HSK Preparation

The New HSK is an internationally recognized exam for non-native students of Mandarin Chinese. It tests the 4 components of language and is divided into six levels of difficulty.

 

Why take the New HSK Test

   The HSK exam has been launched by China's Ministry of Education, therefore, it is the most authoritative test for the non-native Chinese speakers.
   The different levels of the new HSK are similar to the levels in the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages (CLPS) and the Common European Framework of Reference (CEF).
   Only with a HSK certificate can foreign students enroll in a Chinese university or college.
   The HSK test results also serve as a reference tool for employers when making recruiting decisions. 

 

New HSK Structure

The new format of the HSK Test was introduced in March 2010, changing both the structure of the exams and the style of language tested. Previously the old and new HSK exams were running alongside each other but now candidates can only take the new HSK exams (apart from at BLCU). The new HSK is in 2 parts. The first of these is a written exam and includes reading, listening and writing sections. This exam can be taken in Levels 1-6 according to the candidate’s ability. The second exam is an oral exam, which is split into beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. If you wish to take both exams, you will need to be able to write Chinese characters by hand and be competent in spoken Chinese. Your time spent preparing with us will ensure that you have covered all the relevant material and are confident about taking the test. If you require additional information about the HSK, please go to www.chinesetest.cn for further details.

 

New HSK Speaking Test

HSKK

HSK

CLPS

HSKK(Advanced Level)

HSK(Level VI)

HSK (Level V)

HSK (Level V)

HSKK (Intermediate Level)

HSK(Level IV)

HSK(Level IV)

HSK (Level III)

HSK (Level III)

HSKK (Beginner Level)

HSK (Level II)

HSK (Level II)

HSK (Level I)

HSK (Level I)

   Beginner – this is intended for students who have studied Chinese 2-3 class hours per week for 1-2 semesters. These students have mastered about 200 commonly used words.

   Intermediate – this is intended for students who have studied Chinese 2-3 hours per week for 1-2 academic years. These students have mastered about 900 commonly used words.

   Advanced – this is intended for students who have studied Chinese 2-3 class hours per week for more than 2 academic years. These students have mastered about 3,000 common words

 

New HSK Written, Reading & Listening Tests

The levels of the new HSK correspond to the levels of the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages (CLPS) and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF) as follows:

New HSK

Vocabulary

CLPS

CEF

HSK (Level VI)

Over 5,000

Level V

C2

HSK (Level V)

2500

C1

HSK (Level IV)

1200

Level IV

B2

HSK (Level III)

600

Level III

B1

HSK (Level II)

300

Level II

A2

HSK (Level I)

150

Level I

A1

   Level 1: 40-minute test of listening and reading comprehension  – The HSK (Level I) is intended for students who have studied Chinese for a semester (half an academic year), with 2-3 class hours per week. These students have mastered 150 commonly used words and basic grammar patterns.

   Level 2:55-minute test of listening and reading comprehension. Candidates have a strong grasp of all the basics and have no problem understanding and exchanging information about daily life and routine matters. The HSK (Level II) is intended for students who have studied Chinese for two semesters (an academic year), with 2-3 class hours in each week. These students have mastered 300 commonly used words and related grammar patterns.

   Level 3:90-minute test of listening, reading comprehension, and writing. Candidates are capable of using Chinese in daily, academic and professional life, yet are still unsure about some more specialist language and complex grammatical structures. The HSK Level 3 is intended for students who have studied Chinese for three semesters (one and a half academic years), with 2-3 class hours in each week. These students have mastered 600 commonly used words and related grammar patterns.

   Level 4:105-minute test of listening, reading comprehension, and writing – can converse on a wide range of topics and communicate fluently with only a small number of mistakes. The HSK (Level IV) is intended for students who have studied Chinese2-4 class hours per week for four semesters (two academic years). These students have mastered 1,200 commonly used words and related grammar patterns.

   Level 5: 125-minute test of listening, reading comprehension, and writing – can enjoy Chinese movies and newspapers, as well as give full length speeches. The HSK (Level V) is intended for students who have studied Chinese 2-4 class hours per week for more than two academic years. These students have mastered 2,500 commonly used words and related grammar patterns.

   Level 6: 140-minute test of listening, reading comprehension, and writing – comprehend with ease both written and spoken Chinese, and effectively express themselves both orally and on paper. HSK (Level VI) is intended for students who have mastered 5,000 or more commonly used words.

What kind of HSK preparation courses do you have? How are these classes arranged?

We offer Group and 1on1 HSK preparation classes. Our HSK preparation class will be customized for each student depending on their level. For HSK preparation, our teachers will design a study plan for you after having tested your Chinese level. So that they can work out your exact Chinese level and see where you are with all the language areas such as; reading, listening, speaking and Chinese characters.

 

For Group classes, we group students by their level, therefore we only offer HSK 3-5 Preparation class. You can click HERE to find the class schedule. As the class content we use in our general survival style classes for total beginners includes all the vocabulary and grammar for HSK 1 and the class content for elementary students includes all the vocabulary and grammar for HSK 2, we suggest you just join our normal group class to prepare for the HSK test if you want to pass HSK 1 or HSK 2. Or you can take the normal beginner level classes, and then take around 10 hour 1on1 class to prepare exclusively for the test.

 

If you are busy and need a flexible schedule, or you are an advanced student, or a very fast learner, or you have other practical needs, working, studying, or living etc besides HSK, we suggest you take 1on1 class, which is more flexible and our teacher can adjust the study plan for you based on your progress.

We can offer you a trial class if you like, so that you can meet our teachers yourself, you will learn about our unique teaching methodology, and see our strengths yourself! Our teachers will test your level during the trial class, and give you some suggestions about how best to prepare and how we can create a study play for you.

 

If you would like to find out more information on the HSK exam or the HSK programs offered here, please visit our designated HSK frequently asked questions page, where we have broken it down nice and simply for you.

 

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