Chinese Continuers · Speaking 🎙️

I’m a quiet but hardworking student. Although I don’t speak much in class, I really enjoy doing group projects with friends because we discuss ideas and help each other — not only does this help me learn better, but it also makes me feel more confident.

I’m quite outgoing and also patient. Because I often help classmates with their questions, teachers and friends think I’m reliable; although I work a bit slowly sometimes, I always finish what I start. I’ve been practicing public speaking for the past six months, so I’m becoming more confident.

There are four people in my family: my parents, my younger brother, and me. Although we’re all busy with study or work during the week, we often cook meals together or go for walks on weekends. Because my family has always supported me, I feel very secure—and I’m starting to understand who I want to become.

I like playing basketball because it not only keeps me fit but also helps me relax with friends. I’ve been going to the court every week, and although it’s sometimes tiring, I feel really happy.

My best friend is very kind and also very responsible. Although he’s usually quiet, he always offers help whenever I’m in trouble—for example, last semester when I was sick and missed classes, he not only took notes for me but also explained the key points after school every day. Because I believe real friendship isn’t just about having fun together, I truly value this kind of friendship.

I like friends who are cheerful and willing to help each other. Because friends should not only have fun together, but also support each other during tough times, I’m currently trying to listen more carefully to others’ ideas.

This year I’m studying Chinese, Maths, English and Science. Although Chinese is a bit difficult, I really enjoy reading texts and writing essays because it helps me improve my expression. I’ve already started preparing for the HSC exam, so I review my notes every day.

I like Chinese class the most because not only can I chat with friends in Chinese, but also I understand Chinese culture better. Last semester I joined the school’s Chinese speech contest — although I felt a bit nervous, the preparation helped me improve a lot. I want to keep studying Chinese in the future, so I’m reading one Chinese article every day now.

I like my school because the teachers are very patient and classmates help each other. Although homework is sometimes heavy, I’m learning to manage my time better. So I feel I’ve improved a lot studying here.

I think learning Chinese in high school is quite useful because not only can it help me communicate with more people, but it’s also helpful for future jobs. I’ve been taking Chinese classes since last year; although grammar is sometimes difficult, the teacher explains things clearly, so I’ve gradually gotten used to it.

After graduation, I plan to go to university and study education. Because I think being a teacher not only helps students but also lets me keep learning new things. I’ve already volunteered in a school-organized teaching support activity, so I’m more sure this is the right path for me.

Yes, I plan to go to university next year. Because I want to study computer science, I am teaching myself some programming skills. Although it’s a bit difficult now, I think it will give me better job opportunities in the future.

I’m interested in playing basketball because it not only keeps me physically fit but also lets me have fun with friends. I started playing twice a week last year, so I’m much faster now than before. Although I sometimes feel tired, I feel really relaxed after exercising.

On weekends, I usually go for a walk in the park or read books at home. Because I enjoy outdoor activities when the weather is nice, I often meet friends there; although I sometimes want to stay home and rest, exercising actually makes me feel more energetic. Recently, I’ve started learning to ride a bike—not only does it help me stay fit, but it also helps me relax.

I usually celebrate my birthday with my family, like having a home-cooked meal and cutting a cake. Because I’m usually busy with study, I make a point to relax that day—watching a movie or going for a walk. Although I don’t buy cake every year, I’ve remembered this date every year.

I don’t shop often because I’m very busy with study, so I only go to the supermarket occasionally on weekends to buy snacks and daily necessities. Although I sometimes want to buy more things I like, I control myself because money should be spent on more important needs.

When I have free time, I like to take a walk in the park or read books at home. Because the weather is nice, I often go to the park with friends—not only can I breathe fresh air, but I also feel relaxed; recently, I’ve started trying to cook simple dishes.

I like eating at the fast-food restaurant near my home because the food comes quickly and it’s cheap. Although the menu is simple, I’ve been there several times, so I already know which combo meals offer the best value.

