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Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi

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Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi
HSK-logo.jpg
HSK logo
Simplified Chinese汉语水平考试
Traditional Chinese漢語水平考試
An HSK (Level 6) Examination Score Report

The Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK; Chinese: 汉语水平考试; pinyin: Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì), translated as the Chinese Proficiency Test,[1] is the standardized test of Standard Chinese (a type of Mandarin Chinese) language proficiency of China for non-native speakers such as foreign students and overseas Chinese. The test is administered by the Hanban, an agency of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China.

Background[]

Development began in 1984 at Beijing Language and Culture University and in 1992 the HSK was officially made a national standardized test. By 2005, over 120 countries had participated as regular host sites and the tests had been taken around 100 million times (domestic ethnic minority candidates included).[2] The general count of candidates from outside of China is stated as being around 1.9 million.[3] In 2011, Beijing International Chinese College became the first HSK testing center to conduct the HSK test online.

The HSK test is analogous to the English TOEFL, and an HSK certificate is valid without any limitation in China. The test aims to be a certificate of language proficiency for higher educational and professional purposes. It is not uncommon to refer to a standard or level of proficiency by the HSK level number, or score. For example, a job description might ask for foreign applicants with "HSK5 or better."

The HSK is administered solely in Mandarin and in simplified Chinese characters; however, if the exam is paper-based, the test-taker can choose to write the writing assignments in simplified or in traditional characters, at their discretion.[4] The test can be either paper-based or Internet-based, depending on what the specific test center offers. With an Internet-based test, the writing part with characters (from HSK 3 on) is subjectively and slightly easier, as one types the pinyin and selects the right character from the list, while with a paper-based test, one must remember the characters, their strokes and their order, and write them out.

Test takers with outstanding results can win a scholarship for short-term language study in China.

Structure[]

From 2021[]

In 2020, an internal Chinese academic paper discussed that the Chinese Proficiency Standards shall usher in a new change: a hybrid paradigm of “Three Stages and Nine Levels” characterized by integration and all-in-one. The Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China announced further details regarding HSK 3.0 on April 1, 2021. Among the information shared was a wordlist for each individual stage, and a date for the introduction of the new test - July 1, 2021.[5]

The new test is meant to follow the latest research in the field of language studies and testing.

The basic levels (roughly corresponding to CEFR pre-A1/A1+/A2)[citation needed] should test from 500 to 2245 words, the intermediate levels (roughly corresponding to CEFR B1/B1+/B2.1)[citation needed] from 3245 to 5456 words, the advanced levels (roughly corresponding to CEFR B2.2/B2+/C1)[citation needed] from about 6000 to 11000 words.[6][7]

New HSK.jpg

The intermediate levels should test the ability to understand slightly modified authentic materials or authentic materials written/spoken in a clear manner and intended for educated mother tongue speakers: materials concerning everyday topics, simple articles, simple commentaries and critiques found in newspapers and magazines.

The advanced levels should test the ability to understand longer, more complicated and abstract materials: extracts from authentic sources such as textbooks for Chinese university students, Chinese magazine and essays, extracts from modern Chinese literature, interviews and extracts from Chinese media. Moreover, classical Chinese expressions and classical Chinese grammatical structures used in modern formal Chinese should be included too.

Between 2010–2021[]

The current format was introduced in 2010, with a philosophy of testing "comprehensive language and communication ability".[1] Most notable is the inclusion of written segments at all levels (not just Advanced, as in the pre-2010 test), reformation of the ranking system, and use of new question structures. Complete vocabulary lists, previous tests, and simulated tests are available as preparation materials. A minor update of the vocabulary lists was made in 2012.

