To progress to higher stages of post-secondary education, students must finish the O or N Level examinations as part of their secondary school curriculum. While preparing for major national exams is difficult in and of itself, Chinese is one of the most difficult courses that most students struggle with.
O Level Higher Chinese, in particular, is infamous for being one of the most challenging topics to learn and master. It is believed to test virtually the same content as the A Level H1 Chinese curriculum.
Despite this, many students are pushed or encouraged to pursue the topic due to the benefits it may provide.
So the question is, should you study Higher Chinese?
Don’t worry; we understand your concerns and hope this information will help you make a more informed decision.
Higher China’s indisputable benefits
Taking the O Level Higher Chinese course has challenges that many students may find stressful. However, it is indisputable that if you take the topic and do well, you will enjoy the advantages for a long time.
Here are some of the benefits of studying O Level Higher Chinese:
Extra points
Every point matters when it comes to anything as competitive as your O Levels. So, why wouldn’t you desire extra points to differentiate yourself from your peers?
Because O Level Higher Chinese is a difficult subject to learn, the Ministry of Education (MOE) recognises and rewards students who strive and achieve success on their O Level Higher Chinese test with two bonus points.
You can remove two points from your overall raw score if you get a pass in Higher Chinese. With admissions to exceptional JCs and Polytechnic courses in the single digits, this withdrawal of two bonus points might have a major influence on your chances of getting into your selected higher school.
H1 Chinese exemption in JC
Furthermore, if you pass your O Level Higher Chinese exams, you will be spared from taking H1 Chinese if you elect to attend JC.
It is general knowledge that studying for A Levels is far more demanding than looking for O Levels; after all, you only have two years to learn multiple challenging courses.
Exemption from a topic will significantly free up your time and allow you to devote more time to other subjects than your contemporaries.
Language proficiency
Being suitable for Higher Chinese indicates you have a strong foundation in the Chinese language.
Why not push yourself to study at a higher level?
The O Level Higher Chinese syllabus includes additional topics to cover and more advanced language abilities. To do well in Higher Chinese, students must have a strong comprehension of Chinese literature as well as proficiency in writing and speaking the language. This helps you to acquire higher-order thinking skills while also improving your already strong command of the language.
Mastery of the Chinese language may aid you in your future job and is a great lifelong talent.
Conclusion
Should you study Higher Chinese for your O Levels? Yes, the answer is yes!
There is no reason why you shouldn’t learn the language, given the various benefits. However, if you are concerned about the strain and stress (which is understandable), remember that you can do everything you want. Your efforts will be rewarded!
It would be best if you also considered an O-level Chinese tutor in Singapore to aid you with your O Level preparations.