My usual day starts at 7 a.m. — I have breakfast first, then go to school. Because my school is close to home, I usually walk there; not only does it help me exercise, but also means I’m never late. After school, I often review my lessons, and right now I’m preparing for mid-term exams.

Yes, I’ve worked part-time at a café. Because the working hours were flexible, I could balance study and work, although it was sometimes tiring, I learned how to communicate with customers. I’m no longer working there, but that experience helped me understand work responsibility better.

I’m interested in becoming a software engineer because many people use mobile apps nowadays, so this job has good prospects. I started learning programming last year—although it’s a bit difficult, I think I’ll definitely improve if I keep practising.

My dad works as a technician in a factory. Because the factory has introduced new machines recently, he is learning how to operate smart equipment. Although his job is busier than before, he finds learning new things interesting, and it will also help him adapt better to changes in the future.

My mum works as a nurse in a hospital. Because her job is very busy, she often works overtime, and she’s also studying a new nursing course recently. Although it’s tiring, she feels it’s very meaningful to help patients.

I want to become a nurse in the future because this job not only helps others but also requires care and patience. I have volunteered at a hospital once, so I’m more sure about this choice. Although it can be tiring sometimes, I really enjoy caring for people and seeing patients gradually recover.

No, I don’t have a boyfriend or girlfriend right now. Because my study load is quite heavy, I want to focus on my schoolwork first. Although friends often talk about relationships, I’m trying to balance life and studies, and I also hope to wait until I’m more mature in the future before thinking about dating.

My parents think I should be careful about making friends because friends can influence my studies and habits, so they hope I spend more time with classmates who are positive and hardworking. They warned me before not to always hang out with people who play on phones too much, and now they also support me joining clubs to meet new people. Although they’re a bit worried, I feel I’m learning how to tell which friends are actually helpful for me.

We usually go to a café or park because they’re quiet and convenient for chatting. Although I’ve been busy studying for exams recently, I still meet friends every weekend to have coffee and talk about school and future plans. Because we not only want to relax but also enjoy sharing our thoughts and worries.

I usually get home around 10 p.m. Because my parents want me to rest early, I try to be home before 10, although sometimes my friends want to hang out longer — but I’m preparing for the HSC exams, so I need to study and also get enough sleep.

My parents don’t really agree with me coming home late, because they’re worried about my safety, so I have to call them to check in if it’s after 10 p.m. Although they used to be stricter, they’ve gradually understood that I sometimes need to attend study groups or club activities.

Yes, I often travel with my family. Because travelling not only helps me relax, but also lets me learn about different local cultures—for example, last summer holiday we went to a coastal city, watched traditional performances, and tried local snacks. Although planning the trip was a bit troublesome, I think it’s really worthwhile, so I’d like to visit more cities in the future.

I've been to Singapore, because there are many Chinese speakers there, so Mandarin is widely used. Although it's a small country, not only is the transport very convenient, but you can also hear Putonghua everywhere on the streets. I went there with my family last summer holiday, and I found it really interesting because I could order food and ask for directions in Chinese — no language barrier at all.

I went to Melbourne’s Chinatown and Sydney’s Chinese Quarter last summer holiday. Because there are not only many Chinese restaurants and Chinese signs, but also lots of community events for Chinese speakers, I often go there to have a look. Although I didn’t pay much attention to these places before, I find them really interesting now, and I’d like to learn more about local Chinese-speaking people’s lives in the future.

I have visited Sydney’s Chinatown and the Spring Festival celebrations. Because there are many traditional performances and food there, I want to go every year. Although I haven’t been to Melbourne’s Chinese-speaking community yet, I’d like to experience their Mid-Autumn lantern festival in the future.

I usually take the subway to those places. Because the subway is both fast and cheap, I not only save time but also don’t have to worry about traffic jams. In recent years, I’ve often taken the subway to Chinatown and Chinese supermarkets — I’ve gotten used to this way of travelling.

