Milestone map
Milestone map
3 milestones
Learn the sounds and first phrases
2–4 weeks
Learn pinyin and the four tones and the phrases you need to introduce yourself. Record yourself saying them. A native speaker checks your pronunciation.
Proof required
Submit a recording of your self-introduction in Mandarin and written feedback on your pronunciation from a native speaker.
What gets checked
- Self-introduction of at least one minute
- Feedback from a native speaker
- Pronunciation issues noted and practised
Common mistakes
- Learning only through an app
- Skipping pronunciation
- Reading romanisation instead of the real sounds
Powstik Guide
A recorded Mandarin self-introduction, checked by a native speaker.
Steps
- Learn pinyin and the four tones.
- Write a short self-introduction.
- Record it and listen back.
- Ask a native speaker to correct your pronunciation.
Template
Self-introduction script Name: Where I'm from: What I do: Why I'm learning Mandarin: Pronunciation feedback:
What gets sent back
- App scores as proof.
- No native feedback.
- Under one minute.
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
What a verifier looks for
- Listen to the recording
- Check the feedback is from a native speaker
- Check issues were practised
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Practise with native speakers
3–6 weeks
Hold at least five short practice sessions with native Mandarin speakers. Note new phrases after each one. Each session should feel a little longer.
Proof required
Submit a log of five or more sessions with dates, partner, length and new phrases, plus one session recording.
What gets checked
- Five or more sessions with native speakers
- Log written after each session
- At least one recording
Common mistakes
- Only one-way lessons with no talking
- No recording
- Sessions all in one week
Powstik Guide
Five logged practice sessions and one recording.
Steps
- Book sessions with a tutor or exchange partner.
- Speak more than you listen.
- Write down new phrases after each session.
- Record one session with permission.
Template
| Date | Partner | Minutes | New phrases | |------|---------|---------|-------------|
What gets sent back
- Fewer than five sessions.
- No recording.
- Listening-only lessons.
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
What a verifier looks for
- Check the log dates
- Listen to the recording
- Check phrases grow over time
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Hold a 10-minute conversation
1 week
Have an unscripted 10-minute conversation with a native Mandarin speaker. Record both sides. Keep it in Mandarin the whole time.
Proof required
Submit the unedited 10-minute recording with both sides audible, and a short note on the hardest moment.
What gets checked
- 10 minutes, unedited
- Both sides audible
- Conversation stays in Mandarin
Common mistakes
- A scripted exchange
- Switching to English
- An edited recording
Powstik Guide
An unscripted 10-minute Mandarin conversation, recorded.
Steps
- Book a native speaker for the session.
- Agree a broad topic, not questions.
- Record both sides from the start.
- Note the hardest moment afterwards.
Template
Recording length: Topic: Hardest moment: What I'll practise next:
What gets sent back
- A scripted exchange.
- Switching to English.
- An edited recording.
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
What a verifier looks for
- Check the length
- Check it stays in the language
- Check it's unscripted
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