The HSK 4 (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi Level 4) is an intermediate-level examination in the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) series, which is China’s official standardized test for assessing the Chinese language proficiency of non-native speakers. Here’s a detailed overview of the HSK 4 test:
1. Purpose and Level
- Purpose: The HSK 4 test evaluates a candidate’s ability to use Chinese in daily life, study, and work. It measures practical language skills for communication in real-life situations.
- Level: HSK 4 is considered an intermediate level. Passing this level indicates that the candidate has a solid foundation in Chinese and can handle more complex language tasks.
2. Test Structure
The HSK 4 test consists of three parts: Listening, Reading, and Writing. The total test time is approximately 100 minutes (including 5 minutes for filling in personal information).
- Listening (40 minutes):
- Part 1: 10 questions. Candidates listen to short dialogues and determine if the statements provided are true or false based on the conversation.
- Part 2: 15 questions. Candidates listen to longer dialogues and choose the correct answer from four options.
- Part 3: 20 questions. Candidates listen to monologues or dialogues and answer multiple-choice questions.
- Reading (40 minutes):
- Part 1: 10 questions. Candidates read short passages and select the most appropriate word or phrase to fill in the blank.
- Part 2: 10 questions. Candidates arrange sentences in the correct order to form a coherent paragraph.
- Part 3: 20 questions. Candidates read longer passages and answer multiple-choice questions.
- Writing (20 minutes):
- Part 1: 10 questions. Candidates rearrange given words to form correct sentences.
- Part 2: 1 question. Candidates write a short composition (about 100 characters) based on a given topic or picture.
3. Vocabulary and Grammar
- Vocabulary: Candidates are expected to know around 1,200 common Chinese words.
- Grammar: The test covers a range of intermediate grammar structures, including sentence patterns, tenses, and common expressions.
4. Scoring and Certification
- Total Score: The HSK 4 test is scored out of 300 points (100 points for Listening, 100 for Reading, and 100 for Writing).
- Passing Score: A candidate needs to score 180 points or higher to pass the test.
- Certification: Upon passing, candidates receive an official HSK 4 certificate, which is widely recognized by educational institutions, employers, and governments worldwide.
5. Significance of HSK 4
- Academic: Many Chinese universities and colleges require an HSK 4 certificate for admission to undergraduate or graduate programs.
- Professional: It is often a requirement for jobs in China or for companies doing business with Chinese partners.
- Personal: Achieving HSK 4 demonstrates a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in Chinese, opening up opportunities for cultural exchange, travel, and deeper engagement with the Chinese-speaking world.
6. Preparation Tips
- Vocabulary Building: Focus on learning and reviewing the 1,200 HSK 4 vocabulary words.
- Practice Tests: Use official HSK practice materials or online resources to familiarize yourself with the test format and question types.
- Listening and Speaking: Improve your listening skills by watching Chinese TV shows, listening to podcasts, or engaging in conversations with native speakers.
- Reading and Writing: Practice reading Chinese articles, newspapers, or books, and write short compositions to enhance your writing skills.
