13 facts about HSK Exam

HSK is a standardized testing process for learners who study Mandarin as a foreign language – think of TOEFL and you’ll basically understand the actual concept will the exception that it HSK there’re only 3 sections: Writing, listening and speaking. It was elaborated in 1984 by Beijing Language and Culture University as a way of determining the mandarin level of learners using a standardized set of parameters.

In 2020, a new HSK system was introduced to take into account modifications in teaching ways in China in order to reflect a modern technique of learning the Mandarin language.

HSK test consists of 6 levels – from one, very simple phrase and basic words to six, fluently expressing you between native Chinese speakers, also in writing. Everybody who takes HSK in China takes the exam and is checked in KANBAN. Normally, you’ve to wait up to 3 weeks before you get your outcomes after you get your beautiful certificate and celebrate your success.

 Why take HSK Exam?

People take the HSK exam for many reasons, some of the most common are –

1. It’ll help with applying for a job 
2. They need a proper certificate to enter the University 
3. To receive a scholarship in HSK 
4. Determining a goal assists learn

1 - You have heard it several times and here it comes again – the economy of China is becoming growingly dominant in the world, and worldwide companies see China as a big market, a place for a competitor, production, or a partner. That is why understanding business etiquette and Chinese Culture is now a common element of the desire skill-set among new workers and the best way to stand out when you’re looking for a job.

Particularly, if you’ve just graduated, it is hard to compete against employees with many years of work experience, so you’ve a benefit if you’ve a special skill. A certificate about mandarin knowledge not just opens several doors for you, but will also make everybody talk!

2- Some university programs need you to learn in Chinese. For instance, if you want to get a diploma in the field of Asian studies, global business, Mandarin language, and many more. These programs generally need HSK 4 or 5 certificates because you’ve to follow some courses in the mandarin language. Remember that if you are applying for a university, the HSK is just valid for 2 years.

3- As encouragements for learners who study in China. The Officials for teaching Chinese as a foreign language grant scholarships to learners who achieve high outcomes at HSK tests. Scholarships will let you go on a funded study tour to China to carry out the advancements of your mandarin and become more integrated into the mandarin culture.

Doing something without any clear vision needs much more self-discipline than most of us truly have. Attending class constantly and writing similar characters regularly becomes a hard job if you do not feel like you are approaching your aim. That is why HSK can be a fine thing to aim for. The feeling that you’re approaching your aim will not just assist you to find motivation when you need it most, but also provides you a chance to focus on your classes.

HSK levels 

• HSK 1 – You can take HSK 1 when you know and understand how to use simple sentences and words. At this level, there’s complicated grammar but you’ve to practice your tones. Take the test at CCHATTY HSK 1 to learn whether you’re able to pass HSK 1.
• HSK 2- At this level your mandarin is elementary and you use most of the basic words and can go your daily routine in mandarin. Take this test here to learn whether you’re able to pass HSK 2.
• HSK 3 – You achieved a deeper understanding of the mandarin language and can talk about your studies, life, or work, and can plan in mandarin. Take a practice test here to understand whether you can pass HSK 3 exam.
• HSK 4 – Now you speak mandarin fluently and can even cover topics that are not basic. Well done! Your vocabulary is very good, now you can read newspapers and don’t rely on English anymore. Take this test to learn whether you can overtake HSK 4 test.
• HSK 5 – with this, you can live and work in China. Though you cannot quite communicate as the natives, you’re doing really great. You do not need subtitles in films and you can read about present events in Mandarin online media instead of your language. Take this test to learn whether you’re able to pass HSK 5.
• HSK 6 – you are a rock start! You’re fluently speaking in mandarin. What else is there to say, you mightn’t understand every character or word, but who actually does?

How is the HSK test structured and what are passing grades?

Different levels exam different content and have various grades needed to pass the exam. it should be noted that every HSK level – reading, listening, and writing, are all graded separately but the fail or pass criteria is based on your full score from all three tests. This means you can fail in 1 part and make up for it in another. HSK 1 and HSK 2 both include in Pinyin but higher levels of HSK don’t. All questions in the reading and listening sections are multiple options, writing is only needed for the writing part.

Best tips to pass your HSK Exam 

The HSK test is best for people who want to objectively examine their skill level in the Mandarin language, and particularly for goal-oriented people who need tangible techniques to measure performance. Lack of preparation is the main reason that a few mandarin language learners fail the HSK test even when they think they’re ready to pass the test. In this section, you’ll find some enormous ideas and tips that’ll assist you in passing your test despite which level you are testing it.