The HSK consists of a written test and an oral test, which are taken separately. This oral test is also known as the HSKK or 汉语水平口语考试.[8][9]

Written test[]

Level Vocabulary Written test Description[10][11]
Words[12]
(cumulative / new) 		Characters[13]
(cumulative / new)		 Listening Reading Writing
1 150 150 174 174 20 questions, 15 min 20 questions, 17 min Not tested Designed for learners who can understand and use some simple Chinese characters and sentences to communicate, and prepares them for continuing their Chinese studies. In HSK 1 all characters are provided along with Pinyin.
2 300 150 347 173 35 questions, 25 min 25 questions, 22 min Designed for learners who can use Chinese in a simple and direct manner, applying it in a basic fashion to their daily lives. In HSK 2 all characters are provided along with Pinyin.
3 600 300 617 270 40 questions 30 questions 10 items Designed for learners who can use Chinese to serve the demands of their personal lives, studies and work, and are capable of completing most of the communicative tasks they experience during their Chinese tour.
4 1200 600 1064 447 45 questions 40 questions 15 items Designed for learners who can discuss a relatively wide range of topics in Chinese and are capable of communicating with Chinese speakers at a high standard.
5 2500 1300 1685 621 45 questions 45 questions 10 items Designed for learners who can read Chinese newspapers and magazines, watch Chinese films and are capable of writing and delivering a lengthy speech in Chinese.
6 5000 2500 2663 978 50 questions 50 questions 1 composition Designed for learners who can easily understand any information communicated in Chinese and are capable of smoothly expressing themselves in written or oral form.

The Listening, Reading and Writing tests each have a maximum score of 100. HSK 1 and 2 therefore have a maximum score of 200 with 120 points required to pass.[14][15] HSK 3 and 4 have a maximum of 300 points with 180 points required to pass.[16][17] There is no minimum number of points required for each of the sections as long as the sum is over 120 or 180 points respectively.

HSK 5 and 6 also have a maximum of 300 points and originally required a score of 180 points to pass.[18][19] However, since a decision made in February 2013, there has been no official passing score for either HSK 5 or 6.[20]

Hanban provides examples of the exam for the different levels together with a list of words that need to be known for each level.[21] These examples are also available (together with the audio for the Listening Test) on the websites of the Confucius Institute at QUT[22] and HSK Academy.[23]

Online test[]

The written version is now available in two forms, a computer and a paper based test. Both tests are still held at test centers, the differences between the two are as follows:[24]

  • Not every test center has the facilities for conducting computer based tests
  • Computer based tests allow you to input characters using the keyboard
  • Results of computer based tests are published 2 weeks after the exam, paper based test results take 1 month

Oral test[]

The HSKK test is a separate test. However, the three HSKK levels correspond with the six HSK levels of the written test.

HSK level HSKK level CEFR Words Questions Minutes
1 Beginner A 200 27 17
2
3 Intermediate B 900 14 21
4
5 Advanced C 3000 6 24
6

Comparison with CEFR levels[]

In 2010, Hanban asserted that the HSK's six levels corresponded to the six levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)[11][25] However, the German[26]:1,3,5 and French[27] associations of Chinese language teachers reject this equivalency, arguing that HSK Level 6 is only equivalent to CEFR Level B2 or C1.

HSK Estimated CEFR level according to...
Level Words (sum) Characters (sum) Hanban France[27] Germany[26] Italy[citation needed] TOCFL[28]
6 5000 2663 C2[29] B2-C1 B2 B1+ to B2 B2
5 2500 1685 C1[30] B1-B2 B1 A2+ to B1 B1
4 1200 1064 B2[31] A2 A2 A1+ to A2 A2
3 600 617 B1[32] A1-A2 A1 A1.1 to A1.2 A1
2 300 347 A2[33] A1.1 A1.1 (without writing[34]) A1.1 Below A1
1 150 174 A1[35] Below A1 none A1.1 Below A1

Before 2010[]

Test Rank (等第) Vocabulary
(cumulative) 		Score (级别) Certificate
HSK

Advanced

Characters: 2865
Words: 8840 		11 Advanced A
10 Advanced B
9 Advanced C*
- none
HSK

Elementary/

Intermediate

Characters: 2194
Words: 5257 		8 Intermediate A
7 Intermediate B
6 Intermediate C
Characters: 1603
Words: 3052 		5 Elementary A
4 Elementary B
3 Elementary C**
- none
HSK

Basic

Characters: 800
Words: 1033 		3 Basic A
2 Basic B
1 Basic C
- none
*Generally signifies a professional level.
**Generally required for non-language academic programs.

