HSK Course – HSK 1

HSK Test Preparation Course for HSK 1 is a good way to start your Chinese learning in a systematic way. HSK 1 assesses test takers’ abilities in the application of everyday Chinese. 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 (CEFR). Test takers who are able to pass the HSK 1 can understand and use very simple Chinese phrases, meet basic needs for communication and possess the ability to further their Chinese language studies.

I. Test Target

The HSK 1 is intended for students who have studied Chinese for a semester (half an academic year), with 2-3 class hours in each week. These students have mastered 150 HSK 1 words and HSK 1 grammar patterns.

II. Test Content

HSK 1 test is made up of listening comprehension and reading comprehension sections and contains a total of 40 items.

The test will last for 40 minutes in total (including 5 minutes in which the test takers fill in personal information).

1. Listening Comprehension

There are 5 items in Part I. The recording of each item will be played twice. A phrase and picture will be provided with each item. The test takers should make a true-or-false judgment based on what they hear.

There are 5 items in Part II. The recording of each item will be played twice. A sentence and 3 pictures will be provided with each item. The test takers should choose corresponding pictures based on what they hear.

There are 5 items in Part III. The recording of each item will be played twice. A dialogue and several pictures will be provided with each item. The test takers should choose corresponding pictures based on what they hear.

There are 5 items in Part IV. The recording of each item will be played twice. For each item, a person will make a statement. Another person will then ask a question and provide three possible answers. The three possible answers will be listed on the test paper, and test takers can choose one of the answers based on what they hear.

2. Reading Comprehension

There are 5 items in Part I. Each item will provide a picture and a phrase. The test taker should judge whether or not they are consistent with each other.

There are 5 items in Part II. The test paper will display several pictures. For each item, a sentence will be provided. The test taker needs to choose one of the corresponding pictures based on the content of the sentence.

There are 5 items in Part III. During this section, 5 questions and 5 answers will be provided. The test take should match the question with the appropriate answer.

There are 5 items in Part IV. Each item will display a sentence with one word missing. The test taker should select one of the words in the answer section to fill in the blank.

All items on the test paper are shown in pinyin.

III. Results Certificate

For the HSK 1, three results will be provided including listening, reading and total. The test taker must score at least 120 points total to be considered passing.

As a Chinese language certificate for foreign students’ entry into Chinese colleges, the results of the HSK are valid for two years (beginning from the test date).

IV. HSK Vocabulary and Sample Tests

HSK Level 1 Introduction, sample test, and vocabulary list