This book includes a total of 20 works of famous contemporary Chinese writers. Each lesson provides notes and comments. The works fall into four genres, namely poetry, prose, fiction and drama.
Each lesson consists of several parts, including the text, knowledge about the history of literature, profile of the writer, comments on the work and extended reading, etc. A number of exercises are provided after each lesson, such as “Fill in the blanks”, "Explain the words”, "Give brief answers”, "Think”, "Discuss” and “Write a review”, etc. for students to review what’s been learned or to test their achievements.

Mr. Song Zhiming is an associate professor in the College of Chinese Language & Culture, Beijing Normal University, whose research interests lie in Chinese culture and teaching Chinese as a foreign language (TCFL). Being a teacher of courses such as speaking, listening, reading & writing, advanced reading and contemporary Chinese literature, Mr. Song has rich experience in teaching and research and has had a number of academic papers and books published.