The Tales and Traditions Volume 1 e-Book is an identical, digital alternative to the print edition. This subscription is valid for 12 months, starting from the date of activation. Please note that this title is not available for download and an Internet connection is required to access it.

Foreign language acquisition research shows that reading large quantities of level-appropriate material is essential to attaining fluency in a foreign language. Tales and Traditions was specially created to meet the need for interesting and informative pleasure reading materials for Chinese language learners. The series presents stories and anecdotes from the Chinese literary canon that are essential for cultural fluency: sayings of classical philosophers, folk tales, legends, excerpts from great works of literature, and more. 

Volume 1 is designed for students with novice-high levels of proficiency in Chinese. Its three units, organized by theme, include ten Chinese literary quotations and fables, seven anecdotes from well-known figures such as Confucius and Sima Guang, and six mythological stories and fantasies. Each text includes an interesting story line, a vocabulary list, and post-text questions. The texts within each unit increase in difficulty, but can still be comfortably read in any order.

Each text in the series can be used for independent reading or for instructor-facilitated classroom reading. Using the stimulating discussion questions that follow each text, teachers can engage students in comprehension checks, cross-cultural comparisons, real-life reflections, and extended research. With a focus on reading comprehension and cultural knowledge, Tales and Traditions is an excellent companion for students who are preparing for the AP®* Chinese Language and Culture Exam or other standardized tests.

*AP® is a registered trademark of the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this product.