Ranking[]

Formerly, there were 11 possible ranks (1-11) and 3 test formats (Basic, Elementary/Intermediate, and Advanced). A rank of between 3 and 8 was needed to enroll in a Chinese university, depending on the subject being studied. A score of 9 or higher was a common business standard.[citation needed]

A student taking the Basic test (基础HSK) could attain a rank of 1 through 3 (1级-3级), or fail to meet requirements and thus not receive a rank. The Elementary/Intermediate test (初中等HSK) covered ranks 3-8 (3级-8级), with ranks below 3 not considered. Likewise, the Advanced test (高等HSK) covered ranks 9-11 (9级-11级), with scores below 9 not considered.

Content[]

The previous format for both Basic and Elementary/Intermediate HSK included four sections: listening comprehension, grammar structures, reading comprehension, and written expressions. Aside from the written expressions portion (which requires writing of Chinese characters), these two tests were completely multiple-choice. The Advanced HSK however, added an additional two portions: spoken and written.

Test dates and locations[]

The HSK is held at designated test centers in China and abroad.[36] A list of test centers can be found at the HSK website.[37] Test dates are published annually and written tests are more frequently held than spoken ones, generally around once a month, depending on the test center. Test registration is usually open until 30 days prior to the actual test date for the paper-based test or around 10 days prior the actual test date for the computer-based test. Results are generally available around 30 days after completion (but no definite date is given for results).[38]

The test cannot be taken in Taiwan (The Republic of China). In Taiwan, only the TOCFL exam can be taken. Conversely, the TOCFL can not be taken in China, Macau, or Hong Kong.

