Writing · Upper intermediate
Write a Clear Chinese Essay: Paragraphs, Evidence & Revision
An upper-intermediate workbook for planning, linking, supporting and polishing short essays in Mandarin


- Level:
- Upper intermediate · HSK 4
- Format:
- Workbook · PDF · 40 pages · US Letter (prints on A4)
- Price:
- Free · free with a saymei account · updated Oct 8, 2026
Download the free PDF: create a free SayMei account on this page, and we'll email you a copy too.
我的文章有开头、中间和结尾。 · Wǒ de wénzhāng yǒu kāitóu, zhōngjiān hé jiéwěi. · My essay has a beginning, a middle and an end.
By the end you can
- Build every essay on a clear 总—分—总 plan with one main idea
- Link paragraphs with natural connectors and back each point with evidence
- Revise like a teacher: fix grammar, punctuation and register with a checklist
What’s inside
- Unit 1: Learn: The 总—分—总 Essay Shape · Learn: Titles and Thesis Sentences · Practice: Practise Essay Shape
- Unit 2: Learn: Strong Opening Paragraphs · Practice: Practise Openings
- Unit 3: Learn: Body Paragraphs: One Point Each · Practice: Practise Body Paragraphs
- Unit 4: Learn: Ordering Points: 首先, 其次, 最后 · Learn: Contrast and Concession · Practice: Practise Sequence and Contrast · Learn: Cause and Effect · Practice: Practise Cause and Effect
- Unit 5: Learn: Evidence: Examples · Learn: Evidence: Data and Sayings · Practice: Practise Using Evidence
- Unit 6: Learn: Writing the Conclusion · Practice: Practise Conclusions
- Reference: Essay Connector Toolkit
- Story 1: Model Essay: Working From Home · Practice: Analyse Lin Hao's Essay
- Unit 7: Learn: Revision: 的, 地 and 得 · Learn: Revision: Punctuation and Run-Ons · Practice: Practise Revision
- Planner: Revision Checklist
- Story 2: Model Essay: Learning a Language · Practice: Analyse and Improve
- Unit 8: Learn: Written Register: 书面语 · Practice: Practise Written Register
- Cards: Essay Writing Word Cards
- Planner: Essay Outline Planner
- Review: Revising Together
- Final Task: Write Your Own Essay
Who it’s for
Learners past the basics who want to say more, and say it more naturally.
Frequently asked questions
Is this workbook free?
Yes. The whole 40-page PDF is free, and the first two pages are on this page to look at before you download. There's no card and nothing to pay.
Do I need a SayMei account?
Yes, to download the PDF, and the account is free: sign up with Google, Apple or your email address. With it we email you a copy of the workbook, keep every workbook you download on your account on all your devices, save your place in the free online practice, and you can take a free lesson with Mei Lin, SayMei's AI tutor.
How do I print it?
The PDF is US Letter size. On A4 paper, choose "Fit to page" (or "Scale to fit") in the print dialog so nothing is cut off. Print the whole workbook or only the pages you need; colour looks best, and black and white works too.
Can I print copies for my class?
Yes. Print as many copies as you like for your own class or family. To share it, send this page: everyone can download their own copy.
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Version 2026-10 · Updated Oct 8, 2026 · Report a correction