AP Chinese Language and Culture Unit 6: Global Challenges

Unit Big Picture

This unit, "Global Challenges," invites you to explore pressing issues facing the world today, such as environmental protection, public health, and social equity. You will engage with authentic Chinese texts and audio, learning to analyze diverse perspectives and articulate your own informed opinions. Through various communicative tasks, you will develop the ability to discuss complex global topics, compare cultural viewpoints, and express yourself clearly and persuasively in Chinese. By the end of this unit, you will be able to interpret nuanced arguments and produce well-structured responses on significant global challenges.

Core Threads

Thread 1: Interpretation (reading and listening)

• Analyzing diverse perspectives: You will learn to 理解不同观点 (lǐjiě bùtóng guāndiǎn), or understand different viewpoints, presented in various authentic sources regarding global challenges. This involves identifying the main arguments and underlying assumptions.

• Identifying supporting evidence: You will practice 识别支持证据 (shíbié zhīchí zhèngjù), or identifying supporting evidence, and rhetorical strategies used by authors and speakers to strengthen their positions on global issues.

Thread 2: Production (interpersonal and presentational)

• Articulating well-supported arguments: You will develop skills to 阐述有充分依据的论点 (chǎnshù yǒu chōngfèn yījù de lùndiǎn), or articulate well-supported arguments, in both spoken and written Chinese when discussing solutions to global challenges.

• Engaging in culturally appropriate discourse: You will learn to 进行文化得体的交流 (jìnxíng wénhuà détǐ de jiāoliú), or engage in culturally appropriate discourse, by using suitable language and tone when discussing sensitive global topics with different audiences.

Skill Progression

Breakthrough Tasks

Language and Culture Starter Pack

1. 虽然…但是… (suīrán… dànshì…) - Although… but…: Used to express concession or contrast between two clauses.

   • Example: 虽然全球变暖是一个严峻的挑战，但是我们仍然有机会采取行动。 (Suīrán quánqiú biànnuǎn shì yīgè yánjùn de tiǎozhàn, dànshì wǒrán yǒu jīhuì cǎiqǔ xíngdòng.) - Although global warming is a severe challenge, we still have a chance to take action.

2. 一方面…另一方面… (yī fāngmiàn… lìng yī fāngmiàn…) - On one hand… on the other hand…: Used to present two different aspects or perspectives of an issue.

   • Example: 一方面，经济发展很重要；另一方面，环境保护也不容忽视。 (Yī fāngmiàn, jīngjì fāzhǎn hěn zhòngyào; lìng yī fāngmiàn, huánjìng bǎohù yě bù róng hūshì.) - On one hand, economic development is important; on the other hand, environmental protection cannot be ignored.

3. 我认为… (wǒ rènwéi…) - I believe/think…: A common phrase to introduce your personal opinion or viewpoint.

   • Example: 我认为，国际合作是解决全球挑战的关键。 (Wǒ rènwéi, guójì hézuò shì jiějué quánqiú tiǎozhàn de guānjiàn.) - I believe international cooperation is key to solving global challenges.

4. 根据… (gēnjù…) - According to…: Used to cite a source or provide evidence for a statement.

   • Example: 根据这份报告，空气污染对健康有严重影响。 (Gēnjù zhè fèn bàogào, kōngqì wūrǎn duì jiànkāng yǒu yánzhòng yǐngxiǎng.) - According to this report, air pollution has a serious impact on health.

5. 总的来说 (zǒng de lái shuō) - Generally speaking/In summary: Used to introduce a general statement or conclusion.

   • Example: 总的来说，我们每个人都应该为可持续发展贡献力量。 (Zǒng de lái shuō, wǒmen měigè rén dōu yīnggāi wèi kěchíxù fāzhǎn gòngxiàn lìliàng.) - Generally speaking, each of us should contribute to sustainable development.

6. 这表明 (zhè biǎomíng) - This indicates/shows: Used to explain the implication or significance of a previous statement.

   • Example: 越来越多的人开始关注气候变化，这表明公众意识正在提高。 (Yuè lái yuè duō de rén kāishǐ guānzhù qìhòu biànhuà, zhè biǎomíng gōngzhòng yìshí zhèngzài tígāo.) - More and more people are starting to pay attention to climate change, which indicates public awareness is increasing.

7. 与…不同的是 (yǔ… bùtóng de shì) - Different from… is…: Used for making comparisons and highlighting differences.

   • Example: 与西方国家不同的是，中国在解决贫困问题上取得了巨大成就。 (Yǔ xīfāng guójiā bùtóng de shì, Zhōngguó zài jiějué pínkùn wèntí shàng qǔdéle jùdà chéngjiù.) - Different from Western countries, China has made great achievements in solving poverty issues.

8. 值得注意的是 (zhídé zhùyì de shì) - It is worth noting that…: Used to emphasize a particular point or detail.

   • Example: 值得注意的是，年轻人对环保问题的参与度越来越高。 (Zhídé zhùyì de shì, niánqīng rén duì huánbǎo wèntí de cānyù dù yuè lái yuè gāo.) - It is worth noting that young people's participation in environmental issues is increasing.

Topic Navigator

Exam Skills Focus

• Reading and listening: Identify main ideas, supporting details, and different viewpoints on global issues.

• Interpersonal tasks: Respond appropriately, ask follow-up questions, and elaborate on ideas in conversations.

• Presentational tasks: Organize ideas logically, provide evidence, and reflect on cultural insights clearly.

Common Misconceptions and Clarifications

• Misconception: A good email reply just answers the questions directly. → Clarification: A good email reply also uses appropriate register, shows cultural awareness, and addresses all implied tasks and social conventions.

• Misconception: Cultural comparison is just listing differences between cultures. → Clarification: It requires explaining why differences exist, using specific evidence, and considering the perspective of your audience.

• Misconception: Connectors and stance markers are optional additions to sentences. → Clarification: They are essential for logical flow, showing relationships between ideas, and achieving higher proficiency and coherence in communication.

Summary

Unit 6, "Global Challenges," focuses on developing your ability to understand and discuss critical global issues in Chinese. You will learn to interpret various viewpoints from authentic sources and articulate your own well-supported arguments. The unit's topics guide you through essential communicative tasks, from crafting comprehensive email replies and engaging in guided conversations to narrating stories and performing nuanced cultural comparisons. By mastering high-frequency connectors and stance markers, you will enhance the sophistication of your expression. This unit ultimately prepares you to confidently navigate complex discussions and present culturally informed perspectives on the world's most pressing challenges.