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b 汉语水平考试2007年起将增加口语写作, 2006-12-26 www.eol.cn, "The 2007 HSK Revision Will Add Spoken and Writing Portions."
  2. ^ Official HSK Center Introduction, HSK Center
  3. ^ "HSK Test - Vocabulary List and Information". chinaeducenter.com. Retrieved 2019-02-04.
  4. ^ "HSK and FAQ". confucius.emory.edu. Retrieved 2019-02-04.
  5. ^ "《国际中文教育中文水平等级标准》发布 - 中华人民��和国教育部政府门户网站". www.moe.gov.cn. Retrieved 2021-04-18.
  6. ^ https://www.abcina.it/2020/06/01/il-nuovo-hsk-a-9-livelli/#.XwbuSCgzbIU
  7. ^ https://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2020/05/25/hsk-to-be-overhauled-first-time-in-11-years
  8. ^ "汉语水平口语考试(HSKK) - Confucius Institute at Western Michigan University - 西密歇根大学孔子学院". Retrieved 2 May 2015.
  9. ^ "Chinese Character Lists by New HSK Level". Archived from the original on 12 May 2015. Retrieved 2 May 2015.
  10. ^ "Introduction on New HSK Test". Archived from the original on 2012-10-26. Retrieved 2019-02-04.
  11. ^ Jump up to: a b "Chinese Tests_HSK". Archived from the original on 11 June 2019. Retrieved 2 May 2015.
  12. ^ "资源中心--汉语考试服务网". Chinesetest.cn. Retrieved 2 May 2015. Link "新汉语水平考试（HSK）词汇（2012年修订版）" https://chinesetest.cn/userfiles/file/HSK/HSK-2012.xls
  13. ^ Character lists are not published separately, but can be derived from the published word lists.
    Character lists
  14. ^ "HSK Test - HSK 1 (English)". Retrieved 2 May 2015.
  15. ^ "HSK Test - HSK 2 (English)". Retrieved 2 May 2015.
  16. ^ "HSK Test - HSK 3 (English)". Retrieved 2 May 2015.
  17. ^ "HSK Test - HSK 4 (English)". Retrieved 2 May 2015.
  18. ^ "HSK Test - HSK 5 (English)". Retrieved 2 May 2015.
  19. ^ "HSK Test - HSK 6 (English)". Retrieved 2 May 2015.
  20. ^ 新HSK为什么要取消合格线 (in Chinese). 18 December 2013. 从2013年2月起，HSK（五级）、HSK（六级）取消了合格线，参加这两个等级考试的考生，获得的成绩报告中删除了“总分180分为合格（Passing Score: 180）”的字样。
  21. ^ "HSK Test - Vocabulary List and Information". Retrieved 2 May 2015.
  22. ^ "QUT - The Confucius Institute - New Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK and YCT)". Retrieved 2 May 2015.
  23. ^ Official HSK Vocabulary Lists translated in English, by HSK Academy
  24. ^ HSK Test Frequently Asked Questions
  25. ^ Introduction on New HSK Test, 2010, archived from the original on 26 October 2012, retrieved 26 July 2010
  26. ^ Jump up to: a b Association of Chinese Teachers in German Speaking Countries (1 June 2010). "Erklärung des Fachverbands Chinesisch e.V. zur neuen Chinesischprüfung HSK" [Statement of the Fachverband Chinesisch e.V. (Association of Chinese Teachers in German Speaking Countries) on the new HSK Chinese Proficiency Test] (PDF). Fachverband Chinesisch (in German, Chinese, and English). Fachverband Chinesisch e.V. Retrieved 7 August 2018.
  27. ^ Jump up to: a b Bellassen, Joël (2011). "Is Chinese Europcompatible? Is the Common European Framework Common?: The Common European Framework of References for Languages Facing Distant Language". New Prospect for Foreign Language Teaching in Higher Education —Exploring the Possibilities of Application of CECR—. Tokyo: World Language and Society Education Center (WoLSEC). pp. 23–31. ISBN 978-4-925243-85-8.
  28. ^ 華語文等級對照 (in Chinese). 國家華語測驗推動工作委員會 Steering Committee for the Test Of Proficiency - Huayu. Retrieved 25 September 2019. CEFR 華語文能力測驗 TOCFL 新漢語水平考試 HSK 通過等級 詞彙量 通過等級 詞彙量 under A1 - - 一級 150 二級 300 A1 Level 1 入門級 500 三級 600 A2 Level 2 基礎級 1000 四級 1200 B1 Level 3 進階級 2500 五級 2500 B2 Level 4 高階級 5000 六級 5000及以上 C1 Level 5 流利級 8000 - - C2 Level 6 精通級 8000以上
  29. ^ "HSK Level VI", chinesetest.cn, Hanban, archived from the original on 12 January 2019, retrieved 12 October 2017
  30. ^ "HSK Level V", chinesetest.cn, Hanban, archived from the original on 12 January 2019, retrieved 12 October 2017
  31. ^ "HSK Level IV", chinesetest.cn, Hanban, archived from the original on 12 January 2019, retrieved 12 October 2017
  32. ^ "HSK Level III", chinesetest.cn, Hanban, archived from the original on 12 January 2019, retrieved 12 October 2017
  33. ^ "HSK Level II", chinesetest.cn, Hanban, archived from the original on 13 January 2019, retrieved 12 October 2017
  34. ^ ohne Schriftzeichenkenntnisse
  35. ^ "HSK Level I", chinesetest.cn, Hanban, archived from the original on 13 January 2019, retrieved 12 October 2017, It is the counterpart of the Level I of the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages and the A1 Level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEF).
  36. ^ "HSK Test Preparation & Practice - Free Trial - HSK Practice Tests - HSK Practice Questions - HSK Score Improvement". Retrieved 2 May 2015.
  37. ^ "考试计划--汉语考试服务网". Retrieved 2 May 2015.
  38. ^ "HSK Test Regulations". Retrieved 2 May 2015.
  39. ^ 考试介绍. 《国际汉语教师证书》考试是由孔子学院总部/国家汉办主办的一项标准化考试。

External links[]

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