Introduction 2013 on the New HSK Test
Introduction on New HSK Test In order to better satisfy the demand for adequate Chinese language tests in foreign countries, Hanban has consulted a large number of both foreign and national experts in language teaching, linguistics, educational evaluation and psychology to assess the standard of Chinese language testing abroad. Based on their investigations and some new understandings regarding the shortcomings of Chinese language testing today, Hanban has applied the latest research methodology in foreign-language testing to develop a new HSK test, which was be launched in November 2009. The test is designed for Chinese language learners who are based overseas. I Test Structure (Office of Chinese Language Council International, Hanban http://www.chinesetesting.cn) The new HSK is a standardized international Chinese proficiency test, taking nonnative speakers as its object, and directed at examining students capability in applying Chinese language in their studies, personal life and work. The new type of examination consists of two independent parts; a written test and an oral test. The written test is comprised of HSK-Levels 1-6, while the oral test is comprised of HSK(Elementary), HSK (Intermediate) and HSK (Advanced). During the oral test, sound-recording devices are used. Written Test HSK- Level 6 HSK- Level 5 HSK- Level 4 HSK- Level 3 HSK- Level 2 HSK- Level 1 Oral Test HSK(Advanced) HSK(Intermediate) HSK(Elementary) HSK-Level 1 is made up of listening and reading comprehension sections, and the test time is approximately 40 minutes. The oral test will be arranged separately. HSK-Level 2 is made up of listening and reading comprehension sections, and the test time is approximately 55 minutes. The oral test will be arranged separately. HSK Chinese Proficiency Test, 30.11.2013 2
HSK-Level 3 is made up of listening and reading comprehension sections as well as writing skills, and the test time is approximately 90 minutes. The oral test will HSK-Level 4 is made up of listening and reading comprehension sections as well as writing skills, and the test time is approximately 105 minutes. The oral test will HSK-Level 5 is made up of listening and reading comprehension sections as well as writing skills, and the test time is approximately 125 minutes. The oral test will HSK-Level 6 is made up of listening and reading comprehension sections as well as writing skills, and the test time is approximately 140 minutes. The oral test will Ⅱ Test Grades The direct comparison between the new HSK test and Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages and The Common European Framework Reference for Language,CEF)is as follows: New HSK Vocabulary Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages HSK- Level 6 Over 5000 Grade Five C2 HSK- Level 5 2500 C1 HSK- Level 4 1200 Grade Four B2 HSK- Level 3 600 Grade Three B1 HSK- Level 2 300 Grade Two A2 HSK- Level 1 150 Grade One A1 The Common European Framework Reference for Language,CEF HSK- Level 1 Designed for learners who can understand and use some simple Chinese characters and sentences to communicate, and prepares them for continuing their Chinese studies. The students have studied Chinese for a semester with 2-3 class hours each week and know approximately 150 words and the grammar connected to them; HSK Chinese Proficiency Test, 30.11.2013 3
HSK- Level 2 Designed for elementary learners who can use Chinese in a simple and direct manner, applying it in a basic fashion in their daily lives. The students have studied Chinese for two semesters with 2-3 class hours each week and know approximately 300 words and the grammar connected to them; HSK- Level 3 Designed for elementary-intermediate learners who can use Chinese to serve the demands of their personal lives, studies and work, and are capable of completing most of the communicative tasks they experience during their Chinese tour. The students have studied Chinese for three semesters with 2-3 class hours each week and know approximately 600 words and the grammar connected to them; HSK- Level 4 Designed for intermediate learners who can discuss a relatively wide range of topics in Chinese and are capable of communicating with Chinese speakers at a high standard. The students have studied Chinese for four semesters with 2-4 class hours each week and know approximately 1200 words and the grammar connected to them; HSK- Level 5 Designed for learners who can read Chinese newspapers and magazines, watch Chinese films and are capable of writing and delivering a lengthy speech in Chinese. The students have studied Chinese for more than two years with 2-4 class hours each week and know approximately 2500 words and the grammar connected to them; HSK- Level 6 Designed for learners who can easily understand any information communicated in Chinese and are capable of smoothly expressing themselves in written or oral form. The students know 5000 or more Chinese words. Ⅲ Test Principles Following the principle of combing testing and teaching, the new test is designed in line with the present situation of international Chinese-language teaching and the teaching materials that are commonly available, with the aim of promoting teaching and learning through examinations. The new HSK test stresses objectivity and accuracy, and also focuses on developing and testing an examinees ability to apply Chinese in practical, real-life situations. HSK Chinese Proficiency Test, 30.11.2013 4
The new HSK test also sets explicit study objectives, allowing examinees to more effectively improve their Chinese proficiency with defined study plans and goals. Ⅳ Test Functions Taking its orientation from the old HSK test, the new HSK test is aimed primarily at adult Chinese learners. The test scores meet the various demands of different organizations or groups of people as follows: A. Offers a reference for educational institutions to recruit students, classify students, exempt students from some courses and grant credits; B. Offers a reference for employers to employ, train and promote employees; C. Offers a reference for Chinese learners to understand and improve their ability to apply Chinese; D. Offers a reference for related Chinese teaching institutions or training organizations to evaluate teaching standards and the effectiveness of different training. Ⅴ Test Score Report Within three weeks after the test, examinees can access their test scores on the internet and have their Score Report issued by Hanban. VI Registration When is the HSK in Jyväskylä, Finland? HSK-tests will be held in Jyväskylä on 30 th of November 2013, Saturday. You can make the HSK or HSKK test registration online. http://www.chinesetest.cn/changelan.do?languge=en&t=1379954950711 The deadline for registration is 3 rd of November 2013. What do I need to register? At the examination venue you need to provide: a) a copy of the identification paper (e.g. passport) b) your name, sex, nationality, date of birth and address c) two recent 30x40 mm photos without head wear (name on the other side of the photo) d) fees for the examination and registration (bill will be sent after the registration) HSK Chinese Proficiency Test, 30.11.2013 5
Whom to contact? Ms Ulla Lautiainen (ulla.lautiainen@jyu.fi) Language Centre University of Jyväskylä P. O. Box 35 40014 University of Jyväskylä, Finland Telephone: 358 (400) 248 069 VII Test fees in Finland HSK Written Test Test fee HSK Oral Test Test fee HSK- Level 1 20 HSK- Level 2 30 HSK (Elementary) 20 HSK- Level 3 40 HSK- Level 4 50 HSK (Intermediate) 30 HSK- Level 5 60 HSK- Level 6 65 HSK (Advanced) 45 HSK Chinese Proficiency Test, 30.11.2013 6