Students continue to develop and refine their proficiency in all four language skills-listening, speaking, reading and writing-with emphasis on the ability to interact orally. They communicate using more complex language structures on a variety of topics, moving from concrete to more abstract concepts. At this level, students comprehend the main ideas of the authentic materials that they read and hear, and they can identify significant details when the topics are familiar. Students gain a deeper understanding of the world around them while studying rights and responsibilities, future plans and choices, teen culture, environment, and humanities while revisiting themes and topics from previous levels. However, the spiral character of the theme-based instruction requires students to demonstrate their communicative skills and sophistication at a new developmental level and understand announcements and messages connected to daily activities. Students present reports orally and/or in writing on topics being studied. They can write descriptions of people and objects from their everyday environment and school. Students also acquire information from a variety of sources about topics being studied. Student work will be required outside of class time.
Prerequisites
Chinese II, or equivalent proficiency in the language as determined by a placement test.
Students in Arlington Public Schools in grades 7-12 may receive high school world language credit for native language study and for the study of world languages. It is highly recommended that a grade of C or better in the course be earned to continue to the next level. The courses are sequential and a C or better will help set students up for success.
To receive world language credit, the following requirements must be met:
- A transcript verifying a minimum of 140 hours of formal language study for each credit must be submitted.
- The student must have earned a passing grade of "D" or higher.
Students seeking the Advanced Studies diploma will meet the world language requirements by completing three years/levels of study in one language or two years of study in each of two languages. Successful completion of each world language course results in one credit toward the Advanced Studies Diploma. Students have an opportunity to test for and earn eligibility for the Seal of Biliteracy embedded in their upper-level coursework. Many colleges require the study of world languages to continue in high school. If your student has successfully completed three years of study upon completion of their freshman year, be sure to look at the college admissions criteria for the student’s college(s) of choice.