From 6 levels of HSK to 9 levels of HSK!
Found out how the HSK exams will change in the future and what this means for you.
Everyday Easy Chinese
Hello everyone! I am Teacher Lin from Everyday Easy Chinese.
And we've received lots of questions regarding the changes
to the HSK exam in 2020 and beyond.
Now for those of you that don't know, HSK stands for
汉语水平考试 (hànyǔ shuǐpíng kǎoshì)
Which is a standardized Chinese proficiency test
administered by the Confucius Institute Headquarters,
which is an agency of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China.
This means that it is a official go-to test
if you want to receive a widely accepted qualification
to study abroad in China,
to get a scholarship to study in China
or even to find a job in China.
On May 21st 2020,
the HSK official Twitter account posted this post,
talking about the reforms to the HSK exams in 2020.
This is a big change in almost 11 years,
since the HSK has been in the current format since 2009.
So, let's dive right in and compare the current HSK test format
and what will most likely be the new HSK test format.
So, here is the current structure,
so currently there are 6 levels
and the total number of words you need to learn for each level,
starts from 150 total words for HSK level 1
and the total number of words you should know by level 6
will be around 5,000 words,
so these are cumulative figures.
As for the components of the exam,
you have to take listening and reading components
for all levels and a writing test
for HSK level 3 and above.
And currently there is no speaking component,
that is part of a separate exam called the HSKK.
Now here is the new structure,
They have categorized the levels into 3 proficiency levels: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced,
and each proficiency level will have 3 levels
and the total number of vocabulary you'll have to learn for
each level will most likely increase.
So whereas, before you only had to learn about 150 words for level,
now you might need to learn around 500 for level 1
and by level 2 you will need to know around
1200 words altogether.
So this is a cumulative total,
which means by level 9 you should have a full grasp
of around 11,000 words.
Apparently, vocabulary won't be so strictly categorized
for the higher levels of 7 to 9.
As for the components there will still be
listening, reading and writing components.
But, now there will also be the addition of two more competencies,
which are speaking and translation.
Now, you may be asking why they are changing the HSK format
and there is said to be 3 reasons,
why these changes are being implemented.
Number 1
To reflect the intricacies of the Chinese language.
So, the characters, syllables, vocabulary and grammar
will now be more clearly defined to the beginner,
intermediate and advanced levels.
Which means that if you do successfully pass,
level 7 to level 9
it means that you can truly say that you are
an advanced Chinese language user.
Number 2
To align with more international guidelines,
such as the CEFR and the ACTFL,
which are international guidelines that describe the
achievements for foreign language learners.
As, you can see in the new HSK format
there are 3 levels to beginner, intermediate and advanced.
And this nearly resembles the structure that is used
in the CEFR and also the ACTFL international guidelines.
And number 3
To fully reflect the components required for language competency.
Whereas, before where you were only tested on
listening, reading and sometimes writing,
now you will also be tested with speaking and translation,
to reflect fully what you require to become a well rounded
Chinese language user.
So, what does this mean for you?
The addition of HSK level 7 and 9
might not really affect you.
This will most likely be levels that you will require
to study for a masters degree or a PHD degree in China.
So, if you are pursuing anything less than a masters degree,
then HSK 1 to 6 will be sufficient for your needs and wants.
However, what might affect you
are the components now required for the test.
Whereas, before you can rely heavily on reading and listening
and maybe writing.
Now, you will need to be a more well-rounded speaker,
being good in listening, reading, writing and speaking.
And you will also need to have a good grasp
of even more vocabulary.
So, these changes are not likely to come very suddenly like
next month, you will still have time to
do the current HSK formatted exam.
So, make sure that you keep studying hard and also
immerse yourself in as much Chinese content as possible.
Now, don't be scared of these changes because these refinements
will actually make you a well-rounded
Chinese language user overall,
where you will be well versed in different competencies
of language learning.
If you are interested in how the HSK exams will change,
please LIKE this video and also
COMMENT on what you would like to know and we will try and find out.
This will ensure that we know that this topic is of interest to you all.
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to stay up to date with the latest changes,
which we will be providing once we know.
See you next time!