.

Question 15

What are IB MYP Chinese "Phases"?

Accepted Answer

MYP Chinese is divided into Phases 1–6 rather than grades.

• Phase 1-2: Beginner (Emergent Communicator)
 • Phase 3-4: Intermediate (Capable Communicator)
 • Phase 5-6: Advanced (Proficient Communicator)
 • Note: Phase 6 is the highest level before transitioning to IB Diploma Chinese B.

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View IB Chinese B HL Exam Papers (May 2025)

Paper 1 – Writing

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IB Chinese B Syllabus Guide: Themes & Topics (Explained by a Tutor)

Complete Guide to the IB MYP Chinese Curriculum (Language Acquisition)

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Fun, "Hands-on" Mandarin Skills.
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More structure, clearer criteria, and higher expectations than PYP.
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Strategy and timing over memorization for IB DP Chinese B: Ab Initio, SL & HL.
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