HSK Elementary Intermediate test

-Study tips for HSK Elementary-Intermediate test

Before going into details about preparing for the HSK Elementary-Intermediate test, first the student should have a clear understanding of the components in test, as well as the rationale behind the certification level that has been set for HSK Elementary-Intermediate. Both will be described briefly below.

In HSK Elementary-Intermediate, there are four basic units: Listening, Grammar, Reading and Mixed Response.

The Listening Unit is similar to that of HSK Basic, comprising of three different sections. However, the audio for all three sections are only played once, so the students have to respond to the question as they listen to the audio. Section I questions follow the format of a short dialogue from one person, after which a second person asks a question. Then student then chooses the most appropriate answer to the question from the choices listed. Section II questions are in the form of a recorded conversation between two people, and the student must select a reply that best answers the question posed by a third person. Section III questions consist of a dialogue between two people followed by two separate questions asked by a third person based on the contents of the conversation.

In the Grammar Unit, there are two different sections. Section I questions consist of a short phrase marked at four different positions. A character or phrase is provided, and the student has to indicate which position to place the character or phrase. In Section II, one or two characters may be left out of a sentence and the student must choose the most appropriate character that completes the sentence.

In the Reading Unit, there are again two sections to complete. Section I questions asks the student to choose the word or phrase that best matches the meaning of the word or phrase underlined in a sentence. In Section II, a short piece of text is provided, and the student is asked to select the most appropriate answer to a question relating to the content of the text. Usually some interpretation of the text is required, as the correct answer is not always directly provided in the text.

In the Mixed Response Unit, there are two slightly contrasting sections. Section I requires the student to select from a list of words or phrases that best completes the passage of text. The text in this section varies in length and context. In Section II, the student will have to provide the correct Chinese characters for several passages of text in the space provided on the exam response sheet.

One of the major differences between the HSK certification at the Basic and the Elementary-Intermediate level is the introduction of a more sophisticated grading system. The HSK Elementary-Intermediate test provides a certification of grading at either the Elementary or Intermediate level, depending on the overall results of the test. Once again the test makes a clear distinction between the grades for the individual test components as well as the overall test grade. To achieve certification at a specific level, students must obtain the minimum score required in three out of the four individual test components for that grade. In addition, the lowest grading that they receive must not be more than one grade below the rest of the test components grades; otherwise the grading will be capped at the lowest grade. These measures have been incorporated into the grading system to ensure that students develop skills across all aspects of their Chinese language study, which is critical for the application of their language skills as part of work or study purposes.

The test and certification level has been set to allow students who achieve a grading of C in HSK Elementary (equivalent to a grading of A in HSK Basic) to qualify for study in Bachelor’s Degree for Science, Engineering, Agriculture, and West Medicine in Chinese universities. On the other hand, a grading of C in HSK Intermediate is required to study Chinese literature, history and Chinese Medicine. This is largely reflected in the contents of the text, where more complex ideas, contents, knowledge and vocabulary are introduced into the test. Those wishing to continue onto HSK Advanced certification should only do so if they can achieve a grading of A in the HSK Elementary-Intermediate test.

With the introduction of a writing component (in the Mixed Response section) into the HSK Elementary-Intermediate certification, it is important at this stage of their Chinese language study that candidates integrate their reading and writing study for the best learning outcomes. Also, for those wishing to tackle the next certification level, a learning routine which integrates their listening and speaking study should be undertaken to achieve the optimum results. The HSK Elementary-Intermediate test should be used as a tool to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the student in their Chinese language study to help them improve their language competency. It builds on the fundamentals of Chinese language knowledge examined in HSK Basic, and introduces more complex ideas and expressions, as well as critical thinking and analytical skills.

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