Introduction: Your First Step to Writing Success!

Welcome to your study guide for the very first question in the AQA GCSE Chinese (8673) Foundation Writing paper. This task is called "Message from a photo," and it is a fantastic way to pick up 8 marks right at the start of your exam.

The goal is simple: you will see a photograph and you must write four short, clear sentences in Chinese about it. Don't worry if you find writing characters a bit scary—this task is designed for you to use the simple language you already know!

The Basics: What is the Task?

In Paper 4 (Writing), Question 1 presents you with a photo and a brief instruction in English (e.g., "Write four sentences about this photo").

Key Facts:

  • Total Marks: \(8\) marks.
  • Marking Scheme: You get \(2\) marks for every sentence that communicates a clear message relevant to the photo.
  • Tier: This is a Foundation Tier task.
  • Topics: The photo will relate to one of the three themes (Identity and culture; Local and global areas of interest; or Current and future study/employment).

A Winning Formula: The "Four-Sentence Plan"

To make sure you get all 8 marks, it helps to have a "template" in your head. You don't need complex grammar; simple Subject + Verb + Object sentences are perfect. Try this structure:

1. Identify who or what is in the photo

Use simple nouns and the verb 是 (shì - to be) or 有 (yǒu - to have/there is).

Example: 这是我的家。 (Zhè shì wǒ de jiā. - This is my family/home.)

2. Describe an action (What are they doing?)

Look at what is happening in the picture. Use a simple verb.

Example: 他们在看书。 (Tāmen zài kànshū. - They are reading.)

3. Describe the scene or location

Where are they? Or what does the place look like? Use 在 (zài - at/in).

Example: 我们在学校。 (Wǒmen zài xuéxiào. - We are at school.)

4. Give an opinion

This is the easiest way to finish! Use 我喜欢 (wǒ xǐhuān - I like) or 很好 (hěn hǎo - very good).

Example: 我喜欢看电影。 (Wǒ xǐhuān kàn diànyǐng. - I like watching movies.)

Top Tips for Success

Keep it simple: You don't get extra marks for using difficult grammar here. It is better to write a perfect simple sentence than a messy complex one. Accuracy is key!

Stay relevant: Make sure your sentences actually match the photo. If the photo shows a park, don't write about a shopping center.

Check your characters: Small mistakes (like missing a stroke) can sometimes change the meaning of a word. Take a second to double-check your "radicals."

Use "Very" (很): Remember that in Chinese, when using an adjective (like "happy" or "big"), we usually put 很 (hěn) before it.
Example: 老师很好。 (The teacher is very good.)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Writing in Pinyin: You must use Chinese characters. Pinyin will not earn you marks in the writing exam.

2. Writing too much: You only need four sentences. Writing a long paragraph increases the chance of making a "major error" that could stop you from communicating clearly.

3. Forgetting the "Measure Word": If you are counting things, don't forget 个 (gè).
Example: 三个人 (Three people) instead of just 三人.

Quick Review: Essential Vocabulary

Here are some "emergency" words that work for many different photos:

People: 我 (I), 他/她 (he/she), 他们 (they), 朋友 (friend), 家人 (family).
Places: 学校 (school), 家 (home), 公园 (park), 商店 (shop).
Actions: 吃 (eat), 喝 (drink), 学 (study), 买 (buy), 去 (go), 打球 (play ball).
Descriptions: 漂亮 (pretty), 好 (good), 大 (big), 快乐 (happy).

Key Takeaway

For Question 1, accuracy + relevance = 8 marks. Stick to the "Who, Where, Action, Opinion" formula to ensure you cover everything the examiner is looking for without making unnecessary mistakes.

Note: For help with longer writing tasks, please see the chapters on "Short passage from four bullet points" and "Structured writing tasks."