Easy Steps to Chinese adopts a new approach to teaching Chinese as a foreign language. It is designed for both primary school students and secondary school learners who are preparing for Chinese examinations such as GCSE/IGCSE/AS (U.K.), SAT II/AP (U.S.A.), IB Chinese Language B Standard Level, or for learners who are starting to learn Chinese on their own. Easy Steps to Chinese consists of three phases: Phase 1 – Books 1 and 2; Phase 2 – Books 3, 4, 5, and 6; and Phase 3 – Books 7 and 8. Upon completing this series, students will have acquired a vocabulary of approximately 1,600 Chinese characters and will have developed confidence in using Chinese to communicate both orally and in writing.

The topics for each phase are:

• Phase 1: Books 1–2 – Numbers, Personal Identification, Body Parts, Colors and Clothing, Food and Drink, Daily Routines, Schools, Hobbies, Life at Home, Means of Transport, Daily Articles, Weather

• Phase 2: Books 3–6 – Appearance, People and Professions, School Facilities, Weather and Holidays, Pets, Personality, School Events, Diet and Illness, Accidents, Shopping and Travel, Neighborhood, Festivals and Celebrations

• Phase 3: Books 7–8 – Community, Work Experience, Environment, Customs and Traditions, Technology and Communication, Diet and a Healthy Lifestyle, Special Occasions, Leisure and Travel, Education and Work, Law and Order, Current Issues, World Issues.