Author Description

Developing Advanced Proficiency in Chinese through Modern Issues is a two-volume set designed for intermediate to advanced learners, offering insights into modern Chinese society while developing skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The twenty-four units include a wide range of topics, including popular culture, e-commerce, green energy, and telecommunications fraud, reflecting the dynamic nature of China's evolving social landscape. Designed for two sequential advanced courses, the set spans one academic year. While Volume one features podcast-style dialogues to bridge spoken and written language, Volume two focuses on formal news-style reports, preparing learners for advanced skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Each lesson includes audiovisual content, readings, vocabulary, and discussion questions, encouraging students to critically engage with key issues and apply their language skills in real-world contexts. Key grammar and language points are explained with examples, and targeted exercises reinforce learning. Reading passages, discussions, and practical assignments foster real-world language use, including summarizing news-related articles or videos, expressing personal opinions, and translation. A companion website provides video materials and authentic resources, supporting learners in reaching advanced proficiency. This set is an invaluable resource for those striving to excel in Chinese while gaining a deep understanding of contemporary Chinese society.