What is the HSK 1 exam format?

HSK 1

The HSK Level 1 exam format is structured to assess basic Chinese language proficiency through listening and reading sections, with a total of 40 questions and a duration of approximately 40 minutes (including 5 minutes for filling in personal information). Here is a detailed breakdown of the exam format:

Essential HSK 1 vocabulary, example sentences, and essays.

I. Exam Structure

  • Total Questions: 40
  • Sections: Listening Comprehension (20 questions) + Reading Comprehension (20 questions)
  • Duration: ~40 minutes (including 5 minutes for personal information)
  • HSK 1 Preparation Coursebooks
  • HSK 2 Preparation Coursebooks
  • HSK 3 Preparation Coursebooks
  • HSK 4 Preparation Coursebooks
  • HSK 5 Preparation Coursebooks
  • HSK 6 Preparation Coursebooks
    • HSK Test Level 1 Book – Part 1

    II. Listening Comprehension (20 Questions)

    This section evaluates the ability to understand simple spoken Chinese in everyday contexts.

    1. Part I (5 Questions)
      • Format: Listen to a phrase (played twice) and judge if it matches a given picture.
      • Skill Tested: Vocabulary recognition and basic auditory comprehension.
    2. Part II (5 Questions)
      • Format: Listen to a sentence (played twice) and select the corresponding picture from three options.
      • Skill Tested: Understanding simple sentences and visual association.
    3. Part III (5 Questions)
      • Format: Listen to a dialogue (played twice) and choose the matching picture.
      • Skill Tested: Comprehension of short exchanges and contextual understanding.
    4. Part IV (5 Questions)
      • Format: Listen to a statement followed by a question and three answer options (played twice). Select the correct answer.
      • Skill Tested: Understanding questions and responses in basic dialogues.
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    III. Reading Comprehension (20 Questions)

    This section assesses the ability to read and understand simple written Chinese.

    1. Part I (5 Questions)
      • Format: Match a picture with a given phrase and judge if they are consistent.
      • Skill Tested: Character-picture association and basic vocabulary.
    2. Part II (5 Questions)
      • Format: Read a sentence and select the corresponding picture from multiple options.
      • Skill Tested: Reading comprehension of simple sentences.
    3. Part III (5 Questions)
      • Format: Match questions with their appropriate answers.
      • Skill Tested: Understanding of basic question-answer pairs.
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    IV. Scoring and Passing Criteria

    • Total Score: 200 points (100 points for Listening, 100 points for Reading)
    • Passing Score: 120 points (60% overall)
    • Validity: HSK scores are valid for two years from the exam date.

    V. Key Features

    • No Writing Section: HSK Level 1 does not include a writing component.
    • Pinyin Provided: Characters are accompanied by pinyin to assist beginners.
    • Practical Focus: Tests vocabulary and grammar relevant to daily life (e.g., greetings, numbers, basic needs).