How to pass the HSK exams without crying

How many weeks do you have before you trek to the HSK test center, sit down at a desk and prove on paper how good your Chinese is?

Hopefully, you’re not looking for a cram method, because if you are, then this isn’t the article for you.

If you have more than six weeks before your exam, wonderful! Keep reading my five-step study plan to pass your next HSK.

Step One

Buy a HSK test prep practice book. Here are the ones that I studied with:

The books featured above are all in Chinese. If that is too tricky for you to work with then try the HSK prep books featured below, they include English instructions.

Step Two

Take at least six practice tests, one each week.

Step Three

Score your test and for step four, only focus on the answers you got wrong..

Step Four

Scrutinize your wrong answers. Underline and lookup the vocabulary you’re not sure about. Flashcard each word with either paper or an app. Then start reviewing them every chance you get.

Tuttle Chinese Flashcards
Perfect for beginners: Volume One aligns with HSK 1 & 2.

Step Five

Review each wrong question with a tutor so that you understand why you answered incorrectly. For several days before you take your second practice test, review your flashcards continuously.

Review each wrong question from your HSK practice exam with a Chinese tutor. — Review each wrong question with a tutor.

Final steps
If you follow my process religiously, you should notice that your scores are improving with each consecutive practice you complete.

Once you’ve finished your 4th practice exam, it’s time to take tests with a timer. You must limited yourself to the time allotted on the actual test to simulate the pressure. And be strict with yourself. If you don’t finish a section in time, accept your lower score and move on. For the 5th and 6th practice tests, you must take the entire test in one sitting.

Here’s the good news, each HSK level has a set number of words you need to know in order to do well. Follow my method exactly and you’ll have learned all the words on the list – if you were honest when adding vocabulary to your flashcard deck.

HSK 4 study tips by Fran!

Fran is one of our lovely community members on Instagram. She was so inspired by my practical tips for passing the HSK exams that she decided to share her own. Fran is currently studying for HSK 4. Watch the video below to hear all about how to colour coordinate your tones, and remembering those rogue Chinese characters.

What HSK level am I?

Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level I) can understand and use very simple Chinese phrases, meet basic needs for communication and possess the ability to further their Chinese language studies.

Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level II) have an excellent grasp of basic Chinese and can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.

Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level III) can communicate in Chinese at a basic level in their daily, academic and professional lives. They can manage most communication in Chinese when traveling in China.

Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level IV) can converse in Chinese on a wide range of topics and are able to communicate fluently with native Chinese speakers.

Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level V) can read Chinese newspapers and magazines, enjoy Chinese films and plays and give a full-length speech in Chinese.

Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level VI) can easily comprehend written and spoken information in Chinese and can effectively express themselves in Chinese, both orally and on paper.

Affiliate link disclaimer: If you purchase any of these books through the links found on this page a teeny bit of the cost helps me pay my bills and continue to provide you with valuable content. Hope that’s cool.

The Great Firewall of China

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