I like Tokyo in Japan the most because it has both modern skyscrapers and traditional temples. I went there last year — not only did I ride the Shinkansen, but I also experienced tea ceremony at Senso-ji Temple. Although public transport is a bit complicated, many people speak some English, so travelling there is quite easy.

I think Guangzhou is worth visiting because it not only has traditional arcade buildings and morning tea culture, but also very convenient transport. I went there last summer holiday, so I still remember the local pace of life clearly. Although the weather is a bit hot, it’s never boring because there’s so much delicious food.

I’d recommend visiting the pedestrian street in the city centre and the nearby park. Because it’s easy to get to, and not only has traditional snacks but also modern shopping malls, so it’s great for tourists to experience local life. I’ve been there several times last year, and I’m planning to take my family there again now.

I think spring is the best time to travel, because the weather is neither cold nor hot, and flowers are blooming everywhere. Although summer is also possible, it’s too hot, so many people prefer spring.

Yes, my friend usually brings a translation app when travelling. Because there aren’t many Chinese signs in many places, they use a mobile app to translate menus or street signs in real time. They used it last year when travelling to Melbourne — it was not only convenient but also saved a lot of time.

I suggest visiting Beijing because it not only has famous attractions like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, but also has very convenient transportation. I went there last summer holiday, so I know how to take the subway and buy tickets. Although the weather can be quite hot sometimes, it’s still comfortable to explore because there are many shaded areas and air-conditioned shopping malls.

I would take them to Chinatown to eat authentic Chinese food and buy small souvenirs. Because Chinatown not only has many traditional snacks, but also many shops have been open for decades, so it has a very strong old-fashioned flavour. I went there last year — although it was very crowded, it felt lively and culturally rich.

I’d first tell them about our city’s most famous places, like the old street and park in the city centre. Because it’s easy to get there and has lots of local snacks, tourists can walk around and experience daily life at the same time. I’ve taken some foreign friends there recently — although it was a bit hot, everyone still had a great time.

My impression of China is that it’s both traditional and modern. Although many cities have built many high-rises, old districts still keep ancient architecture and festival customs. Last year I visited Beijing and saw the Temple of Heaven right next to Sanlitun, so I feel China is not only developing quickly but also values cultural heritage.

Chinese and Australian customs are quite different. Because Chinese people have a family reunion dinner during Spring Festival, they place great importance on family togetherness; although Australians also celebrate holidays, they prefer outdoor barbecues or going to the beach. Last Spring Festival, I tried making dumplings following Chinese tradition—not only did I learn how to prepare the filling, but I also found celebrating this way more meaningful.

Yes, I often eat Chinese food. Because Chinese food has many varieties and delicious flavors, I’ve ordered it many times at home and in restaurants. Although some dishes are quite spicy, I’m gradually getting used to them, and they make me feel really at home.

I like eating home-style dishes, such as tomato and egg stir-fry or green pepper with shredded pork. Because they’re easy to cook and nutritious, and my mum has made them for me since childhood, I’ve eaten them for years. Although I sometimes want to try new dishes, I still find these traditional ones the most comforting whenever I go home for meals.

Chinese students usually focus more on exam results, so they spend a lot of time doing practice questions every day; although Australian students also study hard, they prefer to understand knowledge through group discussions and hands-on projects. Last year, I did a festival-themed group project in Chinese class — not only did I learn how to cooperate, but I also remembered the content better.

In China, students often take part in after-school activities, such as playing basketball or learning painting. Because schools encourage well-rounded development, many students attend interest classes or sports teams after school. Although academic work is quite heavy, students feel these activities not only help them relax but also allow them to make new friends.

City life is fast-paced, while suburban life is quieter. Because cities have convenient transport and many shops, many people prefer living downtown; although suburbs have bigger houses and cleaner air, commuting takes more time. Last year I moved to the suburbs, and not only did I feel more comfortable, but I also started taking morning walks.