Understand the HSK test and be sure about which level of the exam should take 

Understand the principle of the HSK test and the fundamental outline of the exam. Get a proper general idea of what the test actually is and about its Syllabus. You’d read the mandarin proficiency examination handbook Bulletin of HSK exam（《汉语水平考试考生手册》）and mandarin proficiency test outline in order to know what’ll be needed in the test.

Make a complete study plan 

Once you’re familiar with the framework of the HSK test, it is time to create an all-encompassing study plan. This’ll provide you a fine idea of how you’ll prepare for the test. The HSK test generally focuses on writing, speaking, and listening skills, as well as grammar and vocabulary.

Drill the grammar and vocabulary 

Grammar and vocabulary are the best foundation for your studies and cramming for the HSK test. There’re certain vocabulary lists for every HSK level. There’re a few different study tools you can use to understand the vocabulary you’ll find on the test. Flashcards are a tired and the best method, as is card and dictionary system.

There’re several synonyms in the HSK higher-level vocabulary, you might purchase some book on synonyms, for instance, 《汉语近义词学习手册》, it provides instant and proper explanations in both Mandarin language and English language.

Do as many practice HSK tests as possible 

This is a fine method to determine whether you’re really ready to take the HSK test or not. Taking times HSK practice tests is very helpful for your preparation because it’ll be like taking the true test. Finish as a number of exercises as possible and look over your answers and figure out the reason for your mistakes and errors. Chart your progress for the motivation, as you’ll be encouraged when you begin to see that your understanding is paying off.

Increase your listening ability frequently 

Most people are less experienced and skilled at listening in comparison to other language learning processes. To become a superior listener, you’d first relax. This will let you focus more intently when you take the HSK test. Read the questions on the HSK test to help you in comprehending the part you are listening to.

Keep in mind that the first sentence generally provides you the overall idea of the section you’re reading. While listening it might help you to think about what you are hearing and write down key words, such as:

• When, where, and how?
• What happened?
• What does the mandarin speaker want to tell us?

In this method, you will understand the passage in a much better way. When you hear some word you do not know, do not spend a long time on it and just skip it instead. Very often, you will find out what they mean later when you carry on onto the listening.

Do you mock tests inside of the official time period?

Reading quickly can provide you a significantly better chance of doing great on the test. If the official time period is an hour and a half, try to finish your reading within eighty minutes when you take mock HSK exams. By practicing finishing early, you can utilize the extra time as a buffer when you take the real HSK test, which will decrease your exam stress and help you if you unexpectedly have an issue with the exam.

Set aside your regular study time 

Study for 2 and half hours daily. it does not matter when you study, as long as you do so daily, but several people find it helpful to study at a similar time each day so they get in the habit of it and can simply go into study mode. Ensure you would not be disturbed a full day of studying with several characters distractions is very less efficient than a 2 and half hour study session without any disturbance. Maintain your focus while studying by taking a short break about 6 to 8 minutes when you start to feel mentally overloaded or a little tired.

Attend a training class if you can 

Lots of students register for the HSK test without having a strategy for the exam, so that you will not only be more likely to fail but you will go through the issues more steadily. Attending a coaching class helps remarkably. The tutor will show you rightly what the HSK test grades are looking for on every question, break down every section into different sorts of questions, explaining how you’d approach every type. 

You will find that with those proper strategies, you no longer need to overthink anything. You will not only know what is coming but you will know how to attach it when it gets there. The training class will help you in your test preparations, and by engaging in group learning, you’ll gain a competitive edge and boost your confidence. All you need do is put in the work and you will see amazing outcomes.

Study in Moderation 

Too much burden of studying can be detrimental to your learning. It can make you feel too bored to simply retain the material you are working on, and thereby drain your enthusiasm for learning mandarin. The mock tests are great study tools, as they show the skill level you’ve reached, but do not confine yourself to your desk. Ensure you exercise regularly so you’ll be more relaxed and your mind can take a break, which will lastly enhance your studying.

Taking the HSK test is a great method to get proof of your mandarin language skills, but also to encourage you to deepen your learning of the language and continue to understand. Once you pass the HSK exam, use it as a way to understand more.