The HSK (Level IV)assesses test takers’abilities in the application of everyday Chinese. It is the counterpart of theLevel IV of theChinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers ofOther Languagesand the B2 Level of theCommon EuropeanFramework of Reference (CEF). Test takers who are able to pass the HSK(Level IV) can converse in Chinese on a wide range of topics and are able tocommunicate fluently with native Chinese speakers.

I.TestTarget

The HSK (Level IV) isintended for students who have studied Chinese2-4 class hours per week for foursemesters (two academic years). These students have mastered 1,200 commonlyused words and related grammar patterns. 

II.Test Content

The HSK (Level IV) testis made up of listening comprehension, reading comprehension and writing andcontains a total of 100 test items. 

The test will last for105 minutes in total (including 5 minutes in which the test takers fill inpersonal information). 

1.Listening Comprehension

There are 10 items inPart I. The recording of each item will be played only once. For each item, ashort passage will read out, followed by an assertion which also appears on thetest paper. The test taker should decide whether the assertion is true orfalse. 

There are 15 items inPart II. The recording of each item will be played only once. Each itemconsists of a dialogue between two persons. A third person will then ask aquestion based on the dialogue. There will be four possible answers on the testpaper, from which test takers can choose the right one based on what they hear. 

There are 20 items inPart III. The recording of each item will be played only once. This sectionconsists of a 4-5 sentence dialogue or monologue followed by one or twoquestions. Four possible answers will be provided on the test paper, from whichthe test taker can choose the best one. 

2.Reading Comprehension

There are 10 items inPart I. One or two sentences will be provided for each item, in which oneword/phrase is missing. The test taker should choose one of the suggestedwords/phrases to fill in the blank. 

There are 10 items inPart II. Each item consists of three sentences that the test taker needs toarrange in the correct order. 

There are 20 items inPart III. Each item consists of a short passage, and one or two questions willbe asked about the passage. The test taker needs to select the best answer outof the four answers provided. 

3.Writing

There are 10 items inPart I. Each item consists of several words. The test taker should construct asentence using these words. 

There are 5 items inPart II. Each item consists of a picture and a word. The test taker needs towrite a sentence based on the picture and the word. 

III.Results Certificate

For the HSK (LevelIII), four results will be provided including listening, reading, writing andthe total. The test taker must score at least 180 points to be consideredpassing. 

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

Note: The aboveinformation is from the www.chinesetest.cn.